Young people’s voices are often left out of conversations about how to make their neighborhoods and schools safe, supportive spaces where they can thrive. Their perspectives on fairness, safety, and community can inspire action toward a future free from violence and full of access and opportunity. This exhibit includes 52 pieces from New Orleans area artists ages 11 to 21. The third CYE Youth Art Contest + Exhibit asked artists to contemplate the theme “PERCEPTION” and how that can differ and vary.
This year, CYE’s Youth Art Contest + Exhibit asked artists to explore the theme of “PERCEPTION.”
- What would you say is your identity?
- And, how do you gain strength from that?
- How would you depict yourself for the world to see?
- Or, how does the world see you?
Artists have interpreted the word “PERCEPTION” in the way that is most meaningful to them.
A judging panel selected winners of a Grand Prize award, prizes in each age group, and honorable mentions. All entrants have their art included in this exhibit and on this webpage.
Prize Winners
Grand Prize
Leonidas Hampton
Art is deeply personal for me, serving as a journey of self-exploration. My unfinished self-portrait symbolizes the flaws that shape my identity, reminding us that we’re all works in progress. Vibrant colors reflect the rich culture of New Orleans, with each hue telling a story—from the Mississippi River to the lively streets. Growing up in this creative atmosphere, I’ve learned to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Through my art, I use imperfections to teach everyone how to accept theirs.
11 to 12 Age Group
Jy'Asia Douglas
My artwork is about a girl who is losing her perception of reality. Her friend hands her a brush knowing about the monster in the mirror. The monster represents her insecurities. As time passes she feels like she is losing the fight. Her friend visits everyday to help fight this monster.
13 to 15 Age Group
Sara Vukelic
"Echoes in Reflection" My submitted art is multifaceted. It depict my auto-portrait, so the viewer can appreciate the third dimension . Behind me there are many eyes looking at both of us but within one mirror. Eyes with their gazes are viewpoints, either split or reflected through the views of others but within the harmony of the mirror. Every time we interact with another human being there is an echo of how we perceive and how we are perceived. But the mirror should never be broken.
16 to 21 Age Group
Eshita Lahiry
Individual puzzle pieces form a complete image, just as traits and experiences shape my identity. I am a South Asian female, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and an artist. Yet, the most significant part of me is the one often overlooked: my Bengali heritage. I don’t fit the stereotypes—almond eyes or richly colored skin—but identity isn’t just looks. My piece conveys that looks alone don’t define your identity. Although I don’t look Bengali, it’s entangled in the puzzle of my identity.
16 to 21 Age Group
Piper Schaumburg
I have moved 17 times, and through that, I’ve learned that the version of myself that is perceived by the world will never harbor the intricacies of what creates me. I made the different shelves in my piece each represent something in my life, such as the shelf of my childhood toys or the one above my head that’s dedicated to my friends, whether the item was a gift or something they taught me. The items around me shape who I am and I will continue to collect the same way I will continue to grow.
Honorable Mention Awards
Hailey Berryhill, Khaiden Smith, Felix Woods, Kamali McElroy, Kristian Michael Kreuger Skjolaas, Taryn Moore, Aalyiah Sartin, Charity Dicken, Jaia Cager, & Sofia Olexia-Daigle
Artwork from all Age Groups
11 to 12 Age Group
Jy'Asia Douglas, Age 13, Orleans Parish | Winner of 11 to 13 Age Group | My artwork is about a girl who is losing her perception of reality. Her friend hands her a brush knowing about the monster in the mirror. The monster represents her insecurities. As time passes she feels like she is losing the fight. Her friend visits everyday to help fight this monster.
Hailey Berryhill, Age 12, Jefferson Parish | Honorable Mention | My painting is about a girl who got killed because of violence, how a person is killed by a bully.
Khaiden Smith, Age 12, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | It's my favorite anime's main character's son. This connects to me because at first he didn't think he could reach this form, so it tells me I can reach anything I put my mind to.
Allie-Grace Aubin, Age 10 to 11 (5th grade), Orleans Parish | This is a description of violence prevention.
Anyely Vicente Ramos, Age 12, Orleans Parish | My description of my work is that everyone always has a way of seeing everything. Halloween is a good example of this. If you mention the word Halloween, some people will say candy, some will say costumes, some would say spending time with family. I would say, horror movies and scaring people. This picture is of something that I don't like, which is being scared. You see the Ghostface with the weapon over their head, but what you may not see is the knife that girl on the phone has in her hand.
Demetria Dowdell, Age 12, Orleans Parish | It is a scary bonded school with buts and a broom with a tree. I have always seen Halloween full of horror stories and scary monsters. Every scary movie I have seen has had this kids of house. I guess this is just my perceptions of what halloween is to me.
Faith Dreux, Age 11, Orleans Parish | This picture is how people see me. The earings, represents my faith,my beliefs. I'm proud of it and always show it in some way.That word under my left lens,that's my passion, "arts". I love arts, especially drawing.In the middle us me smile. Even when I'm at my lowest I know that there are people by my side that will help me. Therefore, I smile. I used mostly pencil.But, I did use some brown for the skin and red for the lips.I focused on the meaning and detail.
Gianna Bonvillian, Age 10 to 11 (5th grade), Orleans Parish | This is a description of violence prevention.
Jayci Zardies, Age 11, Orleans Parish | My work shows a combination of a pumpkin with eyes and different patterns, I picked that because I love halloween and I looked up some stuff I could add into my drawing. Also, people has their own perceptions of Halloween like scary movies, horror, and tricks. My perception is good times, dressing up, and enjoying it with my family.
Lauren Paige, Age 12 to 13 (7th grade), Orleans Parish | This is a visual description of violence prevention.
Ulani Oliver, Age 12 to 13 (7th grade), Orleans Parish | Jealousy, anger, violence. Stop the violence and abuse.
13 to 15 Age Group
Sara Vukelic, Age 13, Orleans Parish | Winner of the 14 to 15 Age Group | Echoes in Reflection. My submitted art is multifaceted. It depict my auto-portrait, so the viewer can appreciate the third dimension . Behind me there are many eyes looking at both of us but within one mirror. Eyes with their gazes are viewpoints, either split or reflected through the views of others but within the harmony of the mirror. Every time we interact with another human being there is an echo of how we perceive and how we are perceived. But the mirror should never be broken.
Felix Woods, Age 15, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | This painting describes my perception on perception. I have always been wondering about other people's perceptions of me since young. Throughout all of that thinking, I have come to a point where I feel fascinated with the fact that I'm always a different person to every person that I meet. At first, I thought it was scary. Now though, as I've seen myself grow and become more confident, I love that fact that I am so many different people in one and that people have one special perception of me.
Kamali McElroy, Age 14, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | Prismatic Love #1- digital portrait. Celebrates queer identity, self love and freedom of expression. This is one in a series of three digital portraits that highlight self perception and freedom to be who you are and love who you want.
Kristian Michael Kreuger Skjolaas, Age 14, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | "Stitch" is a depiction of the many pieces, experiences, troubles, and joys that stitch us together as we go through life.
Taryn Moore, Age 13, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | This piece is a self portrait, sketched in pencil, then defined in vine charcoal on mixed media paper.
Ethan Kelly, Age 13, Orleans Parish | This piece of art showcases the dreams that one can partake in inside of their comfort zone; outside of all the criticism that one may face growing up. Sure, the art may have imperfections, but that’s the thing about life. There’s always imperfections. Nobody’s perfect. That’s why pencils have erasers. Each little detail, word, and speck of color are like the memories that have been engraved into your mind; especially the ones that you hold on to dearly. Anything is art if it has meaning within.
Gabrielle Davis, Age 15, Jefferson Parish | I depicted my face partially unzipped preparing for another layer to peel. I am like a caterpillar in a cocoon, waiting to transform into complete metamorphosis to form wings and fly. This is my 15 year old self expecting to peel back a new layer each year until I become the woman that I am meant to be. The dark background tells that I haven’t completely found my identity yet as I am still young and searching to find myself. The echoing shadow effect shows that I am getting closer to finding me.
Ilesa Hinkle, Age 15, Orleans Parish | This piece depicts a figure beneath a protective umbrella while jellyfish swirl overhead, symbolizing our layered, intersectional identities. It reflects the strength in embracing every aspect of the human experience, challenging the world to perceive and value our complexities fully.
Jaycie Florane, Age 13, St. Bernard Parish | As the theme of the contest is Perception, particularly perception of oneself, I am depicting myself looking into a mirror. On the mirror is a picture of my friends in focus. My reflection is blurry because I am still growing, and my perception of myself and my identity is changing.
Jayda Wheeler, Age 14, Orleans Parish | What you see is a house in a field with a barn. The house is on fire. The house represents my emotions, going through life as a 14 year old. The barn is a place where I go for stability and to soothe myself. The house and the fire represent school and stress. The fire often rages at certain points in my life. I have firefighters to put it out. My friend will talk to me about anything I need; she is supportive of me. My uncle knows how to solve the problem. The house is still standing.
Layla Chaix, Age 13, Jefferson Parish | In this artwork, I used emphasis to make one of my pumpkins a different color. I used unity to make the pumpkins the same size. For movement, I made the windmill look like it was moving.
Ramya Burton, Age 13, Orleans Parish | This artwork is my original first piece of art work depicting my perception of African Americans in the era of desegregation. This art work was done with pencil on a piece of paper and is realism. Hope you enjoy, thank you.
Tru Olexia-Daigle, Age 13, Jefferson Parish | I’m a middle school boy who loves art, writing, gaming and connecting with others. Sometimes my age group is seen as troublesome, but we’re going through a lot of new territory. We’re no longer little kids, but not adults either. It can be stressful and full of insecurity, but we all want to be perceived in a positive way. I feel the world has sometimes seen me as broken or something to be fixed. I see myself as creative, fun-loving, loyal and wonderfully-made, which will always be enough.
Zachariah Udegbe, Age 15, Orleans Parish | Although this work is inspired by a series of artists, Katsuya Terada is the artist that inspired me most. When describing this art piece, I mainly focus on perspective. In the photo, the girl is slaying a monster. Her hand is merged with the mysterious object (weapon/sword) and this phrases the identity to cross the unknown. She is showing bravery and strength in the face of adversity.
16 to 21 Age Group
Leonidas Hampton, Age 17, Orleans Parish | Grand Prize | Art is deeply personal for me, serving as a journey of self-exploration. My unfinished self-portrait symbolizes the flaws that shape my identity, reminding us that we’re all works in progress. Vibrant colors reflect the rich culture of New Orleans, with each hue telling a story—from the Mississippi River to the lively streets. Growing up in this creative atmosphere, I’ve learned to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Through my art, I use imperfections to teach everyone how to accept theirs.
Eshita Lahiry, Age 17, Jefferson Parish | 16 to 21 Age Winner | Individual puzzle pieces form a complete image, just as traits and experiences shape my identity. I am a South Asian female, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and an artist. Yet, the most significant part of me is the one often overlooked: my Bengali heritage. I don’t fit the stereotypes—almond eyes or richly colored skin—but identity isn’t just looks. My piece conveys that looks alone don’t define your identity. Although I don’t look Bengali, it’s entangled in the puzzle of my identity
Piper Schaumburg, Age 17, Orleans Parish | 16 to 21 Age Winner | I have moved 17 times, and through that, I’ve learned that the version of myself that is perceived by the world will never harbor the intricacies of what creates me. I made the different shelves in my piece each represent something in my life, such as the shelf of my childhood toys or the one above my head that’s dedicated to my friends, whether the item was a gift or something they taught me. The items around me shape who I am and I will continue to collect the same way I will continue to grow.
Aalyiah Sartin, Age 17, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | Original painting, "Emotionally Exhausted," depicts emotional burnout, depression, & overwhelm. The cosmic heart looming at the top represents heavy emotions, while a small woman dangles from it by veins, represents the self and how we can perceive ourselves as small & powerless under stress. Nerve-like veins represent being stretched thin. Shadowy figures tug at the veins demanding more from her. They feel obligated to take, while she to give. Unable to see her pain, perceiving her as charity.
Charity Dicken, Age 17, Jefferson Parish | Honorable Mention | My piece is titled Reflection. I utilized acrylic paint in order to capture deep color variations in an impressionist lense of myself. I felt that to reflect on a theme of uncertainty of self I should show a version of me in a solitary environment. The walls of the room are far away, so the thoughts of self doubt reflect back. Illustrating a process of uncertainty in self during the beginning of my high school career. A mindset I was able to escape through the welcoming nature around me.
Jaia Cager, Age 17, Orleans Parish | Honorable Mention | As someone who has "came out of their shell" (but is still somewhat shy), I compare myself to crabs. Crabs have their hard shell for protection. "Wise Isolation" depicts the balance needed for both protecting yourself from oversharing, but also being vulnerable.
Sofia Olexia-Daigle, Age 20, Jefferson Parish | Honorable Mention | This piece is a reflection of my reflection, showing my presence in a room hanged on a wall like a piece of art versus my vulnerability that I may show only some people. When I am vulnerable I rarely show my face or make eye contact. My vulnerability as for many people is a range of emotions, given the sketchy form on the outside of the mirror versus a form of realism reflecting from the mirror creating eye contact and not afraid to decorate herself and present in a class manner
Addie Carmouche, Age 18, Orleans Parish | My intention for this piece was to convey the impact that words have on experiences with violence and victims’ self-perception. Focusing on youth violence, I included an underlying message that victims’ experiences may be suppressed or silenced by fear of not being believed or feelings of shame. The overall goal was to demonstrate the power of words as vital resources to cope with, understand, and communicate our life experiences, especially in the midst of a violent and hostile society.
Alisa Theriot, Age 18, Jefferson Parish | Perception is the way I am viewed and the way I view others. As someone who is on track to be pre-med, I often think about the anatomy of human beings. When I look at people I see the strength in their muscles, bones, and ligaments. I find it fascinating how many bones and muscles make up the body. Several different body systems affect the everyday life of a human, yet my perception is their anatomy.
Al'kira Fountain, Age 17, Orleans Parish | all of Me is the title of this piece. At the core of my creative process lies an art piece that embodies my identity, intertwining fragments of my past with the vibrant threads of my present. This collage is infused with my spirit, where old artworks come to life, reflecting the diverse layers of my experiences and emotions. Gathering each piece—old sketches, and remnants of childhood art—I felt a profound connection to my history. Each fragment tells a story, capturing moments from my life.
Athena Marks, Age 21, Orleans Parish | My work illustrates how self-expression connects identity with others' perceptions. Part of being human is the desire for connection and authentic understanding. Occasionally having to prove ourselves as whole people, women seek to be seen in ways that align with who we truly are. Identities are expressed in diverse ways with the hope of being recognized as multifaceted beings, with complex thoughts, feelings, and inner lives. I embody each of these women, exploring ways to show my inner world.
Bailey McDonald, Age 17, Orleans Parish | This is my OC ( Original Character) Yuju. Yuju is a mix of two Japanese meanings. Yu is short for Yume, which means "dream." Ju is short for Juhachi, which means "18." I combined two of my favorite things in one name for this special character. I created her based on the things I like, my style, as well as my persona. She's like a second me but in another universe, an alternate version.
Catherine Boyd, Age 17, Jefferson Parish | This art piece examines perception through glasses, showcasing two contrasting environments: the serene countryside, illustrated with barns and cows, and the lively city, depicted with tall buildings and crowds. In today's world, our perceptions shape our interests and life choices, whether we favor rural tranquility or urban vibrancy. As a young girl navigating these two realms, I believe life is not about choosing one path over the other but about embracing both to create a unique journey.
Demi K0stopoulos, Age 17, Jefferson Parish | This image portrays how I feel the world views me. A joke. My style does not fit in with the popular kids. Surrounding me are several mirrors. These mirrors each reflect me, each in a differing warped viewpoint. In the real world, people's perspectives of others almost always come from a preconceived notion or experience from the past. Regardless of what others may think of me I know who I am, and I am at peace with myself, despite what others may believe.
DeShawne Cornelius, Age 17, Orleans Parish | Quite Sky is the name of this piece. Created March 24th 2024. It was created solely to see how I wish to see the world through my eyes. With quiet but a beautiful sky and a bright but empty neighborhood. Styled to see life in a safe peaceful state. As the girl look off into the distance.
Riley Bonnet, Age 17, Orleans Parish | While my piece is not a self portrait, it portrays my personality and outlook on life. Even in today’s society, I feel I am able to “find the color” in life and have a positive outlook. This is expressed by the over exaggerated colors in the piece. The breathing out of the smoke symbolizes the letting go of negative emotion. This allows one to live a more fulfilling and positive life.
Zeta Steele, Age 17, St. Charles Parish | The artwork depicts two figures, one wallowing and the other reaching for the one in distress. The piece is supposed to be representative of how depression/grief can often leave people feeling as though they are completely cut off from the world and often miss when people try to help due to how much those emotions consume a person while in that state. This is showcased throughout the piece not only through the posing of the figures, but also through the symbolic use of color.
Thank You to Judging Panel of Marc Mayeux, Antoine Prince, & Laura Sanders, Coordinating Committee Members Carrie Moulder, Camila Santi, & Uzoamaka J. Njoku, VPI Staff & Executive Team, and The New Orleans Healing Center.
About the Center for Youth Equity | The Center for Youth Equity is a culturally responsive youth violence prevention research center embedded within the ongoing community partnerships and existing infrastructure of the Violence Prevention Institute of Tulane University to build and strengthen the network for youth violence prevention in New Orleans and across the Gulf South. It receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of their National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs).