Concurrent with Lantern Peace Festival in the Building A Culture of Peace Month 2026
Building A Culture of Peace is to connect people and communities and to make harmony among diverse cultures.
This initiative, Calgary International Contest for Young Artists, makes Calgary a hub to connect young artists in the world and foster them as the creative future leaders.
Young artists are asked to bring your creativity into being based on the theme “My Harmony” following the rules and conditions stipulated below.
Theme: “My Harmony”
“Harmony” is another word of “Unity” and “Peace.” You can take it as a harmony within you, or a harmony with your family, friends, communities, and/or nations. Also, you can take it as “harmony with our environment or the planet,” or even “harmony with the universe”!
You can find harmony and peace in someone’s smile or a little flower blooming under the debris.
Show us your unlimited imagination inspired by the word, “Harmony.”
The First Prize
Elsa Ngumi
Braeburn Garden Estate School
Nirobi, Kenya
Title:
The Architecture of Healing
The Architecture of Healing explores my personal quest for inner harmony. The portrait balances a broken, fragmented side with one that is healthy and healing. The flower represents this growth, while fibers spilling from cracks in the broken side depict my intrusive thoughts, showing the messy, layered reality of recovery.
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The Second Prize
Saverra Singh Sawhney
Mentor College
Mississauga, ON, Canada
Title: Geometric Howl
This artwork shows how animals, nature, and color can work together in harmony. The repeating shapes and blended colors represent unity in nature, while the wolf pack symbolizes teamwork, balance, friendship, and peaceful coexistence. Through patterns and landscape, the artwork celebrates the beauty of connection and cooperation in the natural world.
The Third Prize
Linh Dan Pham
Branton School
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: From Ruins To Greens
My artwork presents two contrasting sides. One is miserable, war and destruction, while another is peaceful and beautiful. This shows how the world can have both chaos and harmony at the same time. Even when everything seems destroyed, there can still be hope, peace, and beauty left in the world.
Honorable Mentions
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Bella Barco
Homeschooling
Etobicoke, ON, Canada
Title: The woman from Marrakesh
This watercolour painting was inspired by a photo I saw of a woman in a busy market. Everything around her was in chaos but she looked so serene as if her thoughts were transfixed on another place or time of peace and tranquility amidst the havoc of the marketplace.
Ivy Yu
Constable Daniel Woodall School
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Title: Harmony in Action
Animals work together to clean litter in the forest, rescue friends in danger, and protect their home. They show kindness, teamwork, and responsibility. This picture shows harmony because every one helping each other and make the world a better home for everyone.
Hatsuki Makimoto
Braeburn Garden Estate School
Nairobi, Kenya
Title: Natures Hope
It is a painting of a dandelion in the middle of a destroyed city which lost most of its nature due to an earthquake. The dandelion is standing on its own giving hope to the nature in the city.
Anaya Rana
Braeburn Garden Estate School
Nairobi, Kenya
Title: Colors of Harmony
In Colors of Harmony, “my harmony” is expressed through music that flows into color and movement. The cellist’s melody transforms the space around her, blending emotion, nature, and human connection. This piece shows how inner harmony can create beauty within ourselves and spread peacefully into the world.
Lila Kroeker
Meadowlark Elementary School
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Title: 和平 (Hépíng)
My drawing shows different cultures walking peacefully through the mountains with a dragon. The grass and flowers are calming. The night and the moon balances the night sky. Fireworks and lantern show how happy the people are living in harmony.
Vicars Zhang
Geroge H luck school
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Title: Grassy Hills
It is a grassy landscape with a variety of trees and forests, surrounded by mountains, and a blue sky with birds in the background. There is also a bunch of flowers and a pond surrounded by rocks, capybaras, and other animals. There are also several plants around the pond.
Jacob Guler
St Gregory School
Etobicoke, ON, Canada
Title: Summer Bay
I painted because of my favorite place during summer. I go to a summer camp every year and it is the inspiration for this painting.
Karolina Bikbulatov
Dr Frida Miller school
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: Peace in the pond
We all know that every cat when they see a butterfly they chase after it. Also, cats love eating fish. In my picture I have combined the creatures showing harmony peace and kind environment.
Lena Drasko
Natalia Outkina’s art studio
Toronto, ON, Canada
Title: Winter Glow
I enjoy painting landscapes that create a sense of peace and emotion. For me, harmony is in nature, in still moments, and in the company of the people I love the most. I use a mix of cool and warm colors to create a calm, cozy, and emotional story.
The First Prize
Yui Matsuzaka
FFCA
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: For Good
It represents my religion, Buddhism. Buddhism believes in world peace and the happiness of others, making us humans united. The second symbolism is how world peace always start by one’s hand. No matter the shape or form. In this case these hands are my beloved sister’s. She taught me how to become a better person for myself and for others. She has inspired many people to change each other positively and up lift each other. I named this art piece, “For Good” because of the song in the musical Wicked. There is a lyric, that explains how we can all mean something to one another. A small act of kindness can stick with an individual for the longest time, even if you never notice it. “You’ll be with me, like a hand print on my heart.”
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The Second Prize
Sidney Hider
Dr. EP Scarlett High School
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: A quiet moment
In this art piece I am depicting me and my mother when I was a baby. I believe that it embodies the theme of “my harmony” because it represents a time in my life where there was harmony within my life and family. It also represents the unity between mother and child and the importance of that crucial bond.
The Third Prize
Lico Kawashima
Centennial High School
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: Harmony
This acrylic piece ‘harmony’ explores memories and connection between me and music. As an active band member in school, I take pride in the harmony I create with my team. My work is inspired by the vivid memories shaped by my instrument and the staff that support the notes.
Honorable Mentions
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Josie Hoar
Dr. EP Scarlett
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: Next to one another
My work shows all the possible looks and styles us humans can wear whether that be represented on our person or in our souls. But no matter how a person appears to be different from another, at the end of the day we’re all human.
Ke (Naomi) Shang
Canadian International School of Hefei
Hefei, Anhui Province, China
Title: My Harmony
In my painting, a girl and a horse stand peacefully among blooming flowers. They trust and understand each other without words. I wanted to show harmony between humans, animals, and nature. I think harmony is not only peace with other people, but also peace inside ourselves and with nature.
Naman Chugh
North trails high school
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: A Peace Forged in Flame
The art piece reflects the cycle of nuclear war and rebirth. The ashy charred dust clouds on the left stimulate a dimension scorched by atomic flames. However, the bird, a Phoenix rises, from the abyss. It’s emanant, gold, glistening feathers symbolize world peace. The same golden hue the buddha held, proving that even from total destruction, humanity can choose light.
Mitsuko Tanano
Tokyo Soka High School
Saitama, Japan
Title: Harmony of the Sunset
I thought the way a sunset—with all its beautiful, varied colors—still looks perfectly blended was similar to relationships and emotions, so I felt it was the perfect fit for this theme of “harmony” and decided to paint a sunset.
Shotaro Richardson
Westmount Charter School
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: View of Trial Islands
A colourful view of the Trial Islands in British Columbia is the focal point of my painting. The archipelago is home to the Trial Islands Ecological Reserve, where endangered plants live in harmony. I portrayed the islands’ tranquil wildlife by adopting vibrant colours and sensitive brushstrokes, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Mariam Khodjimatova
Western Canada Highschool
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: The harmony of love
My painting’s intention is to represent the harmony we can find in love, whether it be through our love for our friends, family, culture, nature. There are 8 billion people on earth and we can all agree that love is all around us, it brings us together in harmony.
Navya Agrawal
Fairview School
Calgary, AB, Canada
Title: Harmony in Slow Time
‘Harmony in Slow Time’ explores the natural rhythm of time and its connection to harmony in nature. The fairy, moon, snail, and clock represent patience, cycles and balance. Natural time guides the internal clock of many creatures, which is a connection we all have.
Meet the Participating Artists!
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List of the participants by country
São Paulo, Brazil
Mariana Ruella Oliveira, Colégio Scala, Gael Semensato Calheiro de Paiva, Colégio Scala
Miguel Modesto Manzo de Sordi, Colégio Scala, Aymê Zinidarsis Bertolini, Colégio Scala
João Dias Moreira, Colégio Scala, Paulo Pereira Maringoli Barbosa, Colégio Scala
Valentina Gonçalves de Sousa Avelina, Colégio Scala, Helena Martins Silva, Colégio Scala
Bruna Coutinho de Souza, Colégio Scala, Valentine Magalhães do Prado, Colégio Scala
Manuela Aparecida Alves, Colégio Scala, Antonella Maria Silva Pessoa, Colégio Scala
Sophia Alice Ferreira Maciel, Colégio Scala, Guilherme Rossi Mongeli, Colégio Scala
Maria Alice Orrico, Colégio Scala, Julia Penha Silva, Colégio Scala
Nicole Mello Diniz Pimenta, Colégio Scala, Otávio de Avila Ferreira, Colégio Scala
João Felipe Amadeu Alexandre, Colégio Scala, Lavínia Navarro Oliveira, Colégio Scala
Luiza Alves Cruz, Colégio Scala, Lara Barboni Correia, Colégio Scala
Camila Modena Moreira Ramos, Colégio Scala, Theo Basaglia Ruella, Colégio Scala
Pedro Miguel Pinto, Colégio Scala, Rafael Souza Mazzilli, Colégio Scala
Nairobi, Kenya
Manoah Nyota Byamungu, Braeburn Garden Estate, Hatsuki Makimoto, Braeburn Garden Estate
Anaya Rana, Braeburn Garden Estate, Eszter Réka TÓTH, Braeburn Garden Estate
Ananya Kumari, Braeburn Garden Estate, Maya De Castilla Laporte, Braeburn Garden Estate
Maat Gatkuoth Kai, Braeburn Garden Estate, Angelina Parigiani, Braeburn Garden Estate
Elsa Ngumi, Braeburn Garden Estate
Hefei, Anhui Province, China
Yuziyang (Tina) Fan, Canadian International School of Hefei, Timmy Feng, Canadian International School of Hefei,
Cheng-Yu (Oliver) Chiang, Canadian International School of Hefei, Ke (Naomi) Shang, Canadian International School of Hefei
Saitama, Japan
Mitsuko Tanano, Tokyo Soka High School
Ankara, Turkey
Viola Scodanibbio, BESA British Embassy School Ankara
Calgary, AB, Canada
MOC TRA PHAN, Nishchay chugh, Captain Nicola goddard public school
Karolina Bikbulatov, Dr Frida Miller school, Aaron Zhang, Westbrook Elementary School
Lola khodjimatova, Horizon Leadership Academy, Maria Krasnikova, FFCA
Sarah khodjimatova, Horizon Leadership Academy, Palakshi Gambhir, Colonel Macleod
Aydan Aghabayli, Sunalta Elementary School, Yizhen Low, Master’s Academy
Linh Dan Pham, Branton School, Josie Hoar, Dr. EP Scarlett
Sidney Hider, Dr. EP Scarlett, Yui Matsuzaka, FFCA
Mariam Khodjimatova, Western Canada Highschool, Naman chugh, North trails high school
Shotaro Richardson, Westmount Charter School, Navya Agrawal, Fairview School
Lico Kawashima, Centennial High School
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Ivy Yu, Constable Daniel Woodall School, Lila Kroeker, Meadowlark Elementary School
Vicars Zhang, Geroge H luck school, Elly Cui, Johnny Bright School
Chi wing shum, Mckernan school, Isabel Liu, Alison art class
Burnaby, BC, Canada
Jiah Lee, Holy Cross Elementary School
Toronto, ON, Canada
Sofi Siukaieva, Lambton Kingsway JMS, Lena Drasko, Natalia Outkina’s art studio
Etobicoke, ON, Canada
Bella Barco, homeschooling, Jacob Guler, St Gregory School
Mississauga, ON, Canada
Alice Bat, Meadow Green Academy, Saverra Singh Sawhney, Mentor College
Submission guidelines (Closed)
Submission Eligibility:
Open to all young artists both international and Canadian who are in either one of the following age-categories.
(1) Junior Category: Ages 10 to 14 (as of August 8, 2026)
(2) Senior Category: Ages 15 to 18 (as of August 8, 2026)
Dr. Arthur Clark Scholarship Awards
Prizes will be awarded to three finalists in each category:
· 1st Prize: $500 CAD
· 2nd Prize: $300 CAD
· 3rd Prize: $100 CAD
No entry fee is required
Artwork Specifications:
– Format: 2-dimensional paper
– Size: Any size
– Medium: Any medium
– Originality: The work must be the applicant’s original creation. AI-generated or digitally created artwork is not accepted.
– Signature: Please ensure your signature is visible on the artwork.
Submission process
Please submit the following items digitally on or before May 31, 2026 at floatinglanternpeace@gmail.com.
(1) Artwork digital file: A high-quality photo or scanned image of your art (JPEG, 5 MB to 10 MB) Suggestion: when photographing your artwork, preferably use bright, indirect natural light (like on a cloudy day or near a window) to avoid harsh glares. Make sure the photographer’s shadow doesn’t appear in the photo.
(2) Portrait Photo: A photo of you holding your artwork (JPEG, 5 MB or less)
(3) Application Form: Complete THIS FORM including a brief description of your work (50 words or less). If this Google Form does not work for you, please contact us by email. We will send you an alternative form.
Selection & Notification
Award winners will be notified via email by July 31, 2026.
Winners must provide valid bank information to receive their scholarship funds. Specific details regarding the payment will be sent following the award announcement.
Email address for your question and submission:
floatinglanternpeace@gmail.com
Judges
Chief Judge: Dr. Jennifer Eiserman
Ms. Louise Hall
Mr. Peter Potapoff
Department of Art and Art History, University of Calgary
My research interests centre around the role that community-based arts can play in the development and maintenance of communities. This work includes inquiries into cultural diversity and inclusivity, urban development and decolonization of the institutions art, including formal and informal curricula and the functions of art museums and galleries. My current focus is the developmental needs of professional artists in late adulthood. The goal of this research is create a rich description of the emotional, social, cognitive and physical needs of artists in late adulthood in order to support these artists’ continued engagement in creative production. https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/jennifer-eiserman
Born in the mountains of central BC, Louise is now a long-time Calgary resident. She has always enjoyed the creative process, and in 1993 she fulfilled a life-long dream to begin painting in watercolor. After 24 wonderful years as the owner of Leading Edge Art Workshops she has now retired. Owning Leading Edge allowed her to study with many internationally known artists and instructors. An avid photographer, Louise uses her large collection of photos as reference material for her work.
Pattern, color and texture are important focuses in her work and she likes to work with acrylic, collage, and mixed media. She paints a wide variety of subject matter, including abstracts, florals and landscape. She lives in Calgary with her husband Andy.
Louise is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, is a member of the Calgary Sketch Club and is a co-founder and president of the Passionate Painters Art Group. See her work on her website at www.louisehallart.com
Peter Potapoff is a highly acclaimed contemporary realist painter celebrated for his extraordinary ability to capture the essence of the Canadian landscape. Drawing from a lifetime of personal experience and observation, Potapoff transforms his profound connection to nature into evocative artwork defined by meticulous detail, masterful composition, and a stunning use of color. Each brushstroke radiates depth, transporting viewers into tranquil lakeside scenes or rugged mountain ranges that evoke deep emotional responses. His visionary talent has earned international recognition and several prestigious awards. Notably, Potapoff has won both provincial and national competitions for his esteemed wildlife paintings. His accolades include being named National Artist of the Year by Ducks Unlimited Canada and Artist of the Year by the BC Wildlife Federation. Additionally, his work has been featured on the Ducks Unlimited Canada Stamp and Print series. Prized by collectors worldwide, Potapoff’s work remains a testament to his passion for the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness.https://www.peterpotapoff.com/
2026 Calgary International Contest for Young Artists Sponsors
Ploughshares Calgary Society
