Art Contest Finalists

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

The HOC “Building What’s Next — Together” Art Contest

Thank you to everyone who voted for their favorite interpretation and expression of HOC’s 2026 “Building What’s Next — Together” art contest theme. The winning entry/entries will be announced at the July 13 HOC Commissioners meeting and placed on public display at HOC’s Silver Spring headquarters offices.

Thank you to all of the HOC-resident artists for sharing their artistic talent and vision and to everyone who cast a ballot for their favorite submission. (See all contest entries below.)

#1 — Becoming Her

Kayla Ja Nae Alston

This artwork piece that I painted is a reflection of the personal goals and achievements I am working toward. The female figure in the painting represents me, with my goals, aspirations, and future achievements written throughout her hair. Each word symbolizes a dream, milestone, or accomplishment that I hope to achieve as I continue growing and building my future. This is what “Building What’s Next” means to me, and I look forward to accomplishing these personal goals and turning them into future achievements.

Media: In this artwork piece, I used a 24×36 canvas, a pencil, marker, acrylic paint, and fake eyelashes.

#2 — Seeking Nature’s Beauty Through Challenges and Cooperation

JeongJu YuPark

At whatever junction in my life, I gather my courage around my fear of failure and face new challenges. Looking at nature, it fascinates me to see how beings work together – like ants that tirelessly work together to achieve a goal. I hope to gain creativity, grow and feel fulfilment through learning from nature’s wondrous beauty.

Media: Materials used in this artwork include a 24″ x 36″ white canvas, watercolor paints, Sharpie markers, pistachio nut shells, real dried leaves, tree leaves, glue, craft adhesive, varnish, a hole punch, and colored paper.

#3 — Curves

Vivian Rayford

I love my abstract curves and circles with beautiful colors.

Media: Acrylics, pens and colored pencils.

#4 — Special Drawing

Hana Tsegaye

Drawing my face.

Media: People are still curious about my face and still learning about it.

#5 — The Courage to Begin Again

Ziel David Luna

Like the hummingbird, life asks us to move forward even when our wings are tired. New beginnings rarely arrive with certainty; they come as quiet invitations to trust ourselves again. This painting is a reminder that healing is not forgetting the past, but carrying its lessons into brighter skies.

Media: Acrylic paint, color pencils and markers.

#6 — Building Together

Jennifer Marcano

Teamwork is always better than riding solo.

Media: Adobe.

#7 — Together We Build Tomorrow

Zaya Mollett-Palmer

My artwork shows people working together to build a bright future. The hands represent kindness, support, and teamwork. I believe we can do great things when we help one another.

Media: My artwork was created digitally using the Sketchbook app on an iPad with a stylus to draw and color the design.

#8 — Ride Through

Gideon Kambamu

This is an artwork of my ideal living situation. It doesn’t have to be very big and isolated, in fact I made the houses in this to be storied and close to each other because I enjoy community that is close by and a place big enough for the entire family. The person leaning by the fence was put there to show how I love neighbors to be close to each other and be like a second family. The tress and sky is to represent how important scenery is to me, especially to walk around and bike in. I’m not good at drawing the sky and clouds but I tried to portray the beauty as much as I could.

Media: I used graphite pencil for the sketch and outline. Then I colored the piece using colored pencils.