Nearly 1,100 guests attend third annual Arts Explosion

See photos from the three-day event held in Federal Way.

By Keelin Everly-Lang • June 5, 2025 11:30 am

The third annual Arts Explosion brought a juried art competition for both adult and youth artists from around the region in an event that ran May 30 to June 1 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.

Adult artists could submit in five categories: Photography, Digital/Mixed Media, Textiles, Two-Dimensional artwork (paintings, collages, prints), and Three-Dimensional artwork (sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, wearable and body art).

This year, the Arts Explosion provided the opportunity for youth artists to submit from all school districts at the high school level (ages 15-18) in any of the five categories.

Adult artists were invited to submit work and apply in more than one category. Youth artists were invited to submit up to two artworks.

$4,400 was given out in prizes and 1,100 guests attended the free event.

The VIP night guests enjoy musical performances on May 30, 2025. Photo by Bruce Honda.

First place for the photography category was a vibrant nature photo.

The Arts Explosion included a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including this sculpture entry made of wood and glass.

Glass was another sculpture medium present at the Arts Explosion 2025. Photo by Bruce Honda.

1st place in the youth category was titled “Daydreaming” by Abby Ahn.

2nd place in the 2-dimensional art category was titled “Ebony” and painted by Florence Desrosiers. Photo by Bruce Honda

1st place in the 2-dimensional art category was titled “Gratitude II” by Young Mee Lee. Photo by Bruce Honda.

Galina and Andrey Galeewa / Pan Flute and Violin. Photo by Bruce Honda

Students perform as part of Decatur’s Jazz Quintet. Photo by Bruce Honda

This was the first year that textile arts were a category included in the Arts Explosion. First place demonstrated detailed quilting techniques. Photo by Bruce Honda.