4th Harmony of Hearts Young Art Exhibition · 2027
The Human Touch: Made by Me
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, The Human Touch invites young artists to explore what makes us human — and to tell their own story in a piece made entirely by hand and heart.
At a glance
- Artwork due
- January 31, 2027
- Submission and drop-off
- Entry
- Free
- One original artwork per student
- Who can enter
- Grades K–12
- Students from the Inland Empire
- Exhibition
- March 15 – April 9, 2027
- Goldy S. Lewis Community Center · Free admission
The theme
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, The Human Touch invites young artists to explore what makes us human: connection, kindness, family, friendship, culture, empathy, memories, community, and the ways we care for one another.
Young artists are encouraged to tell their own stories and show what human connection means to them. The 2027 exhibition also celebrates 50 years of community, connection and belonging.
Your artwork might explore
- Family
- Friendship
- Belonging
- Helping others
- Community
- Culture
- Generations
- Kindness
- Memories
- Human connection
Made by you. Artwork must be the student’s own original creation. AI-generated artwork, or artwork created using generative AI tools, is not accepted.
Key dates
2027 theme & call for artistsDone
Artwork submission & drop-off deadlineNext
Artwork selection
4th Harmony of Hearts Exhibition
Goldy S. Lewis Community Center
Awards celebration
Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Festival
2027 Harmony of Hearts Artbook
Special winner exhibitionTo be confirmed
City Hall
Who can enter
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 from the Inland Empire. One original artwork per student. Entry is free.
K–5
Group I
Elementary school
6–8
Group II
Middle school
9–12
Group III
High school
What you can submit
Media
- Drawing
- Painting
- Mixed media
- Collage
- Photography
- Digital art created without generative AI
- Sculpture / 3D art
Size and framing
The 2027 size and framing requirements will be published with the submission form. Last year, paintings under 18″ × 24″ were framed for free by the exhibition team — see the framing question below.
Story Behind the Canvas
Every artwork has a story.
Young artists will be invited to submit a short artist reflection explaining the idea, experience, person or feeling behind their work.
Selected stories may be featured in: The exhibition · The 2027 Artbook · The Polaris website · Story Behind the Canvas programs.
Awards
Top awards in each of the three age divisions.
- First place
- $150
- Second place
- $100
- Third place
- $50
Judges’ Awards
24 special Judges’ Awards.
Selected Artist Recognition
Every selected artist receives an official exhibition certificate.
How to enter
Step 1: Create
Create original artwork inspired by The Human Touch.
Step 2: Prepare
Prepare your artwork and your artist reflection.
Step 3: Submit online
Complete the online submission form.
Step 4: Drop off
Drop off your original artwork by January 31, 2027.
The 2027 online submission form
The link to the form is being updated on this site. Email the exhibition team and they will send it to you, along with drop-off locations and times.
Visit the exhibition
Selected artworks are shown at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center. Admission is free.
- Dates
- March 15 – April 9, 2027
- Awards celebration
- April 17, 2027
- Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Festival
Why Harmony of Hearts matters
Harmony of Hearts gives young artists a place to be seen, heard and celebrated, while bringing schools, families, artists and communities together through art.
The California Arts Council’s 2026–27 award describes the 4th annual exhibition as a free community-based program serving underserved K–12 youth, including multilingual families and youth with disabilities.
- young artists reached
- 500+
- schools represented
- 45+
- artworks selected in 2026
- 180
Harmony of Hearts, 2024–2026.
Questions
Can’t find your answer? Email polarisartshow@gmail.com.
Who can take part?
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 from the Inland Empire, in three divisions — Group I, grades K–5; Group II, grades 6–8; Group III, grades 9–12.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free, and so is admission to the exhibition.
How many artworks can I submit?
One original artwork per student.
Can I use AI tools?
No. Artwork must be your own original creation. AI-generated artwork, or artwork created using generative AI tools, is not accepted. Digital art made without generative AI is welcome.
Does my artwork need to be framed?
Paintings under 18″ × 24″ are framed for free by the exhibition team.
Larger works must be framed, mounted or created on canvas by the artist. Sculptures and 3D art must be sturdy; for fragile pieces, send photos or a video first.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
Can I submit digital art?
Yes. Save it as a JPEG or PNG and upload it through the submission form. If it is selected, we print and display it.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
What should I name my image file?
FullName_ArtworkTitle.jpeg — for example, JaneDoe_HarmonyInNature.jpeg.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
Do I need to write something about my artwork?
Yes — a short artist reflection explaining the idea, experience, person or feeling behind your work. Selected stories may be featured in the exhibition, the 2027 Artbook, on the Polaris website and in Story Behind the Canvas programs.
Will every artwork be displayed?
Not every submission. A selection panel reviews all entries and chooses artworks for creativity, interpretation of the theme and the space available. In 2026, 180 artworks were selected.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
When will I know if my artwork is selected?
Artwork selection runs February 1–15, 2027. Selected artists are notified by email after the review.
What if I can’t drop off my artwork on the listed dates?
Email us to arrange a special drop-off time. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
Will I get my artwork back?
You choose on the submission form — donate your artwork to Polaris Education Foundation to support our youth art programs, or pick it up after the exhibition. We email the pickup time and place.
Based on the 2026 guidelines — 2027 details will be confirmed on the submission form.
What are the awards?
First place $150, second place $100 and third place $50 in each of the three age divisions, plus 24 special Judges’ Awards. Every selected artist receives an official exhibition certificate.
Awards are presented on April 17, 2027 at the Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Festival.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email polarisartshow@gmail.com — we’re happy to help.
Artbooks
Each year’s artbook is on Amazon. Sales support future exhibitions and Rancho Cucamonga’s IncredABLEs program.
