2023 Award Winners
This annual artistic challenge was established in honor of the late co-founder of CATS, Dr. Jerry Hiura, who was a poet, artist, jewelry maker and musician - multifaceted in spirit and talent. This award was created to continue his vision of promoting young artists. The theme - I'D LIKE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING..." Messages to My Younger Self - brought forth creativity and deep meaningful messaging in various art disciplines.
CATS is proud to share the work of our top 6 winners. There were many submissions with themes of life balance, embracing the present, and accepting mistakes! Congratulations to all of our talented young artists.
Overwork - Tiffany Xu, Sunnyvale, CA
"Overwork" explores, through drawing, how I unwittingly overworked myself by metaphorically eating school work and extra homework in pursuit of maintaining academic excellence my junior and sophomore years of high school... Conveying the realization that, like food, work is meant to be consumed slowly and mindfully is something I want to share to my younger self and to others who may also find themselves in similar situations”.
Dear Time - Alison Lin, San Jose, CA
“If I had the chance to give my younger self advice, I would tell her this: "Although life may seem confusing and the future may be daunting, it will all work out in the end....so please enjoy the time we have now." Growing up in a predominantly Asian neighborhood, there has been heavy emphasis placed upon succeeding academically and getting accepted into a top university. As I'm nearing the end of my high school journey, I've begun to realize that life has so much more to offer”.
Rooted - Nicole Cheong, Milpitas, CA
“If I had the chance to give my younger self advice, I would tell her this: "Although life may seem confusing and the future may be daunting, it will all work out in the end....so please enjoy the time we have now." Growing up in a predominantly Asian neighborhood, there has been heavy emphasis placed upon succeeding academically and getting accepted into a top university. As I'm nearing the end of my high school journey, I've begun to realize that life has so much more to offer”.
Symphony of Extremes - Shreya Chakka, Cupertino, CA
“This project was based off of a letter I wrote to my younger self for a school project. To connect the phrase "in this fast-paced world" and "slow down" with two very extreme objects: a roller coaster and a snail. In this fast-paced world, I often feel like a roller coaster hurtling through thrilling highs and daunting lows. The constant rush and excitement can be invigorating, but it can also leave me feeling overwhelmed, yearning for a moment of respite”.
Reach - Sophie Cao, San Jose, CA
If I could send a message to my younger self, I would tell myself "reach out, don't be afraid". As I learned later on, reaching out and asking for help can open up many opportunities that I otherwise would have never experienced. The two hands in my painting symbolize a connection between two people, a challenge to uptake, or any other feat that requires initiative to establish. I believe everything worth doing in life requires you to take the first step out of your comfort zone, and reach out to what is beyond.
I’m a Butterfly - Tanush Agrawal, San Jose, CA
“Looking back, I want to tell my past self that all the struggles I've faced have made me who I am, and taught me many important lessons. This inspired me to create this piece and share the same message with others. The evolution of the insect and it's environment represents the evolution of each person's life and their own environment. The evolution from the insects to the butterfly, from the seed to the plant, and from the pencil drawings to color depicts the evolution here. No matter what stage someone may feel they are at, there will still be beauty in the future as our social environment changes”.