Winners Announced: MY HERO Robert Shetterly Art Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Winners Announced: MY HERO Robert Shetterly Art Competition Celebrates Portraits of Heroism

Laguna Beach, CA – [Insert Date] – The MY HERO Project is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Robert Shetterly Art Competition, honoring outstanding student-created portraits of heroes who are making a difference in the world.

Young artists from around the globe submitted original portrait artwork celebrating personal, local, or global heroes. From family members, community activists and teachers to environmental leaders and historical changemakers, the entries powerfully reflected the courage, compassion, and creativity that define true heroism.

Submissions were judged by renowned artist Robert Shetterly, founder of Americans Who Tell the Truth, in collaboration with the MY HERO Gallery team.

Winning Entries with comments from Robert Shetterly:

Adult Painting ---- "Mihre" by Meryem Merve  “This is an extraordinarily beautiful painting. The delicacy of the expression, the grace of the hands, the colors and textures, all beautiful.”

MihreMeryem Merve

High School Painting:  "Continue" by Sara.  “Beautiful and touching contrast between the old & young.”

ContinueSara

Middle School Painting:  Dr. Sylvia Earle by Alison Chan.  “Hard to believe this is middle school work. Superior.”

Dr. Sylvia EarleAlison Chan

Elementary: "My Dear Brother" by Adrien Chen.   “Complex and imaginative conception. Well done.”

My Dear BrotherAdrian Chen

Mixed Media, High School: "My Dad" by Claire Choe. “ Really good sensitive drawing made wittily complex by the funny hat.”

My DadClaire Choe

Middle School mixed Media: "Enchanting" by Sophia Chen. “For overall competence, excellent.”

EnchantingSophia Chen

Print: "Bestefar" by Emma Welch: “Very strong sense of character, design & color”

BestefarEmma Welch

High School Drawing "Gerty Theresa Cori" by Nara Shen: “Very superior entries. I chose this for the economy and rhythm of the lines.”

Gerty Theresa CoriNara(Naluo) Shen

Middle School Drawing: "Courage" by Charlie S.  “Exceptional sense of character & technique.”

Charlie SCourage

Elementary Drawing: "Anne Frank" Cecelia Yu   “I chose this for its immediacy & freshness.”

Cecelia YuAnne Frank

Winning portraits will be showcased in the MY HERO Gallery, celebrated on MY HERO's global media platform, and shared with educational communities around the world to inspire others. View all the finalists here: /robert-shetterly-portrait-contest-2025

“We are thrilled to recognize the talent and passion of these student artists,” said Jeanne Meyers, MY HERO co-founder and director. “By honoring those who uplift others, these young creators are helping to build a more compassionate and just world.”

About the MY HERO Project

Founded in 1995, The MY HERO Project is a nonprofit organization that uses media, art, and storytelling to celebrate the best of humanity. Its online platforms and educational programs support a global community of students, educators, and artists working to promote positive social change.

About Robert Shetterly

Robert Shetterly is an American artist, activist, and founder of the portrait series Americans Who Tell the Truth. His work highlights individuals who have stood up for social, environmental, and economic justice.

View a film of all the finalists' portraits here: https://myhero.com/robert-shetterly-portrait-contest-2025-finalists