2026 ian hassett memorial art award
This award is open to graduating high school seniors at most high schools in the Santa Maria Valley (Righetti, Santa Maria, Pioneer, Delta & Orcutt Academy) as well as those who are homeschooled or attending a Charter high school.
For 2026 our Art Award is $2,500
Deadline to apply: May 1, 2026.
Application Process: To help make this process as easy as possible, you can apply via our Google form (click the APPLY NOW button below) or click on the QR code. If you have additional questions about this art award, please contact us at info@ianmhassett.com
To date, the Foundation has given out just under $30,000 to emerging artists in our community.
2026 Ian hassett memorial art award
We are pleased to announce the winners for the 2026 Ian M. Hassett Memorial Art Award are....
1 st Place $2,500 Winner: Kody Turner from Righetti High School
Comments from our Judges: This portfolio had a variety of mediums shown, but what impressed me was how all the work felt connected to the style of the artist. Their technique shows up in all mediums of their work, but I especially enjoy their ceramic and sculptural work. I would encourage them to explore their 3-dimensional work and lean into the style they are forming as a young artist in their body of work.
ARTIST PORTFOLIO TO BE ADDED SOON
NOTE: ALL ARTWORK DISPLAYED IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AND ALL COPYRIGHT LAWS APPLY. IT IS ILLEGAL TO COPY OR REPRODUCE ANY ARTWORK WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST.
We had planned on awarding only one award this year, but felt that this artists' application warranted creating a Runner-Up category this year in the amount of $1,500.
Runner-Up $1,500 Winner: Bianca Jimemez from Santa Maria High School
Comments from our Judges: Bianca’s portfolio showed a wide range of technical exploration. I see some bold use of complimentary colors, playing with the push and pull in works that I think would be great for them to continue to play with in their work. This portfolio shows a great display of their understandings of the fundamentals. I would encourage that as they continue to make more work that take those technical skills and have fun with experimenting with their foundational knowledge.
ARTIST PORTFOLIO TO BE ADDED SOON
NOTE: ALL ARTWORK DISPLAYED IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AND ALL COPYRIGHT LAWS APPLY. IT IS ILLEGAL TO COPY OR REPRODUCE ANY ARTWORK WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST.
the story behind the art awards
Just a few months before Ian's death, he expressed an interest in learning how to use a computer system that would allow him to create graphic art. Our friends and family heard about Ian's 'wish' and a fundraiser was born. A Santa Maria style BBQ along with several bake sales were organized by friends and the response was overwhelming! Over $10,000 was raised and we were able to purchase the Cintiq drawing system Ian was hoping for. His condition worsened rapidly but he was able to use his Cintiq in the last weeks/days of his life. We talked to Ian just a few days before he died about the idea of establishing an art scholarship at his high school with the left over money from his fundraiser. He got this huge grin and asked us to call it the Ian Hassett Memorial Art Award