Teagan Rhodes, a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, has been selected by the City of Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission as the recipient of the 2025 Student Creative Artist Award, which includes a $2,000 prize. This year, the Commission also recognized two additional students with merit awards: Margaret (Maggie) Brown received a $500 award, and Tallulah Kimball received a $200 award for their impressive creative work. Read the press release.
This year’s award cycle drew 13 applicants representing a variety of schools, including Sonoma Valley High School, Credo High School, Sonoma Academy, and Novato High School’s School of the Arts. Submissions covered a wide range of disciplines—from visual art and creative writing to music, multimedia, and musical theater.
Teagan Rhodes – Video/Multimedia
Teagan, a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, was awarded the $2,000 Student Creative Artist Award for her thought-provoking short film, The Pomegranate Heart. Submitted in the Video/Multimedia category, the film explores themes of anxiety, isolation, femininity, and societal expectations through layered symbolism and striking cinematography.
In her artist statement, Teagan wrote:
“I hope to continue refining and enhancing my ability to create multi-meaning films like The Pomegranate Heart that encourage people to think and to see themselves in art.”
Her enthusiasm for filmmaking was clear throughout the interview process, and she spoke passionately about her desire to grow as an artist—both technically and conceptually—through her college studies. Teagan will begin studying film at the University of Michigan this fall.
Margaret (Maggie) Brown – Visual Arts
Maggie, a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, received a merit award for her acrylic paintings celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Her portfolio captures vibrant landscapes, intricate plants, and animals—each piece reflecting her deep appreciation for nature and her desire to preserve its fleeting moments.
In her artist statement, Maggie shared:
“My motivation to create art stems from my desire to depict the beauty of nature… My goal is to capture those fleeting moments in nature, especially during a time when our world is changing.”
Commissioners noted the clarity of her artistic vision and were especially pleased to see Maggie’s growth over the past year, having reviewed her work in 2024 when she also applied for the award. Her dedication to developing her skills and refining her voice as a visual artist made her a deserving recipient of this year’s merit award.
Tallulah Kimball – Musical Theater
Tallulah, a senior at Sonoma Academy, received a $200 merit award in the Musical Theater category. Her submission included performances that showcased her vocal clarity and expressive presence, as well as a personal statement tracing her journey from classical ballet to the musical theater stage.
Born into a musical family, Tallulah began studying ballet at the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance before moving into school productions like Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and most recently, Mamma Mia, where she played Sophie Sheridan. Last summer, she was accepted to the prestigious California State Summer School for the Arts, where she trained intensively in voice and dance.
She also spearheaded the revival of her school’s dance corps, expanding it from 25 to over 40 participants and integrating it back into the core arts curriculum. Her drive to create opportunities for others—as well as herself—stood out strongly in her application and interview.
All three award recipients will be recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting, where they will receive certificates and award checks. Recordings of applicant interviews, held during CFAC meetings on April 15 and April 22, are available on the City of Sonoma YouTube Channel.
The Cultural and Fine Arts Commission also extends its congratulations to all the students who applied. Commissioners remarked that this year’s pool of applicants was among the strongest in recent memory, noting the maturity, clarity, and creative depth each student brought to their work and interviews.
A future exhibition of all applicant work is under consideration, with more details to be announced.
🔗 Learn more about the Student Creative Artist Award and past recipients:
www.sonomacity.org/student-creative-artist-award