The city of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission has selected three recipients of its 2025 Student Creative Artist Award, recognizing the trio of local high school students for their outstanding artistic achievements.

Teagan Rhodes received the top award for excellence in video/multimedia arts, which came with an award of $2,000. Rhodes, a graduating senior at Sonoma Valley High School, plans to study film at the University of Michigan this fall.

Rhodes demonstrated her passion for storytelling through her video submission, “The Pomegranate Heart.” The film dives into themes of anxiety, isolation, femininity and societal expectations through symbolism and cinematography.

Rhodes spoke passionately about her desire to grow as an artist through her college studies.

“I hope to continue refining and enhancing my ability to create multi-meaning films that encourage people to think and to see themselves in art,” she said in a statement.

Two other students, Margaret Brown, known as Maggie, and Tallulah Kimball, received merit awards – $500 for Brown for visual arts, and $200 for Kimball for musical theater.

Brown, a Sonoma Valley High School senior, received her award for acrylic paintings that celebrate the beauty of nature. Her portfolio depicts vibrant landscapes, intricate plants and lively animals, with each painting reflecting an appreciation for nature and Brown’s desire to capture its fleeting moments.

“My motivation to create art stems from my desire to depict the beauty of nature,” she said in her artist statement.

“My goal is to capture those fleeting moments in nature, especially during a time when our world is changing.”

Kimball, a senior at Sonoma Academy, was awarded for theatrical performances showcasing her vocal clarity.

In her statement Kimball described her journey from classical ballet to the musical theater stage. She was born into a musical family and began studying ballet at the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance before moving to school productions like “Chicago,” “Guys and Dolls” and “Mamma Mia.”

The performer was accepted to California State Summer School for the Arts in 2024, where she trained intensely in voice and dance. She also led the revival of her school’s dance corps, expanding it from 25 participants to over 40 and integrating the program back into the core arts curriculum.

This year, the city received 13 submissions from students at various schools including Sonoma Valley High School, Credo High School, Sonoma Academy and Marin School of the Arts. Applicants shared work in visual art, photography, multimedia, creative writing, poetry, music and musical theater.

“Each of these students represents the incredible creativity and depth that exists within our community,” said Sonoma Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas. “Their work, their perspective, and their commitment to artistic exploration are truly inspiring. They give us hope for the future.”

Cultural and Fine Arts Commission Chair Connie Schlelein said she was inspired by the quality of submissions and maturity of the students.

“It speaks not only to their dedication but also to the excellence of the arts educators and programs that have nurtured their creative development. It was an honor for the commission to experience their work firsthand,” Schlelein said.

The Student Creative Artist Award program, established in 1988, supports local youth pursuing creative education and expression. Funding for this year’s awards was made possible through donations raised at the 2025 Treasure Artist Reception honoring Margaret Hatcher. The additional funds raised allowed the commission to recognize multiple students.

Award presentations will take place at an upcoming Sonoma City Council meeting.

Recordings of student interviews, conducted during the commission’s meetings on April 15 and 22, are available for viewing on the city’s YouTube channel. For more on the program go to sonomacity.org/student-creative-artist-award.

You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at [email protected].