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EXHIBITION
A comprehensive and inspiring presentation of what it takes to build confidence and bravery from the perspective of middle and high school student-artists.
About the Exhibition
Confidence and bravery are unpacked through self-expression and creativity in this bold and inspiring exhibition. Student-artists share personal stories and calls to action through their art that prompt us all to go forward in our days more confident and brave.
- Student art explores what confidence and bravery look and feel like.
- Students inspire the viewer to embody the same confidence and bravery they create in their artwork.
- Close looking and discussion about the works on view supports critical and creative thinking, as well as emotional intelligence.
- Aligns with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence's RULER Approach in the context of cARTie.
Theme and Thought Leadership by cARTie’s Student Advisory Board.
Juried by cARTie’s 2026 Jurying Committee.
Welcome to the Gallery:
Confidence and Bravery
A Case of the Bad Stripes
Marley
2026
Mixed Media
This art piece was based off of the book A Case of the Bad Stripes by David Shannon, that I cosplayed and then used the photos to create a mixed media self-portrait of in my art class. There is texture from the paper pieces that make up the collage of the piece that I think adds to the highlights and shadows, making it have a more 3D affect to the painting. My personal interpretation of this piece is that is shows my confidence as a person shown off in bright colors, the whole rainbow wrapped around my face shows I don't shy away from self expression because that is really important to me. I hope people can find confidence and want to express themselves freely after seeing my piece.
Strong like a tree trunk
Elijah
2026
Collage
A tree, outside, when you stare at it, when you’re walking around and you see trees, that’s what it reminds me of.
The Man
Davidson
2026
Pencil
This peace represents a free black man during the renaissance period, he holds an important place, and he is envied by others who does not accept his kind. This means a lot to me because he is dignified and respected, this one face speaks for all people of color, as he is a proof that we people of color matter and we can make it.
Rebecca
Cayleigh
2026
Acrylic
This painting depicts a Doberman under an umbrella surrounded by light blue raindrops. The background consists of rectilinear shapes with a muted color palette.
Stand-out
Aranel
2026
Markers
This piece of art was a bit of a struggle to brainstorm, but turned out amazing in the end. This piece shows a large yellow figure, with a pose signifying confidence, and carelessness about what is happening under. Under the figure, many dark blue figures gather around trying to reach the yellow figure, almost like they are trying to bring the yellow figure down. This piece truly resembles a piece of me. It represents someone confident about themself, not even showing a bit of care about being judged, or anything going on underneath them. The blue figures represent insecurity, and the thoughts that make someone self conscious, and unconfident about themself.
Gathering Bravery
Alexandra
2026
Pen and Watercolor
This is a sharpie drawing of a ballerina making her way onstage. The watercolor paint shows the different feelings, thoughts, and energy swirling around inside and around her. Notice the curvy, continuous lines that can make the picture feel both shaky and strong. The ballerina feels a little nervous and shaky backstage- as if she's made of string! But she's trained hard for this moment and pulls herself onstage in a moment of bravery. She feels so proud- it's like she's gathering strings of confidence!
Purple Essences
Ariyanna
2026
Notes
It’s about hero and courage and both of these art pieces are about hero’s two different ones and there differences and superpowers which shows that they are brave.
Turtle in Paradise
David
2026
Painting
The painting has a lot of color. It shows how pretty the ocean is
Braving the STORM!
Santiago
2026
Stencil Print
I drew this stencil and cut it out to put printing ink on and use it like a stamp. I cut out a little person and painted around him to make it look like he is glowing. The story behind this piece shows that the Storm is life knocking you down hard, never allowing you to stand up and making you afraid. But the glowing person represents someone who doesn't care if life strikes him down, we found a way to get back up and face our biggest fears. He also shows that courage and bravery speaks louder than words.
Costume Closet
Ava
2026
Oil Pastel
I created this piece as my final project for an education course I took on the representation of teachers in media. This piece highlights the bravery within every teacher, as they are not only seen as a teacher, but also as a parent, a doctor, a superhero, and more in the eyes of many of their students, and even many parents. To be able to put on all of these "costumes," whether seen as good or bad, and still be present for all the students in their lives is what bravery looks like to me.
Real Peace
Chanel
2026
Watercolor
This artwork depicts serenity in the face of danger. I used watercolor, water soluble printing ink, and olor pencil to create it.
Self Love
Rocco
2026
Mixed Media
It’s a self portrait. Showing to love yourself. The piece should make u feel confident of yourself.
Are you scary?
Lily
2026
Mixed Media
The question is "What do confidence and bravery look like to you?", and this is how it once and still does look to me. I used to be terrified of spiders until I gave them a chance and held one for the first time; spiders are as terrified of us as we are to them! I made this piece with color pencils, markers, paint, and glitter. The spider in the piece is my pet Phidippus regius jumping spider, Tigera!
The Bravery of a Magical Girl
Harmony
2026
Digital
This art piece was inspired by the show "Puella magi Madoka Magica" the show is about magical girls that fight against witch's which they need a lot of Bravery to achieve. And since I love this show so much I decided why not make my very own Magical Girl!
Crossing the Forest
Madeleine
2026
Colored Pencil, Graphite
"Crossing the Forest" is a piece of art that depicts a small mouse braving the temperate forest. The mouse goes over obstacles such as the large puddles and scary predators, hopefully reaching saftey at the golden light.
In The Beauty I Have Birthed in You
Jezabella
2026
Watercolor
"In The Beauty I Have Birthed in You" is a painting of a women with butterfly koi in her rainbow hair as a mass of water flows around her and her hair. This piece is meant to show the beauty in oneself and showing personal acceptance one's looks, one's individuality, and the freedoms of truly being who you are meant to be yet in a way where you don't have to be just one thing. I myself have always struggled with what and who I am, so piece of art like this just shows how I view all of the topics i've mentioned into an idea.
The Confident Valiant
Jadah
2026
Acrylic
A painted sunset on a beach with palm trees and dolphins. A deeper feel too a beautiful sunset.
Soul of fire
Jesenia
2026
Digital
A phoenix trapped and scared, filled to the brim with anger and misjustice breaks free from its chilling chains. The phoenix free and its anger flowing as flames all around swarmed as it fights for whats right and what they believe.
Whisper of Courage
Abbygail
2026
Digital
They slipped into the shadowy forest and pressed themselves behind a towering tree, fear tightening around them like a storm. Then, a mysterious light emerged through the darkness, finding them where they hid. As its glow wrapped around them, the fear slowly melted away, revealing a stronger, braver version of themselves.
Inner Self
Ty-Anya
2026
Graphite
The art represents me and how I feel inside. The hidden struggle between intelligence and anger, showing a person mind who’s thoughtful and intellectual while being a powerful monster symbolizes the intense emotions I keep inside. The purpose of my piece is to illustrate how inner anger can grow beneath the surface even when a person looks calm, wise and in control to the untrained eye.
Class Clown
Zander
2026
Painting
This art was inspired by Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, especially the parts where the characters travel through different portals. I used lots of different colors and mixed them together to make colors that I thought looked the best. The face in the painting is a silly face because I love to laugh and make people smile. I wanted my artwork to be fun, colorful, and make others feel happy when they look at it.
Speak up Stand up
Joshua
2026
Markers
My drawing for the contest is about the confidence of someone on a stage getting all the spotlight because he wasn’t scared to go on stage.
Stand up against bullying
Jaidyn
2026
Colored Pencil, Marker, Pencil
I made this drawing to influence people to stand up for themselves. A lot of people get bullied for their looks, acts, and more. I’ve gotten bullied for myself so I know how it feels to be bullied.
Bravery Changes Everything
Layla
2026
Markers
I chose to draw a phoenix because as a result of being reborn in mythology, it can represent bravery. Bravery is the power of facing your fears, and I see that as strength and confidence. I used the colors red, orange, and yellow to represent fire, because when a phoenix finally dies, they burst into flames and become completely consumed by the fire, symbolizing eternal life.
Brave like a lion
Ezra
2026
Markers
Standing on that podium talking to more than 100 by using bravery and confidence, I won the 2026 Juneteenth confidence by using those skills. A lion is great for symbolizing bravery. With its muscular build, sharp claws, and a fierce look, they are not afraid. They also have a sharp roar that tears through the sky and stops any animal in its tracks. That’s why my slogan in my drawing is be brave like a lion. I chose those fiery red orange letters because lions are usually associated with a fiery setting because it matches the intense feeling fire is also associated with transformation, courage, and truth. The theme is perfect because it’s like a lion’s spirit untamed and eternal.
Help others rise
Carlo
2026
Markers
Being kind changes everything. Help others without expecting anything back. Let’s support people with disabilities.
Let's laugh for the last time
Hannah
2026
Digital
This piece is inspired by a Japanese show and manga, “Chiikawa”. These adorable trio, Hachiware, Chiikawa, and Usagi, will play for the last time. Though instead of cowering alone on their homes, they went outside and decided to go watch the sky together for the last time.
Independence, bright future
Skylar
2026
Markers
To me, confidence means believing in yourself, trying your best, and being independent . Both sports and art have helped me build confidence by teaching me that mistakes are part of learning and improving.
my true self
Valeria
2026
Mixed Media
After all, this work of art shows who I really am—without makeup—and lays my insecurities bare for others to see.
Proud in 2nd Place
Maya
2026
Graphite
In this art piece, I wanted to convey the message that even when the outcomes are not what society deems as perfect, an individual should always be proud of their efforts, imperfections, hardships, and sacrifices along the way of their journey. I attempted to convey the message of hardships with the girl having a band-aid on her leg and untied shoes laces, and I wanted to show the idea of sacrifices through her missing front tooth. Having the girl proudly hold a 2nd place model is to emphasize the idea that people, especially children, should remain confident and proud of themselves even if they didn't "winning", because what truly matters is the bravery and effort put into trying.
Husky
Aidan
2026
Photography
I took this photo when I partnered the Hopkins Photography Club with PAWS, a local animal shelter, to spread awareness and support the organization. I liked how the husky stared directly into the camera, showing bravery and determination behind his eyes.
Not By the Hairs of Our Chiny Chin Chins
Joaquin
2026
Drawing
In my piece, Not By The Hairs Of Our Chiny Chin Chins, I drew the big bad wolf snarling down on three pigs while the rest of the town behind the wolf is deserted, with its residents hiding in fear of the wolf. The only fairy tale characters brave enough to face the wolf are the three little pigs. This drawing was inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s, which were drawn in a style known as rubberhose which was brought back to popularity by the show and game Cuphead, and episode 771 of the Simpsons, Desperately Seeking Lisa. I used pastel dual-ended alcohol markers to paint my piece, and Nassau pigment Liners to outline my drawing.
Learning to fly
Jaslynn
2026
Graphite
A child stands at the edge of a diving board holding a paper airplane, surrounded by crumpled attempts scattered below. Instead of showing bravery as a fearless leap, this piece focuses on the courage it takes to keep trying even after failure.
This exhibition celebrates young artists whose work shows the true meaning of bravery and courage through creativity and self-expression."
Abbygail Cadet, 2026 Juror and Featured Student-Artist
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