Art + Awareness + Exhibition

Part of the FOCUS on Impact Education Program, the Student Art Competition & Exhibit provides young artists with a platform to explore meaningful social issues through creative expression.

At the heart of the program is a commitment to using storytelling as a catalyst for dialogue and understanding. Through research, classroom discussion, and critical reflection on timely topics — including issues such as Developmental Disabilities, Environment, Healing & Resilience, Human Trafficking, Immigration, Indigenous Culture, LGBTQ+ Rights, Mental Health, Racism, Belonging, and Women’s Rights — students examine the world around them and respond through original works of art.

By translating complex social themes into visual expression, students build empathy, strengthen critical thinking skills, and contribute their voices to a broader community conversation.

Now Open for Submissions

Teachers can download the materials below and submit student artwork once forms are complete.

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Eligibility & Submission Format

This competition is submitted through participating teachers. Full eligibility details and technical submission requirements are outlined in the Artwork Specifications document.

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Program Reach

The program partners with selected SDUSD middle and high schools and continues to expand in phases. It highlights the creativity, analytical thinking, and advocacy skills students develop through visual arts — while encouraging informed, respectful dialogue around today’s most pressing challenges.

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Classroom Connections

This challenge supports SDUSD Visual Arts learning targets, including:

• 7.AMP1 — Develop and apply methods and criteria to meet goals
• Prof.AMP2 — Examine and revise works in progress using relevant criteria
• Prof.AME1 — Investigate everyday life through contemporary art and design practices
• Acc.AME1 — Design in response to contemporary issues
• Acc.AME2 — Use inquiry methods to explore unfamiliar subjects through artmaking

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Questions?

Contact Us »

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Celebrating our past winners

2025 Winner: Reaching In

 ARTIST: Matisse Kinney Grade: 9. MEDIUM: Acrylic Paine School: San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts Teacher: Terisa James 

STUDENT STATEMENT
This painting is a visual representation of how it feels for me to go through depression and start to come out of it. The blue represents someone who is stuck in sadness and feels alone. The warm colored figure, full of reds, oranges, and yellows, represents something much more powerful and stands for strength, growth, and healing. She could be part of ourselves and that fighting to get better, or someone who helps and makes us feel seen and supported. When the warm figure places a hand on the blue figure’s shoulder, the color starts to spread, showing the moment when things begin to change. This small gesture represents support, whether it comes from someone else or from within ourselves. The painting is about how, even in dark times, growth and healing are possible. 

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2025 Winner: Analogous (Body Dysmorphia)

ARTIST: Jas Soto. Grade: 8 MEDIUM: Digital drawing and collage  School: San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Teacher: Don Masse

STUDENT STATEMENT
This art explores the challenges of body dysmorphia, inspired by the unrealistic beauty standards spread by social media. This digital artwork was created using an iPad. The artist began by sketching their ideas and creating the line art in ibis Paint X. They then added color, contrast, and flowers to make the drawing stand out using Adobe Express. 

LCEO & Artistic Director Tonya Mantooth speaks to the 2024 winner, Jas Soto, and Don Masse, Teacher at SDSCPA, during the Festival’s 2025 August Film Insider’s Screening.

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Support the Program

FOCUS on Impact is offered to teachers and schools at no cost thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners.

Your support helps expand access to powerful storytelling and student voice across San Diego County.

Donate »