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Pride Hall at Covenant House New York was buzzing on a recent evening. Caterers carrying hors d'oeuvres and mocktails wove between tables of artwork and potential buyers, while a DJ spun music, and 27 artists, all of them young people overcoming homelessness, showed off their creations at the second annual CHNY Youth Art Show.
More than 125 pieces were on display, including watercolor and acrylic paintings, photographs, sculptures, and handcrafted jewelry. Most of the items had sprung from the imaginations of the youth and reflected their experiences, musings, and aspirations.
Art and Resilience
Moongelina, a resident who recently moved from Covenant House into her first apartment, became animated when she talked with a buyer about her photograph, “Flowers in Bloom.”
“These flowers were in a field that had burned. The soil had been through so much trauma, but it still produced this piece of beauty,” she said, admiring its resilience.
Resilience is something these artists have in common.
Artists like Carlos, who participated for the second time. This year, he says, he wanted to experiment and do something new. So, he did some of his paintings on bronze- or silver-colored paper, and in some he used vividly colored geometric shapes.
“I want to become a recognized artist,” Carlos said. “I want to continue painting and experimenting. It’s something I really like to do. When I start painting, I forget everything else. When I’m doing this, I’m in another world. I’m from a country that’s not very good. I had no resources there to pursue my love of art. Covenant House has given me the resources, and that’s why I’m painting now.”
All Proceeds to the Artists
The art show was set up as a silent auction, housed on a platform that informed buyers when they were outbid by another guest. Competition was healthy and fierce because buyers knew that 100% of the purchase price goes to the artist. Over 70 pieces of art were sold, and $13,000 made it into the hands of the youth artists.
“I’m here to show my support for the youth,” said John O’Brien, one of dozens of guests who attended the art show. “It’s great for the young people to see so many people come and show interest in their work. Whenever I interact with the youth, it reminds me why I support them.”
Inviting young people to explore the financial side of the art industry is just one training they go through in the art workshops they attend leading up to the show. Our partner Arts Ignite developed a six-week custom workshop series dedicated to creating pieces for the show. Arts Ignite provided teaching artists who facilitated the workshops, along with the art materials needed to teach each medium.
Other partners that played a role in providing supplies and unique training opportunities and helped bring the show to life include Relish Catering + Hospitality, Peapack Private, David Kordansky Gallery, and Shutterfly..
Anna Ubell-Garcia, who hosted a consistent schedule of photography workshops for CHNY youth, says she loves volunteering at Covenant House and feels she derives even more joy from it than the young people. “They give me so much energy,” she said. “Here at the art show, I love knowing I was with them when they created some of these things.” She says youth come to learn that Covenant House, including the art room, is a safe space for them.
‘One of a Kind, Endlessly Beautiful’
Mia Wilkins, a staff member on the youth development team, addressed the nearly 100 guests in attendance and acknowledged the months of preparation that went into the show.
“Tonight, of course, the spotlight belongs to the artists,” she said. “Congratulations, artists, on your amazing creations. Like you, they are one of a kind, and endlessly beautiful. Anyone would be proud to have your work adorn their walls, home, or person. Thank you so much for pouring your energy and inspiration into these beautiful pieces.”
Many thanks to the entire community for rallying around the 27 youth artists who gained valuable skills and confidence while participating in this year’s art show. Together, we celebrate the works of Abigail, Alix, Anny, Ashanti, Ashley, Carlos, Da’ja, Ivory, Janeva, Janiya, Jomaira, Kaila, Kenzo, Keysha, Kyara, Laney, Leora, Litzy, Mamadou, Moongelina, Nahzir, Navi, Nick-Darlencia, Nora, Sili, Sue, and Zayyona.