West California Academy of Art and Design Student Won Space Foundation International Art Contest

Richard Cui, 6 years old, a student from West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD), won Third Place in the Age 5-6 Category at he 9th Space Foundation International Student Art Contest. He was selected as one of 25 talented winners from among nearly 4,000 global entries for this annual art contest.

This year’s contest theme is: Where Will Your Spaceship Take You?

Space Foundation is an American nonprofit organization that advocates for all sectors of the global space industry through space awareness activities, educational programs and major industry events. Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation vision is to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community.

The foundation held this art contest based on the belief that creativity, essentially a form of problem-solving, is the key for the survival of the next generation.  Creativity involves adaptability and flexibility of thought. These are the same types of skills that numerous reports on education (e.g., the Carnegie Report, 1986) have suggested are critical for students.

Art gives children the opportunity and confidence to take risks, challenge assumptions, and see things in a new way.  More and more arts education grants are being funneled into the integration of arts with other disciplines in early childhood. ​