Tamalpais High School’s AP art students swept the board at the 2025 Rising Stars Arts show in San Rafael, leaving a lasting impression on Marin’s artistic community.
Established in 1991, the Rising Stars Arts Show has annually highlighted the artistic talent within Marin’s youth for 34 years. The contest, held on Feb. 8, 2025, opened submissions from the 14 schools in Marin County on Jan. 10. Over 130 students submitted pieces in categories including, but not limited to, painting, ceramics, photography, and printmaking. Of the large applicant pool, 38 art pieces were selected to hang in the gallery, 12 of which were submitted by Tam students. Seven of these pieces won awards, and three were honored “Best in Category”.
18 percent of the year’s winners were Tam students. According to Tam High Art teacher Zachary Gilmore, not a single AP Art student from Tam who submitted to the show left without an award.
Senior Fiona Bailey, a winning member of the AP drawing and painting class at Tam, shared her insight on the reasons behind such success.
“I think most people I meet at Tam are just very creative in general, even people who don’t take art –[people] really enjoy doing crafts or experimenting with their outfits,” Bailey said.
The art department, which has consistently produced accoladed students year after year, centers around a self motivated way of learning. According to art teacher Zachary Gilmore, while foundational instruction is provided in lower-level drawing and painting courses, the AP classes instead offer students extended studio time within 90-minute class periods. With full freedom to follow whatever artistic whim they please, so long as they provide photographic evidence of their progress, little to no further requirements or instruction is given. This approach to learning allows students free reign of their own creativity, equipped with the plethora of art supplies found in the aesthetically cluttered shelves of Tam’s art studio. Reportedly, this model of laissez faire instruction gives Tam students a sense of autonomy and pleasure in what they make.
“Its honestly so nice to have a [class] period where you can go at your own pace, and make whatever you want,” Tam senior Solomon Grossman said. “It takes a lot of pressure off of the art; there’s room for experimentation and mistakes, nothing has to be perfect.”
Gilmore shared the characteristics he felt defined the 2025 winners’ work.
“They’re all super self driven” Gilmore said, before laughing and pointing to Bailey, who hunched over a large block print in deep concentration. “Case in point; they don’t shy away from challenging themselves. They go deep into their work, and that shows.”
The success of Tam’s art program reflects the vibrant cultural environment found on the school’s campus. The atmosphere fostered by Mr. Gilmore and his students encourages creativity, autonomy, and personal drive—key elements in both artistic and personal development. Given the program’s history of success and its strong sense of community, it is likely that this foundation for artistic achievement will remain an integral part of Marin’s artistic landscape in the years ahead.
