Art Contest Awards

A Note of Thanks

We are deeply grateful to every young artist who submitted work to the First Annual Global Youth Art Contest hosted by Tulip’s Promise.

Each submission reflected creativity, resilience, and personal expression. The selection process was highly competitive, and the final awards recognize a small group of outstanding works chosen for their artistic merit, creativity, and impact.

We sincerely thank all participants, partner organizations, and supporters who made this contest possible.

All participants will receive certificates by June 15th. For the following winners, we will be in touch with participants and sponsoring organizations for prizes. We will also share future opportunities with all participants. For updates, please contact us at art@tulipspromise.org.

~ Tulip's Promise Art Team

View Winners

Top Awards

🥇 First Prize — The Burning Home

Adnan Abdullah, 17 years

Syria → Hatay, Turkey

Karam Foundation

🥈 Second Prize — Beauty of Change

Floricel Betancourt, 17 years

Honduras → Florida, U.S.

International Rescue Committee

🥉 Third Prize — My Journey to the Land of Opportunities

Froheda Ariaey, 13 years

Afghanistan → Maryland, U.S.

Refugee Youth Project

Special Awards

⭐ Artistic Excellence — Guatemalan Culture

Brandon Claveria, 17 years

Guatemala → Florida, U.S.

International Rescue Committee

⭐ Emotional Impact — Hope Remained

Ilef Ilavi, 15 years

Turkey → Syria

Karam Foundation

⭐ Creative Expression – Kurdish Home

Mohammad Mustafa, 12 years

Kurdistan → Illinois, U.S.

RefugeeONE

⭐ Meaningful Message — Un Mundo Mejor (A Better World)

Jesus Pereira, 15 years

Lutheran Social Services

⭐ Digital Artistry — Imagination

Sviatoslav Vysochanskyi, 13 years

Ukraine → Maryland, U.S.

Lutheran Social Services

⭐ Digital Artistry — Modern Alien

Arina Anpilova, 17 years

Ukraine → Ukraine

ENGin

Honorable Mentions

🏅African American Culture

Fernanda Contreras, 18 years

Chile → Florida, U.S.

International Rescue Committee

🏅 Flowers

Roqia Saeedi, 11 years

Afghanistan → Illinois, U.S.

RefugeeONE

🏅 Back in the Day

Oglo Weliemy, 15 years

Egypt → Maryland, U.S.

Refugee Youth Project

🏅 Good Memories

Eliagner Mercado, 17 years

Venezuela → Maryland, U.S.

Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center

🏅Between Two Homelands

Suheir Altürkmani , 16 years

Syria → Hatay, Turkey

Karam Foundation

🏅 Un Mundo Lleno de Curiosidades (A World Full of Curiosities)

Arlon J. M., 17 years

Honduras → Maryland, U.S.

CentroSOL

Top Awards

First Prize — The Burning Home

The Burning Home

Adnan Abdullah, 17 years. From Syria/Homs, lives in Turkey/Reyhanlı_hatay.

This artwork, titled “The Burning Home,” expresses a deeply painful human moment that my family and I experienced when we were forced to leave Syria under aerial bombardment. It was a moment filled with fear and shock, as we had to abandon our home while it was burning before our eyes, leaving behind everything that represented our lives and memories. Through this painting, I aimed to convey three main themes: belonging, suffering, and hope. The father is depicted looking back at the burning house, as if he cannot comprehend what is happening. His gaze reflects a deep sense of belonging, as well as shock and longing at the same time. The smoke rising from his head, merging with the smoke of the burning house, symbolizes the strong connection between a person and their home, as if a part of him is burning with it. The mother and the child are shown in a state of fear and panic, reflecting the pain and emotional breakdown that a person experiences in such moments. Their crying and distress represent human vulnerability in the face of destruction.
Despite all of this, a small child in the mother’s arms is holding a teddy bear and appears calm, even slightly joyful. This child represents hope in the painting, and is the only sign that life continues despite everything, and that hope remains present even in the darkest circumstances.

Second Prize — Kafta's Stripes

Kafta’s Stripes

Floricel Abigail Betancourt, 17 years. From Honduras, lives in Miami.

This artwork is a reinterpretation of the concept of metamorphosis, inspired by Kafka’s exploration of identity and change. In the world I envision, transformation is not something to be feared, but rather a powerful union with our most authentic and primal self. The tiger represents a shift in being an inner force that emerges to protect and redefine the soul. It is my hope that viewers will reflect upon their own capacity for change and recognize that even the most radical "metamorphosis" can give rise to a new reality one that is both beautiful and fierce.

Third Prize — My Journey to the Land of Opportunities

My Journey To The Land Of Opportunities

Froheda Ariaey, 13 years. From Afghanistan, lives in USA.

I got inspired by my experience while traveling to America from Afghanistan. My family and I faced many challenges including the Taliban’s takeover. Therefore, I got inspired by all the feelings I felt and wanted to express them by painting my artwork. My artwork connects to the term “The World I Imagine” by representing my journey to the US for education and freedom. It represents the hopeful future I imagine for myself and my family. I want the viewers of my artwork to imagine how hard and fast the transition of my life was to a new environment, language, culture and people.

Special Awards

Artistic Excellence — Guatemalan Culture

Guatemalan Culture

Brandon Claveria, 17 years. From Guatemala, lives in Miami USA.

My artwork was inspired by Latin culture, nature, and traditional clothing. I wanted to show a strong woman with colorful clothes, flowers, and a bird to represent culture, beauty, and the connection with nature.

This reflects the theme The World I Imagine because I imagine a world where people respect different cultures and appreciate nature.

I want viewers to feel inspired and see the beauty of culture, color, and tradition.

Creative Expression — Kurdish Home

Kurdish Home

Mohammad Mustafa, 12 years. From Kurdistan, lives in Illinois, USA.

This artwork is based on a Kurdish home from the past. I loved my home so much that I wanted to rebuild it through art so other people could see the beauty and memories it held.
For many refugees, home is something they carry in their mind even after they leave it behind. By creating this piece, I wanted to keep those memories alive and share a place that was once filled with comfort, family, and happiness.

Digital Artistry — Imagination

Imagination

Sviatoslav Vysochanskyi, 13 years. From Ukraine, lives in USA.

Мій творчий задум ґрунтується на ідеї внутрішньої свободи та самовираження. Персонажі моїх робіт уособлюють силу й індивідуальність, а фантастичні елементи, такі як роги чи корони, символізують безмежність людської уяви. Через цифрове мистецтво я створюю та ділюся унікальними світами, показуючи, що бути не таким, як усі, — це справжній дар.

My creative concept is based on the idea of inner freedom and self-expression. The characters in my artwork embody strength, and individuality, and the fantastical elements such as horns or crowns symbolize the limitless nature of imagination. Through digital art, I create and share unique worlds, showing that being different is a true gift.

Emotional Impact — Hope Remained

بَقِيَ الأَمَلُ (Hope Remained)

Ilef Ilavi, 15 years. From Turkey, in Syria.

الإلهام لعملي الفني كان الزلزال الذي وقع في تركية في عام 2023. اللوحة تعكس المعاناة التي عاشها الناس في هذه الفترة خصوصاً الذين كانوا في البلاد الذي دمرت ولاكن مع كل هذه المعاناة والألم إلا أن كان لا يزال هناك امل.

Translated: The inspiration for my artwork was the earthquake that struck Turkey in 2023. The painting reflects the suffering experienced by people during that period—particularly those in the devastated regions. Yet, despite all this suffering and pain, hope still remained.

Meaningful Message — Un Mundo Mejor (A Better World)

Un Mundo Mejor (A Better World)

Jesus Pereira, 15 years. From Colombia, lives in USA.

Mi otra se inspira en personas que aún tenido que abandonar sus hogares y países gracias a los conflictos que aún tenido los países entre ellos. Refleja a la guerra moderna con misiles siendo enviados a otros territorios que acaban con personas inocentes sin conocimiento a lo que ocurre.Quiero llevar esta obra como mensaje a aquellos políticos que solo quieren aumentar su ego en rivalidades sin sentido y lo único que hacen es dañar a personas que solo quieren tener tranquilidad en sus vidas.

Translation: My artwork draws inspiration from people who have been forced to abandon their homes and countries due to conflicts between nations. It reflects modern warfare—specifically the launching of missiles into foreign territories—which claims the lives of innocent people who remain completely unaware of what is happening. I intend for this piece to serve as a message to those politicians who seek only to inflate their egos through senseless rivalries, and whose sole effect is to inflict harm upon people who simply desire peace and tranquility in their lives.

Honorable Mentions

African American Culture

Fernanda Contreras, 18 years. Lives in Miami, USA.

I was inspired by African American working women who work hard every day to take care of their children. My artwork shows a strong mother who carries both her child and her responsibilities.

This piece reflects the theme “The World I Imagine” by showing a world where the hard work and sacrifices of women, especially mothers, are recognized and valued. I imagine a world where they are supported, respected, and seen for their strength.

I want viewers to feel admiration and empathy, and to understand the importance of perseverance, love, and dignity. This artwork is a tribute to all women who continue to rise despite challenges.

Karam evi

Suheir Altürkmani, 16 years. From Türkiye Hatay, reyhanlı.

My perspective on the painting I created is that it expresses hope and belonging to the homeland, as well as resilience and the loss of homeland between Palestine and Syria. In the cracked earth, there is a plant, and this represents hope. The jasmine flower represents Syria, and the olive tree represents Palestine. In the earth, there is destruction, and this is the destruction of war. The person raising their hands expresses belonging and the return of a new life.

Drawing is not just drawing, but it is a means of expressing feelings and ideas that we may be unable to express in words. It is a language that everyone understands without translation, and its lines and colors carry a deep message that reaches the heart before the mind.

Good Memories

Eliagner Chiquinquira Matheus Mercado, 17 years. From Venezuela, lives in Maryland.

This piece is about how even small moments can mean a lot when you leave your home behind. The phone booth represents staying connected to memories, people, and the life you came from.

I imagine a world where all can feel safe while still holding onto the memories and identity that make them who they are. Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones you never forget.

Un Mundo Lleno de Curiosidades (A World Full of Curiosities)

Arlon J. M., 17 years. From Honduras, lives in Maryland, USA.

Me imagino un mundo donde cada cosa tiene un significado y ciencia y eso llama la atención, hice un museo porque cada persona que visita un museo va a ver las cosas antiguas, valiosas y eso despierta curiosidad descubrir sobre ello y me imagino que cada cosa en todo el planeta tiene su significado e inspiración por eso me base en este dibujo.

Translation: I imagine a world where everything has meaning and science, and that captures attention. I created a museum because every person who visits a museum goes to see ancient and valuable things, and that awakens curiosity to learn more about them. I imagine that everything on the planet has its own meaning and inspiration, that is why I based this drawing on that idea.

Art Contest Awards

A Note of Thanks

Top Awards

Special Awards

Honorable Mentions

Top Awards

First Prize — The Burning Home

Second Prize — Kafta's Stripes

Third Prize — My Journey to the Land of Opportunities

Special Awards

Artistic Excellence — Guatemalan Culture

Creative Expression — Kurdish Home

Digital Artistry — Imagination

Emotional Impact — Hope Remained

Meaningful Message — Un Mundo Mejor (A Better World)

Honorable Mentions

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