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Cultural & Fine Arts Commission names Sienna Kelly 2026 student artist, awards $4,000; Cassandra Castillo honored
Summary
After reviewing 19 student submissions, the Sonoma Cultural & Fine Arts Commission selected Sienna Kelly as the 2026 Creative Student Artist Award winner and named Cassandra Castillo an honorable mention; commissioners split the $5,000 prize $4,000/$1,000 and voted unanimously.
The Sonoma Cultural & Fine Arts Commission voted unanimously to name Sienna Kelly the 2026 Creative Student Artist Award recipient and to recognize Cassandra Castillo with an honorable-mention prize. The commission met to deliberate 19 student submissions and settled on a $4,000 top award and a $1,000 merit award after discussion and a roll-call vote.
Parks staff had told commissioners that $5,000 in prize money was available for the program and that historically the commission has discretion over how to divide the funds among one or more winners. Parks Director John Jans summarized the program materials and the review process, reminding the commission the selection should be based on the "comprehensive submission" — artwork, interview and artist statement collectively.
Commissioners spent more than an hour reviewing interviews and portfolios from students across disciplines — theater, visual art, music, media arts, dance and creative writing. Commissioners praised Sienna for a well-produced, thematically consistent student film and for an interview that conveyed professional-level craft and a clear ambition toward filmmaking. Several commissioners noted the production quality, storytelling and the candidate’s plans to pursue formal study as factors in their votes.
Cassandra Castillo received multiple mentions in the initial tally and was named an honorable mention in recognition of a polished, character-driven portfolio and a strong artist statement. Commissioners noted Cassandra’s professional presentation and potential for continued growth.
A commissioner moved to award Sienna Kelly $4,000 and Cassandra Castillo $1,000; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission carried the motion in a unanimous roll-call vote.
Staff indicated they will contact winners with details about the award presentation and invitations: Sienna was invited to participate in the city’s Fourth of July parade, and staff said a formal presentation before the City Council is expected to follow.
The commission also discussed process improvements for future cycles — including submission formats, how recording quality affects scores, and whether to clarify eligibility or selection criteria in the materials. For now, the commission’s formal outcome is a single $4,000 award to Sienna Kelly and a $1,000 honorable mention to Cassandra Castillo.
