We are thrilled to announce that our 2024 Art Contest, themed “Imagine going to school underwater, what would your day be like?” has surpassed all expectations! From the depths of imagination to the surface of canvas, K-12 artists from across the country have flooded our contest with an ocean of creativity. We received more than 2,800 submissions that collectively weave a mesmerizing tapestry of imagination and skill.
Our team has been immersed in the incredible submissions! Every stroke, splash, and ripple tells a story of passion, innovation, and sheer artistic brilliance. We’ve got traditional paintings, mesmerizing digital art, and everything in between – a true celebration of artistic diversity!
Seven ESS judges scored each piece in the categories of artistic and technical skill, originality, adherence to theme and requirements, unique approach, and creativity of title. Based on the highest average scores, we’ve narrowed it down to the top five finalists of each grade group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12).
Now it’s your turn to get involved and vote for your favorites! The finalists’ pieces are posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages in no particular order. Each like, comment, and share received on the original post during the voting period of March 18th – 24th counts as a percentage toward that piece’s final score.
The student from each group with the highest score will be announced on Wednesday, March 27th.
Grade Group: 9-12 Finalists:
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- Eve Wilson (16), Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, FL: “Diving into Precalc”
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- Faith Daan (17), Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, TN: “Tardy Tails to the School of Fish”
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- Bobby Chen (15) Baton Rouge Magnet High School, LA: “What Happened to Principal Johnson!”
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- Dominic Lyons (19) Englewood High School, FL: “Don’t Be Late”
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- Victoria Madera-Rivera (18), Somerville High School NJ: “During the Flood”
Grade Group: 6-8 Finalists:
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- Emily Im (11) Robert C. Fisler School, CA: “Ocean Academy”
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- Aydan Woods (14), Col. Fred Cherry Middle School, VA: “Aquatic Hour”
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- Hyowon Kee (12) Blackwell Elementary, IL: “Jellyfish School”
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- Xuyang Peng (12) Michael G. Wickman Elementary School, CA: “Golden Fish School Bus”
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- Alice Lim (13), Lakeside Junior High School, AR: “Aqua Life”
Grade Group: 3-5 Finalists:
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- Alara Edgu (10) Nelson Elementary, TX: “Octopus Teacher”
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- Callie Kim (9) Robert Crown School, IL: “Adventure of the Sea School”
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- James Yin (10) Norco Elementary, CA: “Going to School in the Great Wave off Kanazawa”
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- Alice He (10) Wildwood Elementary School, LA : “Underwater School Adventure”
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- Tong Yun Chou (11) Lewis F. Cole Intermediate School, NJ: “Underwater Locker Chat”
Grade Group: K-2 Finalists:
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- Irene Kim (7) Willow Bend Elementary School, IL: “My New School”
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- Jackson Shin (8) Waples Mill Elementary School, VA: “Class with Underwater Friends”
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- Emma Gonzalez Chumillas (6) Condit Elementary, TX: “Shipwreck Elementary”
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- Elena Kim (7) Wildwood Elementary School, LA: “Wonder Water”
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- Hayden Harrell (7) Allemands Elementary, LA: “Seaschool”
Good luck to all finalists of the 2024 ESS Art Contest!