1st Place: J. W., Seven Locks ES
Title: Celebrity us Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen
Description: This is the moment Nathan Chen wins the Olympic Games.
2nd Place: W. Y., Potomac ES
Title: Giant Panda
Description: The first two giant pandas in the national zoo were given to the United States from China as a gift for friendship in 1972 when President Nixon visited China. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this historic event that established full diplomatic relations between the United States and China. As an Asian American, I hope the friendship between the two great countries will last forever.
3rd Place: E. C., Farmland ES
Title: My Family is Chinese and Different
Description: This is a picture of my family at Chinese New Year. It is important to me because Asian people celebrate holidays in America. We get to have red envelopes and we believe in dragons.
Honorable Mention: K. N., Stone Mill ES
Title: Louvre Pyramid
Description: The Louvre Pyramid is a large glass and metal structure designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Completed in 1988 as part of the broader Grand Louvre project, it has become a landmark of the city of Paris.
Honorable Mention: V. K., Lakewood ES
Title: Asia
Description: This is a picture of Mei Mei in china when is Lunar New Year!
1st Place: S. F., Bayard Rustin ES
Title: The Lead Drummer
Description: The Lead Drummer is from the Weifeng Drum Dance, is a form of folk music that consists of an instrumental ensemble of drums, cymbals, gongs and small cymbals, and is characterized by simple, deep and powerful sounds. It originated in Linfen Prefecture in North China's Shanxi Province and boasts a 4,000-year-old history. It is important that Asian American culture is celebrated and honored through many different ways such as the Weifeng Drum Dance.
2nd Place: E. W., Travilah ES
Title: The Memorial Wall: Maya Lin
Description: I drew Lin standing beside the Memorial Wall with a map showing the memorial wall represented as a scar. The Memorial Wall is to commemorate veterans who have died in the war, serving the country. This wall is designed by Maya Lin, a young Asian American architect.
3rd Place: E. Y., Ashburton ES
Title: We are Americans
Description: Asian Americans are seen as foreigners and often asked, “Where we are you from?” We are born and raised in this country just like other Americans. Chloe Kim, Elaine Chao, and Yo-Yo Ma are Asian Americans. We ARE Americans.
Honorable Mention: Y. K., Diamond ES
Title: Patsy Mink - A Political Legend
Description: My artwork displays the achievements of Patsy Takemoto Mink. The signs besides Patsy Mink's pictorial representation include information such as: Patsy created a law of gives gender equality (Called TITLE IX), and Patsy is the first Asian American (AA) in Congress. Other representations include her full name, and the country of which she led her political career.
Honorable Mention: S. Z., Lucy V. Barnsley ES
Title: Oscars Winner Chloé Zhao
Description: Chloé Zhao is the second woman and the first Asian woman to win the Academy reward for Best Director. Zhao garnered international recognition with the western film Nomadland (2020). She also won awards for directing at the Directors Guild of America Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and British Academy Film Awards.
Honorable Mention: J. A., Farmland ES
Title: Sundar Pichai - CEO of Alphabet (Google)
Description: Sundar Pichai, the current CEO of Alphabet(Google). He led the product management, innovation efforts for a suite of Google's client software products, including Google Chrome Chrome OS and oversaw the development effort for Google Drive, Gmail and Google Maps. Also was in-charge of Android OS.
1st Place: K. H., Herbert Hoover MS
Title: A Healing Memory
Description: This is a drawing of Maya Lin, an American architect and sculptor, standing next to one of her most famous works, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Washington D.C. I drew a sunset with cherry blossoms in the spring to capture the life of the scene.
2nd Place: K. X., Herbert Hoover MS
Title: Our Stories
Description: Ocean Vuong (top right) is a groundbreaking Vietnamese-American author and poet who explores how the history of colonialism affects Asian-American immigrants. In the artwork, I (bottom left) depict how reading literature about Asian-American experiences allows me to appreciate another perspective of my own culture, represented by the dragon in the background. Dragons are usually a symbol of Asian culture, but I decided to render one in traditionally American colors in order to show the intertwined culture of Asian-Americans. The dragon is traveling from book to book, showing the importance of literature in the exploration of our Asian-American identity.
3rd Place: J. H., Takoma Park MS
Title: First Lady of Physics
Description: The “First Lady of Physics," Chieng-shiung Wu, made lasting contributions to the fields of nuclear and particle science, specifically the development of the atomic bomb. Throughout her journey, she overcame countless racial and gender barriers, pioneering the way for young scientists.
Honorable Mention: C. W., Julius West MS
Title: Steven Chen
Description: Steven Chen is a Taiwanese entrepreneur born in 1978. He is a co-founder of Youtube.
Honorable Mention: C. W., Cabin John MS
Title: 东海龙王 (dong hai long wang)
Description: This piece expresses the 东海龙王 (dong hai long wang) known as the water dragon that ruled the eastern seas. As dragons are part of Asian culture, they are also crucial to Asian-Americans since they can symbolize many things, though this dragon, in particular, symbolizes hard work and rain.
1st Place: V. M., Thomas S. Wootton HS
Title: Power Of Voice
Description: This is a portrait of brave woman named Yuri Kochiyama, who dedicated her life to the good of the world. She participated in social justice and human rights movements. Yuri spread awareness of the problem that nobody at the time talked about.
2nd Place: T. A., Winston Churchill HS
Title: A Parent's Sacrifice
Description: I wanted to illustrate the sacrifice that many immigrant families, and in my experience, predominantly asian immigrant families, must make for their children when first immigrating to the US with nothing. Having immigrated here in hope of better opportunities for their children, these immigrant parents will often lack the resources and stability to take care of their own children while they are still building their lives in the US as new immigrants. Left with no other choice, they must give up their children to be raised back in the mother country away from them, with their grandparents, until they are more financially secure to take care of their own children.d
3rd Place: K. T., Montgomery Virtual Academy
Title: Proud To Be Asian
Description: The illustration symbolizes the struggles of being an Asian American. Through the struggle, no matter how hard it is, we stand proud. There will never be a time where we don’t.
Honorable Mention: C. C., Richard Montgomery HS
Title: Uncle Emil
Description: On February 28th, 2022, Rear Admiral Emil Wang was appointed as the 15th Engineer Chief Professional Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, and currently serves Assistant Surgeon General. He is the only Rear Admiral of Asian heritage, which marks a breakthrough in Asian representation in the armed forces.
Honorable Mention: A. W., Thomas S. Wootton HS
Title: Freedom for Chol Soo Lee
Description: The artwork represents Chol Soo Lee, a young Korean immigrant, who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for a San Francisco Chinatown murder. Not long after, he was sentenced to death on May 1979 on first degree murder charges. Because of the problematic police investigation and subsequent trial for the murder, diverse groups of immigrant and American-born Asians started petitioning for his release and seek justice for Lee. In the artwork, Chol Soo Lee is surrounded by activists holding up signs that are demanding for his freedom and justice.
Linda Sato Adams retired as the supervisor of Fine Arts with Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, where she was responsible for the school district’s dance, music, theatre, and visual art programs. She is currently co-president of the Japanese American Citizens League, Washington DC Chapter and an administrative consultant for the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. Recently, she worked for Towson University as an adjunct professor overseeing visual art student teachers.
Chil Kong is based in Glen Echo with an academy in Rockville, Maryland. He began his career in theater garnering multiple awards for his innovative reimagining of American classics and developing ground-breaking new works as artistic director of theater companies in Boston, San Diego, Seattle, and in Los Angeles as the Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Lodestone Theatre Ensemble. After a successful career in theater, Chil was tapped as the creative director of a film fund which focused on English based stories for the Asian market. He has returned to his hometown in the Washington, D.C. area.
Lisa Ngan is a freelance artist. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, and obtained her teaching certificate at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She works with a variety of mediums, including acrylics, watercolor, colored pencil and Photoshop. Her interests include fine art, illustrations and patterns design. Her artwork aims to remind herself and the audience of love, hope, goodness, kindness and beauty.
Lisa co-founded Unicorn Art with art instructor Ms. Poki Yang. Unicorn Art offers art classes for all ages and promotes art in the community.
ATHENA ROBLES, Board Chair, Asian American Arts Alliance
Athena Robles is from the Washington, DC area. She is a visual artist whose work involves drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and installation. She has exhibited her work nationally, including at the Contemporary Museum in Honolulu, DC’s Emerge Art Fair and in New York at the American Museum of Natural History and the New Museum’s IdeasCity. Athena is a recipient of a Van Lier Fellowship, among several grants and awards, and she has participated on panels for the Ford Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and others. Athena values community service and currently serves as a board member for the Asian American Arts Alliance.
Athena has taught art to students from pre-school to the collegiate level and aims to foster an appreciation for creativity and to build problem-solving skills through art. Recently she served as a substitute art teacher for Capital City Public Charter School and has taught private art lessons locally. Athena lives in Chevy Chase, DC with her husband, son and a sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Anjali Wells has a Bachelor's in Studio Art and Masters of Art Education degree from the University of Maryland and a Post Graduate Certificate in Equity and Excellence in Education from McDaniel College. Anjali is the PreK-12 Visual Art and Dance Content Specialist for Montgomery County Public Schools. Throughout her teaching career, Anjali has worked with multiple community organizations to develop and implement arts education programs that focus on student wellbeing including founding a non-profit organization, Creative Outlets Arts Center in 2021 teaching the community to use art as a wellness tool. In 2019 she worked as a contributor to the Smithsonian Freer Sackler Museum writing curriculum resources for their Chinese art collection. Anjali was the Maryland Art Education Association 2021 Career Art Educator of the Year for MCPS. Anjali currently serves as the President of Creative Outlets Arts Center and Treasurer for the Maryland Art Education Association.
A. B., Rock View ES
Title: Natural beauty of Nepal
Description: There is a mountain and one of the hill darker because it is at the shade and other side is lighter because of the sun. There is lake and the side an animal. Sunlight, cloud, lakes, mountain, hills, animals etc and enjoying the nature
V. C., Bayard Rustin ES
Title: Yo-Yo Ma's Songs of Comfort and Hope
Description: Yo-Yo Ma performed and released free music online to comfort people and gave people hope throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He started with self-shot video as a #songsofcomfort series and led the effort into a worldwide one. His music brought positive feelings to millions of Americans and his leadership impacted people worldwide that always with hope even during difficulty time.
E. C., College Gardens ES
Title: Famous entomologist from Formosa
Description: I drew this picture because I love all kinds of insects. He is the best friend of insects. Dr. Lee is a famous entomologist.
H. C., Farmland ES
Title: Asian-American
Description: Many Asian-American in the history of the U.S.
M. D., East Silver Spring ES
Title: Dancer
Description: A beautiful dancer is dancing in front of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
G. G., Rock View ES
Title: We are Asian AND American
Description: My picture is about Chinese people building a railroad track. The train is going towards the mountains. The smoke turned into the words.
A. K., Snowden Farm ES
Title: Olympic Gold Medalist - Snowboarder, Chloe Kim
Description: I went to Snowshoe mountain last winter to learn ski for the first time in my life, and later watched Chloe won a gold medal for her winter sports - snowboarding, which I never seen before. I tried to draw when she literally flies in the sky with her snow board.
J. K., Montgomery Virtual Academy
Title: Super Girl
Description: The picture represents a super hero character named Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman has lots of powers like strength and speed. She is a born warrior.
D. L., Kensington Parkwood ES
Title: Tower of Babylon
Description: Visualizing the tower that stretches to the vault of the sky.
A. L., Farmland ES
Title: Turning Red
Description: Rosalie Chiang is an American actress and author. I love her voice as Meimei in “Turning Red”.
A. L., Ashburton ES
Title: Love and peace
Description: Aurelius said “Panda eats bamboos. He is very glad ang happy. He goes to many countries. He loves people and peace.“
I. L., Seven Locks ES
Title: I stand with Ukraine
Description: A little Chinese-American girl is painting to voice her opinion on the Russia-Ukraine War.
N. M., Clarksburg ES
Title: First Indian-born woman in space
Description: Kalpana Chawla an American astronaut, the first Indian woman to ever go in space.
A. N., Flora M. Singer ES
Title: The Rainbow
Description: I like rainbows. They give us hope. This rainbow is for the space shuttle with Ms. Kalpana.
S. N., Flora M. Singer ES
Title: The Fool's Gold Mountain
Description: This is about the gold rush I learned when reading the link in the art contest. I learned that the immigrants thought there was a gold mountain but it was not actually gold so that made me think of pyrite, or fool's gold.
S. P., Farmland ES
Title: M K Gandhi
Description: He drew Gandhi - Father of Indian nation, also called Bapu
K. S., Diamond ES
Title: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Description: We are diverse by culture but united by love. Be kind, help everyone and stay happy.
J. S., Cedar Grove ES
Title: Nathan Chen the Champion of the Olympics 2022
Description: Nathan Chen is a Chinese-American who is an American Olympic figure skater.He is the 2022 Olympic champion! I love skating and his success inspired me!
M. S., Bradley Hills ES
Title: String drawing of Chinese dragon
Description: This drawing was created by laying down a string and drawing on top of the string. It is similar to a continuous line drawing (without picking up the pencil)
S. T., Wayside ES
Title: Alysa Liu
Description: An ice skater girl. There is an American flag in the back.
X. Y., Farmland ES
Title: 皮影 - Shadow puppet
Description: I drew this shadow puppet artwork because this is something about Chinese history and culture. I drew a woman shadow puppet who is dancing.
S. Y., Wayside ES
Title: We Are Not Alone
Description: I drew the people in their traditional cloth to represent different cultures in Asia and Pacific Island. The center shows the geographic area of Asia and Pacific Island on the earth. The colorful letters reflect the colorful cultures and heritage, and the beautiful landscapes in the Asia and Pacific Island. These colorful letters connect the people in a circle. It represents that the people stand by each other. We are not alone.
C. Z., College Gardens ES
Title: Elegant Suni Lee
Description: Sunisa "Suni" Lee is an Asian-American artistic gymnast. She is the 2020 Olympic all-around champion and uneven bars bronze medalist. She was a member of the teams that won gold at the 2019 World Championships and silver at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
J. B., Arcola ES
Title: The Battle of Mactan: LapuLapu vs. Magellan
Description: I wanted to show that LapuLapu from the Philippines won against Magellan from Spain even though the Filipinos were outnumbered and their weapons were not advanced. I am proud of my Filipino heritage.
C. C., Stone Mill ES
Title: Anna Sui (1964-)
Description: Anna Sui is a fashion designer and perfumer, who is much celebrated in the history of fashion.
S. C., Farmland ES
Title: Stop Asian Hate
Description: Sandra Oh, Asian-American, speaks at Anti-Asian hate rally in Oakland.
A. D., Chevy Chase ES
Title: Cherry Blossom and The Japanese Stone Lantern : A symbol of friendship
Description: Her drawing/painting of cherry trees(Cherry Blossom) along with Japanese Stone lantern in Washington DC shows the significance of place which symbolizes a gift of friendship between two nations.These cherry trees are gift to the People of the United States from the People of Japan in 1912.
The Japanese Stone lantern was also a gift to the City of Washington in 1954 to symbolize friendship and peace between Japan and the United States after World War II.
A. G., Lucy V. Barnsley ES
Title: Bruce Lee (李小龙)
A. H., Bells Mill ES
Title: The best young Asian female tennis player
Description: Emma Raducanu won the 2021 US Open women's singles title. My artwork shows her in action, ready to hit the ball.
C. H., Stonegate ES
Title: The Grand Inauguration
Description: Kamala Harris giving her inauguration speech on January 20th, 2021.
C. K., Clarksburg ES
Title: There Is No Place For Asian Hate
Description: This is my poster about the famous business executive Satya Nadella. I wrote "Stop Asian Hate" in 10 different languages (9 of them are Asian, 1 is English) to show my dedication and passion.
A. K., Wyngate ES
Title: Kristy Yamaguchi
Description: I drew a picture of Kristy Yamaguchi and Olympic symbol.
P. K., Bayard Rustin ES
Title: Mauna Kea Temple and Telescopes
Description: There was a resistance in Hawaii to building scientific observatory because native people were worries about their Temple and native land. Its often difficult to find common ground. We watched a documentary that describes different points of view.
V. L., Kensington Parkwood ES
Title: Chloe Kim at the Olympics
Description: Chloe Kim's perseverance is inspirational! She is an amazing snowboarder! So much fun to watch!
Y. L., Stone Mill ES
Title: Wedding Day
Description: Wedding Dresses Designed By Vera Wang
A. L., Diamond ES
Title: Pedestrians road safety
Description: Safety rules on road
1> Yield to pedestrians
2> Look around be alert
3> Say no to handheld phone (avoid distraction)
4> Use helmet for bikes
5> Say no to over speed and road rage"
C. M., Diamond ES
Title: Fishing in a Lotus Lake
Description: My parents' hometown is located in one of the largest fresh water lakes in China. One of their happiest memories is fishing in summer time, while all the lotus flowers are in full bloom. To them, it represents a harmonious moment between human and nature. I decide to present that joyful moment with my drawing both as a homage to our cultural tradition and as a good wish to experience that very happiness with my family together.
F. M., Carderock Springs ES
Title: When Peace is Here
Description: During World War II, many Japanese Americans (mostly American citizens) were sent to the camp. They were detained despite trying to prove their loyalty to the United States. Some of them were artists. And after the end of the war and the arrival of peace, their work was accepted in the United States and around the world.
R.D. R.B., Mill Creek Towne ES
Title: The Temple
Description: It has people, Auto(3 wheeler), dog, colors and it is beautiful there was drawing inside the temple. The temples are huge, and there were many houses and i drew my mother and brother going to temple.
C. S., Wayside ES
Title: Asian American Pacific Islanders
Description: This picture shows three famous American Asian Pacific Islanders, all fighting for a great cause. They all fought for independence and equity.
C. W., Stonegate ES
Title: Isamu Noguch
Description: Isamu Noguch was an Asian American artist who was most important sculptors of his time. He also was known for his landscape architecture. I chose to watercolor his portrait in black and white with one of his sculptures.
G. X., Diamond ES
Title: Ending the Hate
Description: My art wants to tell people to stop the hate on Asian Americans, and we should be nice to each other
E. Z., Lakewood ES
Title: #STOPASIANHATE
Description: It shows people protesting for equality. These people believe that they deserve the same treatment that others are getting.
J. Z., Cold Spring ES
Title: Nathan Chen
Description: Nathan Chen is an Asian-American figure skater. He is the 2022 Olympic champion, a three-time World champion, a three-time Grand Prix Final champion, and a six-time U.S. national champion. Nathan Chen studied from 2018 to 2022 at Yale University.
M. Z., Ronald P. McNair ES
Title: Domee Shi - Asian Girls’ Power
Description: I drew Domee Shi, because she directed the movie Turning Red, and I drew Meilin Lee, a fictional character, in front of a giant red panda, which she will transform into when she is too excited. In the artwork, it seems like Domee Shi is looking at Meilin Lee and laughing and smiling.
L. C., Tilden MS
Title: Min Jin Lee (Korean American author)
Description: Min Jin Lee is a Korean American author. She is the author of the novels "Free for millionaires" (2007) and "Pachinko" (2017). Her book is the New York Times bestseller.
Y. E., Kingsview MS
Title: Dinner at the street
Description: A family eats at a table with foods bought at the vendors on the street. There are Lunar New Year decorations and celebrations around the street market.
J. F., Parkland MS
Title: Anime Girl
Description: I chose this because I worked on this so hard. Its a anime girl . Its really good and cute. I am an artists so this is the first one that I didn't color. But I don't think it's good.
S. H., Hallie Wells MS
Title: Yo-Yo Ma
Description: This is an artwork of Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello. Yo-Yo Ma's music has brought joy and happiness to millions of people, which is why it makes him so inspiring and motivational.
M. H., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MS
Title: Hope to All
Description: I made this artwork digitally using MediBang Paint. The reason I wanted to draw Mabel-Ping-Hua Lee was because she chose to stand up for other women and help lead the women’s suffrage movement, even though she still couldn’t vote after the passing of the 19th Amendment because she was a Chinese immigrant. Although I referenced some of my illustration from a photograph, I changed the flowers that she was holding to yellow because yellow was a prominent color in the suffrage movement.
G. J., Hallie Wells MS
Title: Justine Wong-Orantes in Action!
Description: A vivid moment of a young volleyball player saving the ball for her teammates, drawn with colored pencils within a week.
V. J., Kingsview MS
Title: Tempest
Description: My artwork shows the beauty of Chinese culture. I wanted to portray the beautiful landscapes and cities and was inspired by traditional Chinese paintings.
D. L., Takoma Park MS
Title: Why?!?
Description: This is a comic showing how the bar for college applications is raised if you're an Asian, and even more so if you are male. Underneath the comic, is a self drawn meme of Jackie Chan's confused face, showing how this is unreasonable.
M. M., Tilden MS
Title: NASA Scientist
Description: The artwork shows a picture of Josephine Santiago-Bond, a Filipino-American who holds the position as Chief of the Advanced Engineering Development Branch at National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA.The portrait used the following media: Pens, pencil, and colored pencils.
A. M., Cabin John MS
Title: AAPI - Be Well and Thrive
Description: This art represents mental and physical wellness activites introduced by Asian culture in America. As an Asian-American, I have found these to provide joy to me and I want to share it with the world. I want my art to communicate this message to all poeple that we should all take care of your self and thrive.
S. P., Tilden MS
Title: AAPI justice
Description: Kalpana Chawla is the woman drawn in pencil, she was an Asian-American astronaut. People are protesting on the bottom right side. A globe is showing different Asian American & Pacific Islander places. The border is made of the flags of those countries.
D. P., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MS
Title: Chloe Kim, The Greatest
Description: My daughters artwork consists of Chloe Kim, a Korean American olympic snowboarder who is not afraid to face adversity.
Q. R., North Bethesda MS
Title: The First Asian American Lady
Description: This artwork of Kamala Harris, who is the Vice President of the United States. It was made using colored pencils and paper.
F. T., Herbert Hoover MS
Title: Yuri Kochiyama
Description: The artwork shows Yuri Kochiyama. There are posters next to her with her quotes. The Background shows the American flag.
T. Y., Tilden MS
Title: Remembering Chinese Railroad Workers
Description: In this artwork, I drew a couple of Chinese immigrants that were building the Pacific Railroad at Sacramento, California. I wanted to make remembrance of the contribution that they brought to the United States because they spent years and years of hardwork to finish this railroad to help this country.
V. Z., Herbert Hoover MS
Title: Win For USA
Description: I drew Chloe Kim, she won gold for the Women's Halfpipe event. I used alcohol markers and color pencils to create this drawing. I drew her holding the USA flag after she won the gold medal. Around are some signature moves of Chloe Kim.
E. C., Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS
Title: Awkwafina
Description: Nora Lum, more widely known as Awkwafina, is an Asian-American actress known for her primarily comedic roles. This poster highlights some of her most notable acting accomplishments, as well as a brief summary of her background.
S. G., Watkins Mill HS
Title: Magandang Babae
Description: I created the artwork with the help of my friend who let me use one of her pictures to make the portrait. The background is an abstract with the colors of the Philippine flag.
E. L., Montgomery Blair HS
Title: Racing Into AAPIHM
Description: Two dragon boat teams race toward the finish accompanied by a family of ducks. Onlookers and organizers cheer on the teams from the bank.
J. L., Thomas S. Wootton HS
Title: Chang'e
Description: The painting depicts the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, who was cursed to live out immortality alone on the moon with only the company of the mystical Jade Rabbit. After drinking an immortality potion, Chang'e was forced to abandon her mortal lover Hou Yi on earth and watch over him as he lived out the life they were supposed to have shared.
N. S., Thomas S. Wootton HS
Title: A Matter of Heart
Description: This acrylic painting depicts a soldier from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the first Japanese American regiment in World War II. Japanese Americans faced extreme racism due to the attack on Pearl Harbor, but despite all doubt and prejudice, many Japanese Americans stepped up and volunteered to go to war for the very same country that had treated them so poorly. After many successful battles, President Harry Truman famously addressed the 442nd with these words: “Americanism is not a matter of race or creed, it is a matter of the heart… You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice — and you have won" (1946). The story of the 442nd is one instance of how the courage, the loyalty, and the determination of Asian American Pacific Islanders have defined America at its best.
C. T., Winston Churchill HS
Title: Amy Tan, "The Joy Luck Club"
Description: Amy Tan, a Chinese-American writer, wrote the novel "The Joy Luck Club" which follows four mothers, their sacrifices, and their bonds with their daughters. It's a tale of hardship and one of the first to spotlight the meaning of being an Asian American.
T. V., John F. Kennedy HS
Title: Red
Description: This piece of art was designed to portray a sense of cultural identity. I drew a Vietnamese girl wearing traditional clothing and embracing each of the country's flags in the back. This dress is called Ao Dai, and it's a floor-length dress with a little turtleneck and long sleeves. This outfit would be appropriate for New Year's or weddings. Because I remembered wearing these when I was younger, I came up with this idea. This piece of art represents me and my parents culture.
F. Z., Winston Churchill HS
Title: Player 67
Description: Kang Saebyeok was one of the main and most popular characters of the wildly successful South Korean TV show, Squid Game. She is played by famous model, Hoyeon Jung, and the series has thrust her into mainstream attention- not just in the US, but also worldwide. The piece features a concerned Saebyeok (who is also Player 67 in the game) surrounded by geometric shapes and a purposefully neon pink background.
L. Z., Winston Churchill HS
Title: Representation Matters
Description: My artwork, "Representation Matters," shows five Asian/Pacific American actors who have played major characters in different movies or shows. The AAPI community is often underrepresented in media yet these actors broke down that barrier and have played roles that help reduce negative stereotypes. Representation even improves self-esteem and allows minorities to feel included.
The month of May is designated by law as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to commemorate the history of AAPIs since their arrival in the United States in the mid-1800s, their challenges, and their contributions to American society.
All K-12 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students are invited to submit artwork for a poster that reflects significant people, places, or moments in AAPI history and/or culture. The entries will be judged by community art and art performance professionals.
First place ($100), second place ($75), third place ($50), and honorable mention winners were selected for each of the lower elementary school (K-2), higher elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12) categories.
Who can submit: Applicants currently enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for the 2021-2022 school year. Only one entry per student is allowed.
What to submit: Original artwork that illustrates significant people, places, or moments in Asian American and Pacific Islander history and/or culture. Artwork must be drawings, paintings, or digital art and needs to be submitted electronically.
Submission: Online Application by Saturday April 30, 2022 (new date)
Q: What forms can be used to create the art?
A: Students may use drawings, paintings, ink stamps, etc. or a combination. No clip arts or computer generated images. The art does need to be two-dimensional. Artwork should be in a .png file less than 10 MB. Save your artwork using the following file name and type: {student’s last name}_{first name}_{school name}.png; example: Last_First_MCHS.png
Q: Does the art have to be in portrait or landscape format?
A: The art can be in either portrait or landscape format.
Q: Where does the applicant send the submission?
A: Submission should be by email to https://bit.ly/APASAAG_postercontest2022.
Q. Where can I find information on AAPI experiences, places and people in America?
For your convenience, we have put together some examples and resources here. You can also find information and resources on PBS Learning Media the History Channel. Remember, around you there are many AAPI in our communities that you might want to feature in your art.
Q: May the student write a poem, essay or narrative?
A: Students will be judged primarily on the visual art that captures the AAPI experiences, places and people in America; they may use written words to enhance the visual art.
Q: Can the student sign the artwork?
A: No. To ensure that the judges will not see the students’ names, please only identify the student on the accompanying application and consent & release forms. After the contest, the winners and applicants will be identified alongside their work.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: The judges are artists, art educators and performing art professionals from the local community.
AAPI experiences, places and people in America
https://bit.ly/APASAAG_postercontest2022
Asian Pacific American Student Achievement Action Group (APASAAG)*
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Partnerships Unit
Calvin J. Li Memorial Foundation
Chinese American Parents Association - Montgomery County (CAPA-MC)
Chinese Cultural and Community Service (CCACC)
Lead For Future Academy
Association of Vietnamese Americans (AVA)
Montgomery County Progressive Asian American Network (MoCoPAAN)
*APASAAG works with MCPS and community stakeholders to support APA students and promote equitable educational opportunities for them to reach their fullest potential. It is an advisory council that liaisons with the MCPS Partnerships Unit.