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University School of Milwaukee senior Jorge Guifarro ’25 was recently accepted as a YoungArts Competition Winner: Visual Arts with Distinction for 2025. This award recognizes exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Guifarro is the only winner in the visual arts category from the state of Wisconsin.
“Many people say you’re born with talent or are naturally gifted, but I’ve learned that talent is not fixed, but rather cultivated through dedication,” wrote Guifarro. “From not winning any awards my first two years of Upper School, to now being given the honor of winning the highest award in visual arts nationwide, this is proof that consistency is key in whatever endeavor you pursue. I couldn't be more proud to have received this award, since it's the result of years of dedication, marking the fulfillment of a dream I’ve worked toward throughout Upper School.”
Thousands of performing, visual, and literary artists aged 15-18 apply each year to the national YoungArts competition. Of the approximately 700 award winners chosen, only about 150 are named award winners with distinction. These winners are invited to attend National YoungArts Week, during which participants collaborate with peers across 10 disciplines, develop their craft with internationally recognized leaders in their fields, and create lifelong connections.
In addition to being invited to attend National YoungArts Week, winners at this level have their work further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000. They are also considered for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Commission, of which 20 are selected as Arts Scholars.
Guifarro is president of USM’s first-ever National Arts Honor Society, was elected to be a USM Prefect, and was asked to design the senior class sweatshirt.
In addition to his YoungArts award, Guifarro was interviewed by Upper School Art Teacher Andrea Worthey about his artistic journey and process. The interview, along with reproductions of Guifarro’s original artwork, was published in the December issue of SchoolArts Magazine.
- Arts
