The Next Big Thing: Henry Zheng

Since joining Shanghai American School in Grade 5, senior Henry Zheng has spent years not only developing his artistic voice but also helping shape the creative community around him. This fall, he will attend Tufts University’s School of the Museum of Fine Arts, where he plans to continue exploring art in all its forms. From sketching for hours during distance learning to launching initiatives at SAS that elevate student artists, Henry’s journey has been defined by curiosity, persistence, and a belief that art should be seen and shared. SAS has become a place where he found his people, his purpose, and a space to create.

When did you realize art was something you wanted to pursue seriously? And how has the SAS art community helped you?

I’ve loved art since I was really little, but I think I realized I wanted to pursue it seriously around 2020. During distance learning, after finishing my classes, I’d draw for hours. That was when I improved the most, but also when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was something I wanted to do long term.

The community at SAS has had a massive impact on me. When I first entered high school, I remember seeing all these upperclassmen in the art space and thinking they were so cool. They later took me in, and the art space became like a second home. It’s somewhere I’ve always felt comfortable just existing, creating, and being myself. Seeing artists who were my age doing incredible work made me realize my goals weren’t out of reach. It made everything feel possible.

You helped launch a creative arts initiative at SAS. What inspired that?

Our art community at SAS is incredibly strong, but I felt like it didn’t always get the recognition it deserved. That really stuck with me. So, I decided to start the Pre-APAC Arts Conference, which I hope will eventually turn into APAC Arts. I wanted to create more opportunities for artists to share their work and be seen. It took a lot of time, planning, and conversations with teachers, administrators, and students, but it was worth it to help build something that supports the community.

What excites you most about studying at Tufts and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts?

I’m really excited to be surrounded by art all the time. The program is a partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and there are so many other museums nearby, so there’s constant inspiration. I’ve learned that artists grow the most when they’re around other artists, and that environment is something I’m really looking forward to.

Best of luck next year, Henry! We can’t wait to continue watching you develop as an artist!