Redmond High School student earns national ARTEFFECT award

Redmond High School junior Fiona Xian has earned a Certificate of Excellence in the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition, a visual arts education initiative that invites students in grades 6-12 to explore the stories of "Unsung Heroes," individuals whose courage, character and service have made a lasting impact on society.

Through original artwork and written reflections, students examine the lives and legacies of these role models while expressing their own artistic vision. This year, ARTEFFECT recognized 46 student winners from around the world.

Fiona's award-winning project highlighted Margaret Bourke-White, a pioneering American photographer and photojournalist whose work documented significant historical events and helped shape public understanding. Fiona was recognized in the category honoring Unsung Heroes who documented truth and informed public understanding.

Here is what Fiona had to say about why she created the piece that she did:

"Creating this piece changed the way I think about both art and storytelling. It made me realize how easily people, including myself, consume images without questioning where they come from or the conditions in which they were created. Margaret Bourke-White’s work reminded me that every photograph is the result of deliberate decisionswhere to stand, what to include, and when to capture the moment."

Check out Fiona’s acrylic on canvas art piece on the ARTEFFECT website by clicking here.