Arts Programs, Awards, Competitions, and Experiences
THE MATT PAPIRMEISTER AWARD
Launched in 2022, YAFH's Matt Papirmeister Award is presented annually to two Montgomery County high school seniors who each receive a scholarship toward their post-secondary education. YAFH created this award for student artists to honor the life of Matt Papirmeister, son of YAFH Founder and Executive Director Jan Papirmeister and her husband Chuck.
Originally $2,500, the award was increased to $3,000 for each recipient in 2024. We are excited and very happy to announce that in 2026, YAFH will provide THREE AWARDS – $3,500 FIRST PLACE, $3,000 SECOND PLACE, and $2,500 THIRD PLACE – to honor and support student artists who create uplifting art to give to others in their community.
CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ARTISTS!
Join the AED Tree of Life Art Contest, hosted by Rescue One Training for Life, Inc., and show the world how AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) help protect hearts and communities.
PRIZES Grand Prize: $2,500 Scholarship Runners-Up: Art supply gift cards, museum passes, mentorship Online and in-person gallery features for selected artwork
WHO CAN ENTER? Montgomery County, Maryland (MCPS) high school students (grades 9-12) Must be enrolled in an accredited school FREE to enter!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Submit a painting, drawing, or digital art (max 12" x 12") Show how AEDs impact lives in real-world emergencies. Include a short artist statement. Digital submissions must be under 100MB (JPG, PNG, or PDF).
DEADLINE: November 10, 2025 Winners Announced: December 10, 2025 Exhibit & Awards Ceremony: Local school or Rescue One headquarters
View other community calls for student work HERE
Visual Art Center (VAC) at Einstein;
Established in 1974, the Visual Art Center (VAC) is a nationally recognized portfolio preparation program at Albert Einstein High School. The VAC is an Honors-AP level, pre-college, art portfolio development "countywide" magnet program within the Montgomery County Public School system. The VAC has two teachers/co-coordinators, Mygenet Harris and Sarah Harnish . The VAC offers students a broad perspective of the visual arts and deepens their understanding of the opportunities for visual art-related careers through exposure to art history, contemporary artists, and artwork. The VAC curriculum provides a series of art problems for students to solve with projects that stimulate the development of creative and critical thinking. As students mature artistically in the program, they are encouraged to investigate and develop their own "personal voice" or style. VAC graduates have pursued study in fine art and digital art fields, such as animation, arts administration, arts education, fashion design, film, graphic design, illustration, industrial design, interior design, product design, social media, television, transportation design, theater lighting, virtual reality, web, and set design. This rigorous and comprehensive program enables students to realize and achieve their full potential in visual arts. The work presented on this site is the work of current Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors of the VAC.
View the VAC Website for application information