ELISE JOY CHANG

734 Loma Verde Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94303

650-441-0982

elliejoychang@gmail.com

https://ellie-chang-artwork.squarespace.com/

ACADEMICS

  • Henry M. Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA – Graduating Class of 2027

  • Relevant Classes Completed: Digital Art Spectrum, Multimedia Journalism, Painting/Drawing I, 2D Art and Design III Honors, AP Art History, AP Biology, Chemistry Honors, Analysis Honors (Pre-Calculus), AP US History

  • AP Classes in Senior Year: AP 2D Art & Design Emphasis on Painting and Drawing, AP Literature and Composition, AP BC Calculus, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, AP Economics

  • GPA: 4.0 (unweighted); 4.38 (weighted)

AWARDS AND HONORS

ART:

  • “Best in Class” Winner in 9-12 Grade Art (April 2026) – Growing Up in America Art Contest, Asian Americans for Community Involvement Art, Essay, and Video Contest ($500 Award from NBC Bay Area). 

  • 2nd Place, Gunn Art and Writing Competition for “Childlike Joy” (April 2026) – multiple judging rounds, open to 1,600+ students

  • Silver Key Awards (3), (February 2026) – Scholastic Alliance for Young Writers and Artists 

  • Bronze Award, 4th Annual National Chinese Poster Design Contest (April 2024) – “I Love the Earth”, over 300 submissions

WRITING:

  • 1st Place, Elizabeth Stewart Writing Contest (July 2023)

DESIGN:

  • T-Shirt and Tote Bag Design Contest Winner (June 2026) – Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Central Europe Tour

  • T-Shirt and Hoodie Design Contest Winner (February 2024) – Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra

SWIMMING:

  • Champion, JV Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke, Santa Clara Valley Athletic League - April 2024

  • Most Improved Winner, Alto Swim Club - June 2022

ART EXHIBITIONS

  • New Museum of Los Gatos (Feb-May 2026) – ArtNow 2026 Annual Santa Clara County Juried High School Exhibition: “Contained Chaos” (top 97 out of 600+ submissions)

  • Rinconada Library, Palo Alto, CA (2025) – Solo art exhibition. 

  • Saratoga Library, Saratoga, CA (2025) – Featured work in AAPI Student Art Exhibit on self-reflection.

  • Highway Church Community, Mountain View, CA (2025-Current) – One of eight selected artists with work featured in three separate gallery installations. 

  • Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA (2021-Current) – Multiple artworks selected for ongoing community exhibition.

  • Palo Alto Board of Education, Palo Alto, CA (2024) – Art displayed in Central Office.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Gunn High School Oracle, Palo Alto, CA (2026) – One of four artists featured in the school newspaper for winning Scholastic pieces; only artist interviewed. 

  • Palo Alto Beacon Magazine (2025) – Eight (8) photos featured

  • Palo Alto Library Teen Blog, Palo Alto, CA (2024-2025) – Several written and visual pieces featured.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Art Center Team Leadership, Curator, Counselor-in-Training, Classroom Assistant

Facilitated community art programs connecting youth with practicing Bay Area artists. Curated and executed a teen Fall Art Exhibit, managing piece selection, framing, and spatial layout for 30+ original artworks. Selected to serve as a Counselor-in-Training to assist art instructors in Kids and Teen Studio summer camps. Volunteered as a Kids Art Classroom assistant during the school year.

Mental Health Art Initiative Founder
Secured grant funding to found and launch the school’s first Mental Health Art Initiative at the Wellness Center. Designed an interactive art station that empowered 300+ peers to explore emotional expression, creative decompression, and mental health awareness.

Cellist (one of six), Student Journalist

Performed elite chamber repertoire in local and international venues as one of six select cellists. Refined advanced ensemble technique within an auditioned chamber group. Authored feature articles for the PACO “Out Into The World” Newsletter (2024-2025) to engage patrons, alumni, and families. Recognized with the Student Leadership Council Award for outstanding service and dedication (2024-2025).

Missions Trip Team Member

Administered 80+ vision screenings and organized custom prescription eyewear distribution in an under-resourced community of economic orphans. Co-designed and painted a large-scale community mural to revitalize shared public spaces for local residents.

Youth Advisory Group Member

Co-developed youth-centered programs and designed strategic mental-health-related initiatives to expand outreach among teens. Spearheaded mental health advocacy and awareness campaigns, utilizing visual media and community initiatives to reduce mental health stigma.

  • Highway, Mountain View CA (2023-current)

Worship Arts Cellist, Course Leader, Children’s Ministry Volunteer

Performed monthly as a cellist in the church worship band. Designed, secured funding for, and taught a “Prayer Doodling” workshop focused on using art to improve spiritual and emotional health. Instructed 1st and 2nd grade students in foundational faith-based activities and creative art projects.

California Arts Scholar in drawing and printmaking

Selected via competitive portfolio review (30-40% acceptance rate) for an intensive statewide residential program. Completed rigorous coursework in drawing and printmaking, earning college credit through advanced studio practice. Participated in rotating exhibitions and peer critiques.

Lifeguard

Supervised aquatic facilities, enforced safety protocols, maintained active CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications. Provided service to a diverse community of students, faculty, and guests, including resolving patron conflicts. Collaborated with lifeguards and supervisors to coordinate shift rotations.

  • Titan Ambassador Program, Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA (2025-2026)

Titan Ambassador

Co-led orientation of 30+ incoming students, and provided longitudinal mentorship to freshmen.  Taught weekly coursework focused on social-emotional learning and high school transition skills.

  • Media Arts Cohort, Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA (2023-2024)

Inaugural Cohort Member

Selected as an inaugural member of a specialized cohort integrating communications, social sciences, and design. Collaborated w/cohort members to advocate for and support students pursuing media arts in a STEM-focused school environment.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

  • Logo Designer - Grace Presbyterian Church

  • Cellist - selected to perform for the Opus 1 Honors Recital (annually 2023-Current); member of the Jane Lathrop Stanford Honor Orchestra (2022-2023)

  • Swimmer - Member of the Gunn High School Swim Team (2023-2025), member of competitive level at Alto Swim Club (2019-2023)

ADDITIONAL SKILLS