It\u2019s not how far they get.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the chance to be among talented peers that seems to matter most to the high school students being considered for the annual Artist of the Year honors that recognize teens from around Orange County.<\/p>\n
Now in its 13th year, the awards program shines a spotlight on young people who stand out in dance, film and TV, fine arts, media arts, instrumental music, vocal music and theater.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s not just their talent but their vision and their heart \u2014 how they understand and can articulate who they are as artists and the impact they have.<\/p>\n
The seven students who emerged as Artist of the Year in each discipline were announced at an awards ceremony held Wednesday, May 13, in the Ren\u00e9e & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.<\/p>\n
The celebration also offered the honorees an opportunity to perform or present their work.<\/p>\n
From start to finish, the Artist of the Year program provides a peek at the future of the arts, locally and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited about these new artists,\u201d said dance judge Ariyan Johnson, an assistant professor at UC Irvine who specializes in teaching hip-hop and jazz dance.\u00a0\u201cThis is why we do what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Artist of the Year is co-sponsored by The Orange County Register, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Chapman University School of Performing Arts. Additional support is provided by Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, and Arts Orange County.<\/p>\n
Students, parents, educators, and the arts professionals who volunteer their time all consider Artist of the Year a significant recognition for those who participate, no matter their level of experience or the outcome.<\/p>\n
Consider this note of gratitude from one of the 888 students nominated by 88 teachers for a monthslong process that included submitting written statements about themselves as artists and individuals and, if named a semifinalist, demonstrating their artistry before panels of judges drawn from the local arts scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am incredibly grateful for this experience and for the chance to reflect more deeply on who I am, not only as an artist, but as a person,\u201d wrote Madeleine Orozco, a triple threat \u2014 singer, actor, dancer \u2014 theater semifinalist from Santa Margarita Catholic High.<\/p>\n
In a heartfelt message sent to Heide Janssen, Artist of the Year executive producer, Orozco concluded: \u201cThank you for your time, support, and creating a space where young artists like me can share their artistry and use their art form to impact and change people\u2019s lives. I am truly honored to have had this experience and the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each Artist of the Year is awarded $500, while 21 finalists receive $100 apiece.<\/p>\n
What stood out more to Janssen than in past years was how the 2026 crop of contenders consistently challenged conventional ideas and roles.<\/p>\n
Just a few examples: The tapper who incorporated flamenco dance in her routine. The technician who built the mechanics needed to create his lighting designs. The harpist who has brought together other devotees of the typically overlooked orchestral instrument to perform in harp ensembles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a group of people who are really forging their identities through their artwork,\u201d Janssen said.<\/p>\n
Whether or not they end up with full-time careers as performers or working artists, former Artist of the Year nominees appreciate the boost it gave them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an experience that tells you who you are and what impact you want to have on the world,\u201d said MJ Salanga, a 2021 instrumental music semifinalist who returned this year as a judge.<\/p>\n
Salanga, a guitarist and vocalist, works as a copywriter at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and continues to create music. A rearranged song Salanga showcased as a semifinalist, \u201cMare,\u201d is now her most-streamed tune on Apple Music and Spotify.<\/p>\n
Year after year, the talent and dedication of the young creatives never fail to impress the adults who are tasked with choosing who will be Artist of the Year.<\/p>\n
Sarah Koo, busy as a lecturer at UC Irvine in cello and chamber music as well as raising young children, comes back year after year to assess the instrumental artists.<\/p>\n
Artist of the Year is different, she said, from other competitions that can be cutthroat. The students pick up on that vibe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey care, but in a healthy way,\u201d Koo said.<\/p>\n
In another thank-you note, classical pianist and instrumental music finalist Celine Zhu expressed how much fun she had at a recent Artist of the Year photo shoot for The Register and throughout the entire process.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a wonderful time! I was just telling my mother how special OC Artist of the Year is, and I\u2019ve enjoyed every moment,\u201d said Zhu, who graduates this year.\u00a0\u201cIt is genuinely the best competition to end my high school piano journey!\u201d<\/p>\n
Those interested in supporting Artist of the Year may at bit.ly\/4ekUNMv<\/a> through Arts Orange County. For sponsorship opportunities, contact ocartistoftheyear@aoy.scng.com.<\/p>\n Meet the 2026 Artists of the Year<\/p>\n Dance: Rio Gomez<\/a><\/p>\n Theater: Gavin Shams<\/a><\/p>\n Film and TV: Christopher Blocher<\/a><\/p>\n Instrumental music: Naomi Gesk<\/a><\/p>\n Vocal music: Lexie Shehab<\/a><\/p>\n Fine arts: Lucius Acker<\/a><\/p>\n