Student Profile
Jenna Zhou
Artist · Scholar · US Fine Art Alumni
"Art taught me to look beyond a single subject — to connect science, history, people, and the questions that shape how we understand the world."
— Jenna , US Fine Art Alumni
Her Story
About Jenna
Jenna developed an artistic practice that brings together observation, research, and human-centered storytelling. Her work moves across art, science, and the humanities, using visual exploration as a way to ask questions about knowledge, identity, and the world around us.
In 2025, her portfolio included a four-piece series exploring women’s journeys through science and the humanities, along with detailed colored-pencil studies of scientific objects. These projects became an important part of a portfolio that reflected both artistic skill and interdisciplinary thinking.
Jenna received admission and significant scholarship recognition from Harvard and Yale. Her journey reflects US Fine Art’s belief that art education can develop not only technique, but also curiosity, critical thinking, and the confidence to build connections across disciplines.
Today, Jenna looks back on her years at US Fine Art as foundational. The friendships she made, the breakthroughs she experienced, and the mentorship she received from her instructors shaped her into the person she is today. She hopes her story inspires the next generation of young artists to trust the process and keep creating.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
A record of excellence built one artwork at a time.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — Gold Key
WatercolorRecognized nationally for her botanical watercolor series, earning the highest honor in the Scholastic Art Awards.
California Art Education Association — Regional Finalist
Mixed MediaSelected as a regional finalist for her mixed media self-portrait series exploring cultural identity.
US Fine Art Annual Exhibition — Best in Show
Pencil PortraitAwarded Best in Show at the US Fine Art Annual Student Exhibition for her charcoal and pencil portrait series.
Young Artists of America — Honorable Mention
Acrylic PaintingReceived an honorable mention in the national Young Artists of America competition for her acrylic landscape series.
Portfolio
Selected Works
A glimpse into Jenna's artistic journey — from early studies to award-winning pieces.
Color Pencil Series
2023color on paper
Gold Key winner at the Scholastic Art Awards. This series explores the delicate structure of native California wildflowers through layered washes and fine detail work.
Portrait Study in Pencil
2021Graphite & charcoal on paper
Best in Show at the US Fine Art Annual Exhibition. A series of expressive portrait studies demonstrating Jenna's mastery of light, shadow, and likeness.
Landscape in Acrylic
2020Acrylic on canvas
Honorable mention at Young Artists of America. A vibrant exploration of the California coastline rendered in bold, confident brushwork.
Cultural Identity — Mixed Media
2022Mixed media on board
Regional finalist at the California Art Education Association. A deeply personal self-portrait series weaving together Chinese heritage and contemporary American life.
Video Story
Jenna in Her Own Words
Watch Jenna share her journey, her breakthroughs, and what US Fine Art has meant to her.
Jenna's introductory video will appear here once published.
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