13 Big Island students honored with Gold Keys at 2026 Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards

Lexus Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts recently announced the regional award recipients of the 2026 Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards.

The awards honor outstanding student artists in grades 7 to 12 from public, private, charter and home schools throughout the state.

There were 427 students representing 34 schools statewide who earned regional recognition this year for artwork demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and purpose.

Thirteen Big Island students received Gold Keys in this year’s competition. Their artwork also was featured in the Capitol Modern Hawaiʻi State Art Museum in downtown Honolulu from Feb. 20 through March 21 for its exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and originality.

A total of 163 Gold Key artworks were exhibited.

Regional Gold Key recipients also advance to the national competition, where students can earn national medals, scholarships and the opportunity to have their artwork exhibited in New York City.

Awards were given in 20 categories, including Architecture and Industrial Design, Comic Art, Fashion and Painting. Award levels include Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention.

This year’s winners were selected from a total of 2,550 submissions, highlighting the depth of creative talent throughout the islands.

Award-winning entries were selected through a competitive review process by a panel of local artists and creative professionals, following national Scholastic Awards standards.

Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards are part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, established in 1923.

“We were truly inspired by the depth, originality and personal stories reflected in this year’s student artwork,” said Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Art in Public Places Program Director and State Art Museum Director Kamakani Konia in announcing this year’s winners. “The Scholastic Art Awards are an opportunity to honor their work while affirming the value of arts education in shaping confident, expressive and engaged young people.”

Supporting special recognition within the Hawaiʻi Regional Scholastic Art Awards is part of Lexus Hawaiʻi’s continued commitment to education, creativity and community in Hawaiʻi.

“Supporting arts education and Hawaiʻi’s youth is central to our commitment to our community,” said Lexus Hawaiʻi Senior Vice President Lance Ichimura in the winners announcement. “Through our partnership with Hawaiʻi [State Foundation on Culture and the Arts], we’re proud to help students express their creativity, build confidence and discover their voice.”

There were 20 students statewide selected this year to receive the Takumi Award, inspired by the Lexus Takumi philosophy of mastery, patience and dedication to craft.

The award honors student artists whose work demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and creative discipline. It also includes a $200 cash prize.

Lexus Hawaiʻi also will honor select students with the Visionary Award, a national honor to support continued access to arts education and creative development. Up to two Hawaiʻi students will be honored following the announcement of national Scholastic Art Awards winners later this year.

The Visionary Award includes a $4,000 scholarship for each student and a $4,000 grant for each student’s school art program.

Visit the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts website to learn more about the 2026 Hawaiʻi regional winners.