SAN FRANCISCO – Julien Chen, an 8-year-old student from Fairmont Schools in Anaheim Hills, Orange County, received a certificate of HONORABLE MENTION in the 7-to-10-year-old group at the 2025 International Art Museum of America’s International Youth Art Contest held here on Sunday, July 13 with his painting “The Joyful Otter”.
KC Hsieh, President of International Art Museum of America, said that this year about 1600 participants from 65 countries joined the contest with their art works, and in the 7-to-10-year-old group alone, there are 200 participants, therefore winners of the contest must show their extraordinary talent to be recognized.
This year’s exhibition showcases a curated selection of outstanding works by young artists of all ages. The artworks span a variety of mediums and styles—from drawing and painting to mixed media and digital art—offering a window into the imagination and perspectives of the next generation of creatives, according to the organizer.
Julien Chen, who was not present at the ceremony, wrote in an email to the contest organizer: “I was overwhelmingly excited, and could not believe this! I am truly thankful for this opportunity. Thank you for liking my art, thank you for this great encouragement!”
“Participating in this competition has encouraged me to search for what really matters to me in the artwork I make, what I want people to see and feel through my artwork. This is the first time I entered into this competition. I want to improve and enter this competition again next year!” said Julien.
He said when he went to the Aquarium, he saw many Otters and thought they were the cutest out of all the animals he saw.
“I wanted to paint and to capture their happy nature. I want people to smile, and feel happy when looking at my painting,” Julien said.
While excited about the progress Julien has achieved, Julien’s parents Tony and Helen wrote to the contest organizer: “We believe that art and creativity is the future. With technology replacing many modern workflows. Genuine creativity and expression will be the lasting impression for the human race. The future is bright if we commit to shaping their minds to innovate and challenge the status quo.”
Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) is a permanent, non-profit museum open to the public. The museum’s goal is to utilize the exhibition forum to display works of art that have achieved the most exquisite beauty and preciousness in the history of civilization. It takes as its mission bringing humanity happiness and uplifting aesthetic enjoyment. Via exhibiting world-class art, it aims to further the moral progress, spiritual well-being, and cultural development of humanity and advance world peace.
International Art Museum of America collects and exhibits outstanding works by famous artists. As an international public art museum, it is committed to assuring that the exhibited artworks meet discerning world-class standards of excellence.
Guy Djoken, Executive Director of UNESCO Center for Peace of Washington D.C., and Adam Caldwell, Chairman of Jury Committee and Professor of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, presented the awards at the ceremony.