California Coastal Commission: K-12 Coastal Art Contest, '06-'23

September 18, 2024 - December 30, 2024

Carolyn Chu, Under the Pier, 2015 Honorable Mention, Courtesy the California Coastal Commission.

Jennifer Shi, Habitat, 2017 Honorable Mention, Courtesy the California Coastal Commission.

Eden Yuen, Seal Cove, 2018 Winner, Courtesy the California Coastal Commission.

The California Nature Art Museum is excited to host California Coastal Commission: K-12 Coastal Art Contest, with selected pieces spanning 2006-2023.

Every year, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) hosts an art & poetry contest for students in grades K-12, which highlights the unique beauty and importance of the California coast and ocean. In this selection of past winning pieces on display in the George and Barbara Goodall Education Center, visitors are invited to enjoy the artistic visions of twelve student artists from all over the Golden State.

In preparation, participating students have considered questions such as:

  • How are people connected to the ocean?

  • What do you do at the beach?

  • What colors can you see at the beach?

  • Why do you love the beach or the ocean?

  • How can we protect the ocean?

  • What is California/your life/your community like because of the ocean?

Juliana Barillas, Plastic Pelican, 2020 Honorable Mention, Courtesy the California Coastal Commission.

From its kelp forests to its rocky intertidal zones, California’s shorelines support countless thriving species and ecosystems that are vital to the health of our oceans as a whole. The annual CCC poetry contest celebrates those species and ecosystems which must be better known, protected, and loved by its human ambassadors.

The California Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination.

Featured Artists

Juilana Barillas, Ciera Cavanaugh, Carolyn Chu, Jayson Ho, Marvin Liu, Alejandra Martinez, Jennifer Shi, Yuna Song, Vivian Tolajian, Zara Warren, Leo Yang, and Eden Yuen.