SW Art Studio Student Wins National America 250 Bookmark Design Challenge

First Grader Iris Zhang Selected as National Winner and Invited to Washington, D.C.

We are incredibly proud to share an exciting milestone for our studio.

SW Art Studio student Iris Zhang has been named the national winner in the Kindergarten–2nd Grade division of the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America's 250th, a nationwide competition organized by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Office of Second Lady Usha Vance.

Selected from student submissions across the United States, Iris was recognized for her creativity, artistic skill, and thoughtful interpretation of America's past, present, and future.

Her winning bookmark design was officially announced by the Office of the Second Lady and the National Endowment for the Arts and will be featured as part of the nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

A National Recognition

The Bookmark Design Challenge invited students from Kindergarten through 8th grade across the country to create original artwork reflecting what America means to them.

Only one student was selected from each grade division nationwide:

• Iris Zhang (California, Grades K–2)

• Margaret McCaul (Florida, Grades 3–5)

• Eden Pethel (Georgia, Grades 6–8)

Iris's artwork stood out among submissions from across the nation and earned her a place among the three national winners.

Her winning design will be:

• Featured by the National Endowment for the Arts

• Printed and distributed during America 250 celebrations

• Displayed at the Great American State Fair

• Recognized through official America 250 events

Most excitingly, Iris and a parent will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in a special recognition event as part of the national celebration.

A Journey of Growth

Iris has been studying at SW Art Studio for over two years.

Throughout her artistic journey, she has consistently demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to challenge herself. While this was one of her first major national competitions, she approached the project with enthusiasm and imagination, carefully developing her ideas and refining her artwork through the creative process.

Watching young artists grow from learning foundational drawing skills to creating artwork that receives national recognition is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Congratulations, Iris!

We are incredibly proud of Iris and grateful to have been part of her artistic journey.

To see a young artist from Fremont recognized on a national stage and invited to participate in America's 250th celebration is both inspiring and meaningful for our entire studio community.

Congratulations, Iris! We look forward to celebrating this remarkable achievement and following your exciting trip to Washington, D.C.