Princeton YMCA Achievers Showcase Creativity at Arts Council of Princeton Exhibition

Young artists from Princeton YMCA’s, Club Princeton Y Achievers, recently had their artwork, “Alas y Raíces” (Wings and Roots),” on display at the Arts Council of Princeton's Andrew Siegal Gallery.

The exhibition ran from July 11 through July 31, highlighting the creativity, imagination, and personal expression of local students through a colorful collection of paintings and papier-mâché sculptures inspired by monarch butterflies.

The featured collection invited students in kindergarten through fifth grade from Princeton Public Schools to explore themes of family, belonging, kindness, unity, freedom, and hope. Drawing inspiration from the monarch butterfly's remarkable migration between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, students reflected on stories of identity, growth, and connection through their artwork.

The sculpted butterflies echoed the monarch's recognizable orange, black, and white markings, while vibrant painted canvases showcased each student's unique imagination through an array of colors, shapes, and artistic styles.

The exhibition represents a longstanding partnership between the Arts Council of Princeton and Princeton YMCA's Young Achievers After School Program. For more than 20 years, the collaboration has provided free access to arts education for participating youth, curated by Teaching Artist Verónica Olivares-Weber. Through hands-on creative experiences, students build confidence, develop artistic skills, and discover new ways to express themselves while strengthening their sense of community.

“Our partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton gives students the opportunity to experience the arts in meaningful ways while celebrating their creativity,” said Lindsey Williams Associate Branch Executive Director, Princeton YMCA. "Seeing their work displayed in a professional gallery reinforces that their voices, stories, and talents matter.”

Club Princeton Y Achievers is designed to support students' academic, social, and emotional development through enrichment opportunities, mentorship, leadership development, and cultural experiences. Programs like this arts partnership help participants build confidence, foster creativity, and develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

To learn more about Club Princeton Y Achievers, eligibility requirements, or volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.gscymca.org/programs/enrichment-education/club-princeton-y-achievers/.