Hawaiʻi student artists honored for creativity in statewide scholastic art awards

Hundreds of student artists from across Hawaiʻi have been recognized for their creativity and craftsmanship in the 2026 Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards.

The Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and Lexus Hawaiʻi announced that 427 students in grades 7–12 earned regional awards this year. Their work was selected from 2,550 submissions representing 34 public, private, charter and home schools statewide, highlighting the depth of young artistic talent in the islands.

Among the recipients were 13 students from Hawaiʻi Island who earned Gold Key awards, the competition’s highest regional honor. Their artwork was recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and originality.

The awards are part of the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, established in 1923 and widely regarded as the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens.

Students who receive Gold Key awards at the regional level advance to national judging, where they can compete for medals, scholarships and the opportunity to have their work exhibited in New York City.

“We were truly inspired by the depth, originality and personal stories reflected in this year’s student artwork,” said Kamakani Konia, director of the Art in Public Places Program for the state arts foundation and director of the state art museum.

“The Scholastic Art Awards honor their work while affirming the value of arts education in shaping confident, expressive and engaged young people.”

Regional awards were presented across 20 artistic categories, including architecture and industrial design, comic art, fashion and painting. Award levels include Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention.

A total of 163 Gold Key pieces are being displayed in a public exhibition at Capitol Modern Hawaiʻi State Art Museum in downtown Honolulu through March 21.

As part of the program, Lexus Hawaiʻi also sponsors special recognitions for student artists. The Takumi Award was presented to 20 students statewide, each receiving a $200 cash prize.

The company also will present the Visionary Award, a national-level recognition designed to expand access to arts education.

Up to two Hawaiʻi students will be selected later this year following the announcement of national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards winners. Each recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship and a $4,000 grant for their school’s art program.

Click here to visit the state arts foundation website for more information about the 2026 Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards, including a full list of winners.