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City High Middle School student wins 2025 ArtPrize SmartArt competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 21:30 GMT by MLive
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City High Middle School Student Wins 2025 SMART Art Prize

In a vibrant celebration of creativity that took place last week at the City High Middle School auditorium, a standout student earned the coveted 2025 SMART Art Prize—an award that shines a spotlight on exceptional talent in digital and traditional art across the state. The winner, sophomore Emma Davis, captured judges’ hearts with her compelling mixed‑media installation, Echoes of Tomorrow, which blends interactive technology with evocative imagery to explore the impact of urban renewal on community memory.

The SMART Art Competition—short for “Student Media and Artistic Research Through”—is a statewide contest organized by the Michigan State University Department of Art and Design in partnership with the Michigan Arts Council. According to the competition’s official page, the event “fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages students to harness new media to address pressing societal issues.” The 2025 competition featured over 400 submissions from middle and high school students across 35 counties, divided into three categories: Digital Art, Traditional Art, and Mixed Media. Each entry was evaluated on originality, technical skill, conceptual depth, and relevance to the theme, “Reimagining Tomorrow.”

A Project That Resonates

Echoes of Tomorrow is a 10‑by‑10‑foot canvas rendered in layered acrylic and digital prints, onto which Emma projected a looping video of a cityscape that gradually transforms from its historic roots into a speculative, green‑infused future. The canvas itself was printed using a 3D‑printed polymer base, giving it a subtle texture that invites tactile interaction. As viewers approach, embedded sensors trigger soundscapes of wind and distant traffic, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between observer and participant.

When asked about her inspiration, Davis explained that she grew up watching her neighborhood evolve: “The old factory next door was turned into a park, and I felt like that was just the tip of the iceberg. I wanted to show how places change and how we hold onto their stories.” Her teacher, Mr. Luis Ramirez, added, “Emma’s work is a testament to how art can be a bridge between past and future—an important lesson for young minds in a rapidly changing world.”

The Award and Its Impact

The SMART Art Prize includes a $1,500 scholarship toward post‑secondary education, a professional portfolio review session with a panel of Michigan’s leading artists, and an exhibition slot at the upcoming Michigan State University Art Fair. Beyond the tangible rewards, winning the prize is considered a significant boost to a student’s artistic résumé—especially given the competition’s national visibility through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Davis’s win also brings attention to City High Middle School’s robust arts program, which boasts a full‑time art teacher, a dedicated studio space, and community‑partnered projects. In a statement released by the school district, Principal Karen Patel noted, “Emma’s achievement is a reflection of the nurturing environment we cultivate here. We’re proud to see our students not only master techniques but also think critically about the world around them.”

What Comes Next?

The competition’s organizers are excited about the potential future projects stemming from this cohort. “We’ve seen a surge in interdisciplinary submissions,” said Dr. Mariah Owens, director of the Michigan State University Department of Art and Design. “Students are no longer confined to the traditional boundaries of painting or drawing; they’re incorporating programming, environmental science, and even social activism into their work.”

Emma plans to continue her exploration of urban landscapes, with a particular focus on how technology can enhance community engagement. She expressed interest in applying her scholarship toward a dual‑degree program in Fine Arts and Urban Planning at Michigan State University. “I want to learn how to design spaces that are both beautiful and inclusive,” she said.

Community Reaction and Future Events

The local community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. In a recent article on the City Tribune, residents praised the school for its commitment to arts education. “Art is the heartbeat of our town,” remarked longtime resident and community artist, Sara Mitchell. “Seeing our kids get recognized on a state level is a win for everyone.”

The SMART Art Competition will return next year with an expanded scope that includes a virtual reality component and a “Community Project” sub‑category. For now, students like Emma Davis are already looking ahead, eager to push the boundaries of what art can accomplish in the 21st century.

How to Follow

For readers interested in more details about the competition, the official SMART Art website lists eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and past winners. City High Middle School’s art department page provides resources for aspiring participants, including workshops on digital illustration and 3D printing.

In a time when many young people feel disconnected from their surroundings, Emma’s triumph reminds us that creativity can be a powerful tool for bridging gaps and fostering dialogue. As she prepares for the next chapter of her artistic journey, the entire City High community—and indeed, Michigan’s art scene—will be watching with anticipation.