A Bit About Me
Hi! I’m Ziran Liu, a senior in high school who’s passionate about both art and music. I love expressing how I see the world through painting, drawing, and digital media—art helps me slow down, notice the small details, and turn ideas into something visual.
​
Outside of art, I’m a cellist in the Troy Symphony Orchestra, where I’ve learned how teamwork and focus can turn individual sounds into something powerful. Music gives me a sense of balance, it challenges me to listen, adapt, and stay present.
​
I’m also interested in how design and technology can come together to tell stories and solve real-world problems. For me, creativity isn’t just about making things look nice, it’s about connecting people and communicating ideas in meaningful ways.
Awards & Honors
Gold Key Award (Writing)
2022 Uber Driver of the Year, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2023
​
Gold Key Award (Painting)
Journey of Time, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2024
​
Honorable Mention (Writing)
A Moment in Time: My Mother's Recollection of Wang Qishan's Visit, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2024
​
Award of Excellence (Film Production)
Echoes of the Paths, National PTA Reflections “Accepting Imperfection” 2024 – 2025
​
SCPGA Junior Players Tour
8th place, Marshall Canyon Summer Championship, 2024
Experience
2021 - Present
2022 - Present
2023 - Present
2024 - Present
2023 & 2025
President | Outreach Helping-Hand Organization
Lead and organize volunteer activities for over 340 members, coordinating food and supply distribution for underserved populations. Fundraised $6724 during the duration of presidency. Foster cross-cultural connections and develop initiatives promoting community resilience.
Host & Organizer | Academic & Career Webinar Series
Organized 13 monthly webinars featuring industry professionals from around the world, reaching 600+ high school students in academic and career planning.
Troy Golf Team (JV/Varsity)
​
Progressed to a key team member, fostering teamwork and mentoring younger players.
Founder | Drive Club in Youth on Course @ Troy High
​
Mentor beginner golfers, organize practice sessions, and promote inclusivity in the sport across the community.
Coaching Assistant | US Sports Camps/Nike Junior Golf Camps, Troy Tech Internship Program
Completed 200+ internship hours teaching golf etiquette, techniques, and rules to beginner players. Managed scoring systems for matches/practice rounds and built a 2020–2024 player ranking database for US Kids Golf Tournaments.
Music
Piano | 2016 – Present
Private study since 2016; complementary training in music theory and improvisation. The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music Grade 5 passed with Distinction.
Cello | 2018 – Present
Private study since 2018; performed in Prelude String Ensemble as part of the Claremont Youth Symphony, WEL-JVG Music Ensemble (2020 – 2022).
Troy Symphony Orchestra (Cello)
2022 – Present
Active cellist for four years, performing in regional competitions; earned Unanimous Superiors at the regional festival in April 2023 – 2025.
Voice - Baritone
2025 – Present
Private study with Suyi Zhang (DMA candidate, CGU). Studied repertoire across cultures including Oratorios, German Lieder, French mélodies, English art songs, opera excerpts. Developing vocal technique through weekly coaching and performance classes.
Voice Solo Recital
Nov. 9, 2025
Ten-piece program featuring works by Gluck, Caccini, Giordani, Strauss, Hahn, and Quilter.
ART
01
Solo Exhibition: Natural World and Humanity: The Good, Bad, etc.
Oct 18-Dec 28, 2025
Self-directed exhibition exploring intersections of nature, technology, and human identity through printmaking, installation, ceramics, and digital art.
03
Gallery Docent | Ming Gallery
2024 - Present
At CGU Art Studio & Ming Gallery, welcomed and guided visitors, scholars, and artists, providing in-depth introduction to exhibited works. Facilitated meaningful conversations about art and emotional development.
02
Visual Arts Practice
2022– Present
Created a multidisciplinary body of work in painting, ceramics, printmaking, and digital media, exploring themes of environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and human-nature relationships. Selected works recognized with Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Gold Key honors in Painting.
04
Research Assistant | Claremont Graduate University Transdisciplinary Fellowship Project
2024 – 2025
Contributed to the Expressions Unfolded: A Community Canvas of Youth Emotions interdisciplinary art and psychology research fellowship project at CGU. Explored how visualizing emotional states foster intergenerational dialogue. Assisted with artist and participant recruitment. Distributed materials and promoted the project in local secondary schools, collecting art pieces and feedback from participants. Planning workshops and offering creative guidance for participants. Participated in data analysis.
Let's Get
Social
