By Travis Wu
Art is everything! It’s woven into all the little things around us—the design of your favorite outfit, the architecture of your home or even the sleek curves of your phone. Art flourishes in the world with life and vibrance. But somewhere along the way, especially for younger generations, its importance has started to fade.
That’s where the Saigon Art Academy steps in. For the past two decades, this special place has been helping kids rediscover the joy of creativity through hands-on art.
Founded in 2005 by Duyen Nguyen as the “Children’s Art Workshop,” the academy began as a small space where kids could express themselves freely. By 2008, the academy had grown largely in size and it officially became the Saigon Art Academy.
This year marked a major milestone. On March 28, 2025, the academy held its first annual art exhibition since 2019, bringing students, parents, and teachers together to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It was more than just an art show—it was the return of a beloved community filled with aspiring artists.
Inside the exhibition room, the walls were lined with student artwork, with each piece a window into someone’s imagination. Some paintings burst with bold colors while others showed off soft and intricate details. As families walked through the space, they could see just how far each student had come.
“I think my favorite part of this event is watching the kids light up when they see their artwork on display,” teacher’s assistant Vance Bui said. “It’s a moment of pride for them. They start to see their own growth and it gets them excited about what they’ll create next.”
At the heart of the academy’s teaching philosophy is a simple but powerful idea: kids learn best by doing. Students start by watching their teachers sketch or paint a piece, then give it a try themselves. They’re guided along the way but also encouraged to take creative risks and make each piece their own.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the series of interactive stations designed to engage students even further. Guests could visit a sticker table, a bookmark craft area, a building block zone and a gift station. Each activity was run by a teacher or an assistant, and what stood out was just how much fun they were having, too.
At the building block table, Bui helped children bring their creations to life with joy and encouragement. “I love being around the kids,” Bui said. “I want to show them that art has meaning and, most importantly, that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.”
Bui recalled one moment in particular that stuck with him.
“There was this one student who was really shy and didn’t want to talk to anyone at first. I told him that we’re all friends here and that we’re in this together,” Bui said. “By the end of the session, he was laughing and showing off his drawing to the whole class. That’s what it’s all about.”
Even students could feel the magic of the academy. Ten-year-old Louis Nguyen, one of the artists featured in the exhibition, said he’s grown a lot through the program.
“The exhibition is my favorite part of the year,” Nguyen said. “I really like Mr. Bui because he teaches me a lot. This academy has helped me with my coloring and I want to stay here until I go to college.”
Senior teacher and college student Nghi Nguyen said this exhibition meant more than usual.
“It’s the first official exhibition in five years, and it feels like the start of something new,” she said. “We have a fresh generation of students and a lot of new teachers, and it’s exciting to see how everyone’s come together.”
She also highlighted the energy and drive the students bring to class.
“There’s a wide range of personalities here, but every student is motivated to create,” Nghi Nguyen said.
And that’s the beauty of the Saigon Art Academy. All the students did not out of force, but out of genuine passion and love for art.
As the day came to a close, the smiles and laughter of students filled the room. Some showed off their favorite projects, others raced to one last activity station, and many proudly posed for pictures next to their artwork. The joy was infectious.
Just like how NASA is the launchpad for future astronauts, the Saigon Art Academy is the launchpad for future artists.
