Category Archives: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, ARTEFFECT honors the lives lost and the courage of all those who stood for humanity.

You are invited to explore a list of over 30 Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust in the ARTEFFECT Directory. Unrecognized during their lifetimes, these Unsung Heroes, including Irena Sendler, Dr. Eugene Lazowski, and Pavel Weiner, demonstrated extraordinary heroic actions in service to others as survivors, activists, and fighters. Their stories of resilience and courage remind us of the enduring power of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Explore Holocaust Unsung Heroes
Remembering the Holocaust Session
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to join the next ARTEFFECT online session. Led by 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and 2021 LMC Fellow Megan Helberg, this session explores the stories of Unsung Heroes from the Holocaust. Learn best practices for guiding students in the creation of visual artworks representing the Holocaust and other genocides. All registrants will receive the lesson plan and recording. Attendees to the live session will receive a Certificate of Participation. Free to join—registration required. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
Unsung Heroes & STEAM 
Session Recording and Lesson Plan
Full STEAM ahead! This session, led by 2021 LMC Fellow and ARTEFFECT Mentor Jennifer Braverman, explored an interdisciplinary STEAM framework for divergent and creative thinking. The lesson plan provides turn-key resources, strategies, and creative approaches to connect students with STEAM innovators through the visual arts.
View Recording
STEAM Lesson Plan
The 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition for middle and high school students is open through April 21, 2026! To learn more and download a digital poster, visit 2026 ARTEFFECT competition.
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session is Wednesday, January 21

Still Time to Join!
Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this free interactive and engaging professional development session focused on Unsung Heroes & STEAM. 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman will present strategies for using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. Lesson plan and Certificate of Participation provided. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
2026 Competition Info Session – Recording
Thank you to those who joined us for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session! You can now access the recording for the online Competition Info Session. This session provided an overview of the annual art competition for students in grades 6-12. The session discussed rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and resources and included hearing from previously participating educators and students!
View Info Session Recording
Educators! Bring the inspiring stories of the Unsung Heroes into your classroom! This Quick Start Resource Guide for Educators includes lesson plans, session recordings, and a 10-step process to help students with developing projects for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition.
Download Resource Guide
The 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition for middle and high school students is open through April 21, 2026. To learn more, visit 2026 ARTEFFECT competition.
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

New Washington D.C. Museum Features ArtEffect Young Artists

Announcing the new ARTEFFECT Gallery
at MCAAD in Washington, D.C.!
The Visualizing Impact exhibition showcases 43 award-winning ARTEFFECT artworks created by young artists over the last decade.
A rich tapestry marking the courage of an American Revolutionary War heroine … a striking portrait of Hollywood actor and inventor Hedy Lamarr … and an elaborate, 3D multimedia book honoring the father of algebra … all created by students in grades 6-12. These are among the 43 stunning artworks on display at the Lowell Milken Family Foundation’s permanent, 3,000-square-foot ARTEFFECT Gallery on the fifth floor of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) in Washington, D.C.—a newly minted Best New Museum by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards.

The inaugural exhibition titled Visualizing Impact includes visual artworks, text panels, and short films that celebrate the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes—role models, largely unrecognized by society, who demonstrated heroic character traits such as courage, selflessness, and perseverance and took extraordinary actions in service to others that made a positive and profound impact on the course of history.

Founded by Lowell Milken in 2016, ARTEFFECT fosters reflection on the invaluable contributions of these Unsung Heroes through the creation of original visual art. ARTEFFECT offerings include an annual international art competition for middle and secondary school students, museum exhibitions, and the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program—a prestigious visual arts fellowship for educators, online professional development sessions, and educational resources for championing the stories of Unsung Heroes through the visual arts.

“Celebrating the qualities of character embodied in the Unsung Heroes motivates younger generations to aspire to values essential during the challenging times we face as a nation and as a worldwide community,” said LMC and ARTEFFECT Founder Lowell Milken. “ARTEFFECT provides powerful opportunities to promote these values to students in schools.”

Read Full Press Release
View list of ARTEFFFECT Projects on View
Explore the Exhibition Online
Still Time to Join!
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time
Join us for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session. This session will provide an overview of the annual art competition for students in grades 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and resources. Hear experiences from participating educators and students!
Register Now
Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this free interactive and engaging professional development session focused on Unsung Heroes & STEAM. 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman will present strategies for using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. Lesson plan and Certificate of Participation provided. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Celebrates Highest Attendance Ever

Jan 9, 2026

Vol. 1

Another Year of Impact:

Welcoming More Visitors Than Ever in 2025 🎉

In 2025, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes welcomed almost 19,000 visitors, marking the highest attendance year in the Center’s history. Educators, students, families, community groups, and travelers from across the country and beyond came to Fort Scott to engage with stories of courage, compassion, and quiet leadership that continue to resonate across generations.

Nearly 19,000 visitors in 2025 —

The highest attendance year in LMC history! 📊

This milestone year reflected more than growing numbers—it reflected growing connections. Through guided group tours, educator visits, community gatherings, and special events, the Center became a place where people didn’t just learn history—they experienced it.

From the moving Anne Frank exhibition to educator events and new exhibit unveilings,

2025 brought new audiences together through the power of Unsung Heroes’ stories.

🚗❄️ A Winter Road Trip Favorite in Kansas

We’re excited to share that the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes was recently named one of the Top 5 Fun Winter Road Trip Stops in Kansas by The Topeka Capital-Journal.

This recognition reflects what visitors experience every day at the Center—engaging exhibits, powerful stories, and opportunities to connect with Unsung Heroes who shaped history. Whether you’re planning a family outing, an educator visit, or a winter road trip through southeast Kansas, we’d love to welcome you to Fort Scott.

👉 Plan your visit today:

📞 Phone: 620-223-1312

✉️ Email: [email protected]

🌟 The Discovery Award Keeps Growing

Over the past few years, the Discovery Award Competition has continued to grow—reaching more classrooms, inspiring more students, and bringing powerful Unsung Hero stories to life through project-based learning.

Each year, we’re amazed by the creativity, depth of research, and passion that students bring to their projects—whether through documentaries, performances, or websites. That momentum is what makes this competition so special, and we’re thrilled to begin receiving 2026 Discovery Award projects.

📚 Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?

Please help us spread the word!

Share the Discovery Award with teachers, students, and schools in your circle and invite them to discover a hero, create a project, and make an impact.

Your Generosity Fuels Our Mission

For just $100, you can create a unique and enduring tribute to honor a hero in your life. By purchasing a brick, you not only create a lasting memorial but also support the Lowell Milken Center’s mission to share the remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes throughout history.

Your purchase is tax-deductible, as the Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We’ll promptly email you a printable certificate, making it a hassle-free and meaningful gift option.

Secure your brick today by visiting the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, or by submitting this form: https://bit.ly/brick_form. For more information, contact LMC at 620-223-1312.

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Student Art Competition Info Session Is January 14

2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time

Register Now!

All Educators! Join us for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session. This session will provide an overview of the annual art competition for students in grades 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and resources.
Register Now
The 2026 ARTEFFECT student art competition is open through April 21, 2026. Students creatively interpret the stories of inspiring Unsung Heroes from the Directory—over 130 individuals from all fields of endeavor—and write reflective Impact Statements (500-1,000 words). Various 2D & 3D media accepted. Multiple prize categories. For lesson plans, resources, and to learn more, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition website:
Learn More about the ARTEFFECT Competition
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Poster
Download Competition Poster
Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this interactive and engaging session focused on Unsung Heroes & STEAM. 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman will present strategies for using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Susan Vollucci, a Visual Art Teacher & Art History Teacher at Central Falls High School in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Susan’s Capstone Project report:

“We created an awareness of the rich history of unsung heroes that were present in the ARTEFFECT materials and through individual student research. We generated an environment for students to evaluate their own history and discuss potential new unsung heroes from underrepresented populations and school community cultures.”

Congratulations to Susan and her students at Central Falls High School for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Susan’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

2026 ArtEffect Competition Info Session is Jan. 14

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time
All Educators! Join us for the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session. This session will provide an overview of the annual art competition for students in grades 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and resources.
Register Now
The 2026 ARTEFFECT competition is open through April 21, 2026.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/2026-ARTEFFECT-Competition

Unsung Heroes & STEAM Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
4:00-5:15 PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to this interactive and engaging session focused on Unsung Heroes & STEAM. 2021 LMC Fellow Jennifer Braverman will present strategies for using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. Learn more about the session and instructor.
Register Now
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Erica Quale, a U.S. History Teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Erica’s Capstone Project report:

“Part of our school was transformed into a museum showcasing all 41 student-created artworks. Families, teachers, and other students were invited to walk through the exhibit, scan the QR codes, and learn about the unsung heroes we had researched. Seeing visitors pause to read, ask questions, and engage with the stories behind the art was incredibly rewarding and made it feel like we had brought history to life.”

Congratulations to Erica and her students at Wachter Middle School for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Erica’s capstone project

JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

A Season of Gratitude and Holiday Wishes From Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heros

December 20, 2025

Vol. 15

Warmest Wishes this Holiday Season

Do you know a student who loves history,

storytelling, or creative research?

The Discovery Award invites students in grades 4–12 to explore the life of an Unsung Hero and share their story through a documentary, performance, or website—connecting the past to the present in meaningful ways.

🗓️ Entries are due July 1. Open to U.S. and international students, the competition offers over $25,000 in prizes and national recognition.

Planning an outing for your class,

organization, or community group?

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes offers engaging group tours that inspire learners of all ages through history, storytelling, and interactive exhibits.

📅 Reserve your tour:
📧 [email protected]
📞 620-223-1312

Follow Along for More Inspiring Stories

Stay connected as we share more interviews with Discovery Award-winning students and educators, introduce new Unsung Heroes, and celebrate the projects bringing history to life.

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Storytelling through Art Session: Access to Lesson Plans

Storytelling through Art Session
View Recording and Download Lesson Plan
You can now access the lesson plan and recording for the Storytelling through Art professional development session led by Brad LeDuc. This session guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. View the session recording and download the lesson plan below:
View Recording
Download Lesson Plan
This session featured tools to help students
work on their Impact Statements. 

In developing an ARTEFFECT project, students prepare written Impact Statements (500-1000 words) to accompany their visual artworks. In this essay, students should address the following prompts:

  • Introduce your Unsung Hero.
  • Discuss your Unsung Hero’s impact. 
  • Describe your artistic vision and process. 
  • Share the impact of your artwork. 

Download the Impact Statement Outline PDF for detailed instructions, or download the Impact Statement Worksheet to guide students through each prompt. Please submit your Impact Statement in English.

Impact Statement Outline PDF
Impact Statement Worksheet
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Info Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00-5:00 PM Pacific Time
Join this session to learn about the annual ARTEFFECT visual art competition for students in grade 6-12. Rules, guidelines, judging criteria, tips for submission, prizes, and lesson plans. Competition open through April 21, 2026.
Register Now
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Anna August, an art teacher at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, California.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Anna’s multifaceted Capstone Project report:

“My students designed and created original artworks that visually expressed their emotional connection to their chosen Unsung Hero. Using color theory, symbolic imagery, and compositional choices, students told dual stories—their own and that of the hero—through a single piece of art.”

Congratulations to Anna and her students at Sinai Akiba Academy for their inspiring ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Anna’s capstone project

JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

Story Telling Through Art: Dec. 10

Still Time to Join!
Storytelling through Art
Wed. December 10, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to Storytelling through Art, an interactive and engaging session with teachers participating from across the nation. Brad LeDuc will model a step-by-step process that guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. Various visual analyzing tools, classroom resources, and lesson plan will be provided.

Learn More about the Storytelling through Art session and Brad LeDuc.

Register Now! Storytelling through Art Session
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Resources
The 2026 ARTEFFECT competition open through April 21, 2026 invites submissions from all students in grades 6-12 interested in making a positive impact through their art. Students creatively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero by creating an original visual artwork, accompanied by a written Impact Statement. Various awards are available including the Spotlight Prizes. Learn more about the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition.
Download the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Poster to share with your classroom and communities!
Download Competition Poster
Over 130 Inspiring Unsung Heroes from History!
View the approved list of Unsung Heroes for the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition using the online directory. The Unsung Heroes Directory includes profiles over 130 diverse and inspiring stories of individuals who made a positive and profound impact on the course of history.

You can also download an interactive PDF as a classroom resource to support students in selecting their Unsung Heroes as role models for their ARTEFFECT projects. The ARTEFFECT website now features new interactive and choice-based sorting tools such as the Unsung Heroes Timeline, Role Models, and Pictographs. Check out these resources below:

Unsung Heroes Directory PDF
Timeline Interactive
Role Models Interactive
Pictographs Interactive
ARTEFFECT, an Award-Winning Program! 

2025 Exemplary Programs Award Recipient 
CAEA Southern Region

ARTEFFECT received the 2025 Exemplary Programs Award from the California Art Educators Association last month! This significant recognition is a direct result of the engagement and contributions from our extended ARTEFFECT community of learners. Congratulations to all 2025 Professional Award Recipients!
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Dr. Stephen Newbold, Jr., a Digital Arts and Design/Photography Teacher at MacArthur High School in Washington, DC

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Stevie multifaceted Capstone Project report:

“Students then use digital photography, photo manipulation, and graphic design tools to reimagine and represent the Unsung Heroes in ways that bridge past and present—such as through composite portraits, symbolic imagery, and narrative photo essays. Each project is accompanied by a written or recorded artist’s Impact Statement, where students articulate how the chosen hero’s legacy inspires their vision for their own future.”

Congratulations to Stevie and his students at MacArthur High School for their incredible ARTEFFECT projects!

Read more about Stevie’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

Every Story You Help Us Uncover Can Change a Life.

 

December 5, 2025

Vol. 14

Your generosity reaches even more classrooms.

Follow Along for More Inspiring Stories

Stay connected as we share more interviews with Discovery Award-winning students and educators, introduce new Unsung Heroes, and celebrate the projects bringing history to life.

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Story Telling Through Art: December 10

The Unsung Hero’s Journey
In the upcoming Storytelling through Art session on December 10,,award-winning Milken Educator Brad LeDuc (KS’ 13) will present strategies for creating narrative visual artworks―from developing storylines to completed artworks.

Brad will unlock the six key components to effectively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero’s Journey: Character, Problem, Heroic Action, Sacrifice, Impact, and Heroic Traits. Use this graphic as a classroom resource and to support students with identifying unique entry points in the Unsung Hero’s journey for their ARTEFFECT projects.

Download Unsung Hero’s Journey Graphic
UPCOMING SESSION!
Storytelling through Art
Wed. December 10, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
All educators are invited to Storytelling through Art, an interactive and engaging session with teachers participating from across the nation. Brad LeDuc will model a step-by-step process that guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. Various visual analyzing tools, classroom resources, and lesson plan will be provided.

Learn More about the Storytelling through Art session and Brad LeDuc.

Register Now! Storytelling through Art Session
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees.
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition
The 2026 ARTEFFECT competition invites submissions from all students in grades 6-12 interested in making a positive impact through their art. The competition invites students to creatively interpret the story of an Unsung Hero by creating an original visual artwork, accompanied by an artist’s Impact Statement. Various awards are available including the Spotlight Prizes. Learn more about the 2026 ARTEFFECT Competition.
2026 Spotlight Prize – Media Categories
The 2026 Spotlight Prize – Media category encourages students who create artworks in selected mediums and sizes outlined below:

  • Sculpture/3D: Three-dimensional artworks including assemblage, ceramics, pottery, glass, metals, and textiles.
  • Large Format: Artworks in any medium that measure 24 x 36 inches or larger.

Spotlight Prizes are $1,000 and there may be multiple winners in this category. Spotlight Prize submissions are eligible for all top awards and prizes but can only win one.

See Competition Rules
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Dr. Samantha Fields, a Lead Art Teacher in the Dougherty County School System in Albany, Georgia.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Samantha’s multifaceted Capstone Project report:

“The project exposed me to a wide array of Unsung Heroes—far more than I would have encountered working in isolation. As a district, we encouraged our students to research and select different historical figures to avoid repetition and to enrich the final exhibition.”

Congratulations to Samantha and her colleague Taneisha Whatley (2025-26 ARTEFFECT Ambassador) for their student Adrian Rodgers (Grade 12) being named a Finalist in the 2025 Competition for his project Unsung Hero “Miriam Makeba”.

Read more about Samantha’s capstone project
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
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Copyright © 2025 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:
1250 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: 310-570-4859
Email: [email protected]

ARTEFFECT JOINS IN OBSERVING NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

ARTEFFECT JOINS IN OBSERVING
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
ARTEFFECT recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month by spotlighting the extraordinary legacies of Indigenous people throughout American history. Through their contributions across varied disciplines, these four Unsung Heroes made positive impacts on the course of history.

Learn more about their extraordinary stories and view ARTEFFECT projects on these individuals:

  • Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott (1919-2010) was a pioneering Native Hawaiian scientist who revolutionized marine botany and connected traditional knowledge with modern science.
  • Oscar Howe (1915-1983) was a modernist painter and arts educator who challenged art institutions’ preconceptions about Native American artwork. challenged stereotypes in modern art and redefined artistic boundaries around Native American art.
  • Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915) was the first Native American to earn a medical degree in the United States was the first Native and broke barriers as the first Native American to earn a Medical Degree in the United States.
  • Chester Nez (1921-2014) was one of the “First Twenty-Nine” Navajo Code Talkers and veteran of World War II and the Korean War helped develop an encrypted communication system for the U.S. military.

Through the ARTEFFECT competition, students consider, interpret, and create original artworks that champion the LMC Unsung Heroes as role models. The competition is accepting submission in various 2D & 3D media from students in grades 6-12 worldwide through April 21, 2026.

Visit ARTEFFECT Competition
Announcing the new
2025-2026 ARTEFFECT Mentors!
ARTEFFECT is pleased to announced our four 2025-2026 ARTEFFECT Mentors! This group of exceptional visual arts educators will work closely with ARTEFFECT Ambassadors this year on their capstone projects. Congratulations on the new role!

  • Jennifer Braverman is an Art Teacher at Maple Shade High School in Maple Shade, New Jersey
  • Renna Georgia Moore-Edwards is the Visual Arts Department Chair at Ida B. Wells Academic and Performing Arts Complex in Jackson, Misssissippi
  • Kristin Ponden is the Visual Arts Department Chair at The Unquowa School in Fairfield, Connecticut
  • Matt Shain Young is a Visual Art Teacher at Pickerington Central High School in Pickerington, Ohio

ARTEFFECT has recently announced the new 2025-2026 Ambassadors cohort. These 28 esteemed middle and high school educators will participate in online professional development focused on Unsung Heroes and develop innovative capstone projects to engage their classrooms and communities.

View Ambassadors Press Release
STILL TIME TO JOIN US TOMORROW!
CHARACTER & VALUES
Wed. November 19, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
Dr. Veronica Alvarez will lead this session spotlighting heroic character traits and actions of Unsung Heroes. This session presents research-based strategies for teachers to strengthen historical empathy and awareness–with SEL and ELA connections.

Learn More about the Character & Values session and Dr. Veronica Alvarez.

Register Now! Character & Values Session
UPCOMING SESSION!
Storytelling through Art
Wed. December 10, 2025
4:00-5:15PM Pacific Time
ARTEFFECT announces Storytelling through Art with art teacher and Milken Educator Brad LeDeuc! Engage in a step-by-step process with your students for developing novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling with a focus on the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. Educators learn the six key components to storytelling that lead from storyline development to a completed artwork. Various visual analyzing tools, classroom resources, and lesson plan will be provided.

Learn More about the Storytelling through Art session and Brad LeDuc.

Register Now! Storytelling through Art Session
ARTEFFECT online sessions are free to join and registration is required. All registrants receive a session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for session attendees
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS:
ARTEFFECT Educators Facebook Group