Featured Event:
2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS)

Each year, the YAAS encourages youth from around the globe to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork and literature. The showcase gives us an opportunity to reach out to the community. It enables us to engage local Art and English teachers and reach an audience of public, private and home-schooled students that might not already be included in our Sister City youth programs.

Three talented local artists, Aliyah Boyce, Evelyn Murphy and Nakia Boykin have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Sister Cities International 2025 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS). All of the artists captured the essence of the theme, “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace,” through their inspiring artwork. Boyce and Murphy were winners of the local Sister Cities of Hampton Artist Showcase, receiving a prize of $250 each. Their works were entered into the Sister Cities International Showcase, where they competed for the $1,000 Grand Prize. Boykins was a third-place winner and received a $250 prize.

Aliyah Boyce: "Picnic with Friends"
Fine Arts Category | Kecoughtan High, 9th Grade
▼

Boyce's artwork beautifully illustrates the power of friendship in fostering a safe and diverse community. Her artwork emphasizes how individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together in harmony. Boyce's work is a vibrant celebration of intercultural understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Evelyn Murphy: "Friendship: The Heartbeat of World Peace" 
Digital Arts Category | Kecoughtan High School, 12th Grade
▼

Murphy's creation delves into the innocence of childhood and the profound impact of mutual support. Inspired by her personal friendships with individuals from Peru and India, her artwork highlights the importance of nurturing these bonds to build a more peaceful world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the universality of friendship and its role in promoting global harmony.

Nakia Boykins: "Friendship: The Heartbeat of World Peace" Digital Arts Category | Phoebus High School, 11th Grade
▼

Scheduled Events
for 2025-26

Executive Board Meeting
February 6, 2025
Community Development
Hampton City Hall
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Executive Board Meeting
March 6, 2025
Community Development
Hampton City Hall
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Young Artist/Authors Contest
THEME: "Friendship: The Heartbeat of World Peace"
April ▶ 2025
Hampton City Schools

Executive Board Meeting
June 12, 2025
Canty Conference Rm
Hampton City Hall
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Malanje, Angola Heritage Tour
June 27-July 7, 2025
Hampton Delegation

Executive Board Meeting
November 13, 2025
Hampton City Hall
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm