The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) Board of Directors announced the 2026 recipients of its prestigious student scholarship program, awarding $75,000 in scholarships to 15 outstanding high school seniors from Miami-Dade County. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship in recognition of their exceptional artistic talent and dedication.
The private scholarship ceremony was hosted by Courtyard by Marriott Miami Coconut Grove on Sunday, May 17. At the event, friends and family of the honorees were given the opportunity to view an impressive display of each student’s artwork.
A Meaningful Investment
As one of the country’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has long supported the development of young artists and the future of the arts community.
“We have a responsibility not just to showcase great art, but to support the next generation of artists — that’s where the true legacy of this Festival lives. These scholarship recipients are a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Helping them pursue their artistic education is one of the most meaningful investments the Festival makes all year.” — Pamela Mayer, Chairwoman, CGAF Board of Directors
“What strikes you every year is how fully formed these young artists already are — the depth of vision, the technical skill, the stories they’re driven to tell. We are proud to stand behind them at this moment in their creative lives and to be part of what comes next.” — Camille Marchese, Executive Director, CGAF
Exemplifying Artistic Promise
Spanning a broad spectrum of artistic styles and mediums, this year’s recipients used their work to explore themes of identity, memory, belonging, and cultural influence. Collectively, the students exemplify the remarkable creativity and artistic promise thriving throughout Miami-Dade County.
The 2026 recipients are: Cybele Alfonso-Jouwayed (Design and Architecture Senior High), Sashiah Brizuela (South Miami Senior High School), Saioa Drew (Design and Architecture Senior High), Johan Duran (New World School of the Arts), Christer Eugene (Design and Architecture Senior High), Hannah Ferrer (Design and Architecture Senior High), Alexandra Guerra (Design and Architecture Senior High), Sofia Hernandez (Design and Architecture Senior High), Giuliana Ladeira (Miami Lakes Educational Center), Lucas Lafaurie (Design and Architecture Senior High), Polina Pozhydaieva (New World School of the Arts), Valentina Rodriguez (Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer), Alexandra Rodriguez-Quevedo (Design and Architecture Senior High), Zire Tanner (Design and Architecture Senior High), and Emely Melendez Yanji (Miami Senior High School).
Finalists were selected through a rigorous review process in which students’ art portfolios, artist statements, and teacher recommendation. They were evaluated by Marlen Kohn and Marilyn Traeger — founding members of the Fund for Design & Art Education, who originally established the scholarship. This year they were joined by Ampara Bacallao, a Digital Designer at Oceania Cruises, the program’s first Isaiah Scholarship recipient and a graduate of an M-DCPS Visual Arts Magnet program.
The Board recognized the retired educators whose decades in the classroom helped build the foundation of arts education in South Florida — a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
Beyond scholarships, the CGAF remains committed to nurturing young talent year-round through a variety of educational and engagement initiatives. These include the Emerging Artists Program, a two-year mentorship designed to help artists build a strong foundation for their careers; Visiting Artists Workshops held in local schools; the Young Collectors Club, which encourages young attendees to start collecting art; and regular donations of art supplies to area schools.
About Coconut Grove Arts Festival
For 62 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, has been dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the organization champions South Florida’s arts community through educational programs — and by hosting one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held annually over Presidents’ Day weekend, this three-day event features 285 juried artists across multiple visual categories, live performances, and interactive art experiences along Coconut Grove’s scenic bayfront streets.
Proceeds and public donations fund CGAF’s year-round arts initiatives. Donations, including those made on Give Miami Day, support young artists, arts education in local schools, and community outreach — such as a recent $10,000 grant to Comic Kids.
CGAF Contact
Address: 3390 Mary Street, Suite 260, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Website: cgaf.com
Artist Inquiries: FestivalArtist@cgaf.com
Executive Director: Camille@cgaf.com
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