Winners Announced for the MY HERO Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest

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Winners Announced for the MY HERO Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest

The MY HERO Project is proud to announce the winners of the MY HERO Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest, celebrating young artists whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity, skill, and emotional depth. Renowned artist Robert Shetterly personally selected the winners, noting the remarkable quality of submissions and the difficulty of choosing among such outstanding entries.

Reflecting on the judging process, Shetterly highlighted three key qualities that stood out across the submissions: “proficiency of the art to display character, the ambition and difficulty of the overall design, and the exuberance of the work.” He added, “Some very hard choices here—wonderful work!!”

High School Category
First place was awarded to Christiana Williams for “My Sister,” a portrait Shetterly described as “beautifully rendered” with “a deep and moving sense of character.”

My SisterChristiana Williams 

Second place went to Phrog Yuen for “Soft Strength,” recognized for its strong facial structure and subtle tonal qualities.

Phrog YuenSoft Strength 

Third place was awarded to Andreana Michael for “My Grandpa,” praised for its excellent rendering and compelling character.

Andreana MichaelMy Grandpa 

Shetterly also commended Siya Sharma’s “When Strength Meets Grace” for successfully portraying two figures in complex poses.

Siya SharmaWhere Strength Meets Grace 

Middle School Category
Caelyn Kim earned first place for “My Grandpa,” described as a “gentle, evocative, loving portrait” that is “nearly flawless.”

Caelyn KimMy Grandpa 

Second place went to Zainab Shakil for “Guided by My Mother’s Light,” a beautifully composed and thoughtfully designed painting

Zainab ShakilGuided by My Mother's Light 

Third place was awarded to Jin Gu for “Inspiration Was Sparked,” recognized for its impressive and dynamic composition.

Jin GuInspiration Was Sparked 

Elementary School Category
Samantha You received first place for “Frida Kahlo,” a “remarkable drawing” with exceptional character and vitality.

Samantha YouFrida Kahlo 

Second place went to Rayna Lim for “My Mother’s Love,” a heartfelt depiction of family.
Rayna LimMy Mothers Love 

Third place was awarded to Octavia Li for “My Funny Little Sister,” celebrated for its exuberance, color, and joyful energy.

Octavia LiMy Funny Little Sister 

Overall Winner
If selecting a single overall winner, Shetterly named Christiana Williams for her portrait “My Sister.” He noted, “There’s a deep compelling sensitivity there that goes beyond artistic skill. It achieves what all artists hope to—a deep connection with the subject and simultaneously with the audience. It reveals both the strength and vulnerability of the sister. Bravo!”

Shetterly expressed his appreciation for all participants, stating, “I’m very grateful to have seen all these fine young artists. They all deserve awards.”

The MY HERO Project congratulates all winners and participants for their inspiring contributions and commitment to celebrating heroes through art.

See alll the finalists here: myhero.com/robert-shetterley-portrait-contest-2026

To enter our Peace Through Arts and Poetry contest, please go to: myhero.com/poetry-contest