Art and food came together at ‘Create’, The Bridge’s new signature fundraising event which took place on March 20th. As we raised funds for youth experiencing homelessness, youth voices and talents were front and center at our youth art show.
Leading up to the event, we invited submissions from a diverse group of young artists with lived experiences of homelessness, the foster care system, juvenile justice, food insecurity, and who identified as BIPOC or LGBTQ+.
We were lucky to receive dozens of submissions across different mediums. Pieces were proudly displayed at our fundraiser. Thank you to all the youth who shared their artwork with us.
Our BFY commUNITY voted on their favorite pieces, with five being selected as our winners. These pieces were auctioned off with proceeds going to the work we do here at The Bridge. Thank you to our youth art winners for helping us inspire gifts to make youth feel safe, accepted and supported!
Fall In Duluth
Created By Elliot Ryan (They/Them)
Medium: Painting; Acrylic
Artist Statement:
I am a self-taught, national award-winning artist who works across every medium. This piece was created on a trip up north with my husband, Wesley.
When I am out in nature, I feel reminded that my identity is as natural as the beautiful birch trees up north.
Mains de Bluet (French for Cornflower Hands)
Created By: Will Davis (He/Him and They/Them)
Medium: Digital Illustration
Artist Statement:
“I am a trans masculine 20 (going on 21) year-old who spends most of their time listening to music with a cat in their lap. Art has always been a safe place to express my emotions, thoughts, and even my secrets. At one point, my identity was one of these secrets.
Whether it’s words on a page in my journal or drawings in my sketchbook, art in any form is a great comfort to me. However, my identity is no longer a secret, and I am endlessly grateful for the comfort the queer community has provided me.
When creating this piece, I wanted it to represent sorrow and hope hence blue and yellow being two of the main colors used. I chose flowers to be in the background because they are often given when someone has gone through a significant trauma and needs a reminder that life can still be beautiful. While the flowers represent the person’s sorrow, they are also meant to comfort them.
The hands, which represent the community, are ultimately what is going to give the person the strength and hope to keep going. As we can see from the person’s facial expression, they are finding comfort in their community.
Our Son
Created By: Ayan Mohamed
Medium: Painting
Artist Statement:
The inspiration for my art submission comes from the flowers that I chose coming out of the gentle hand on the young boy’s shoulder.
I chose lavender flowers, lotus flowers, yellow and white roses to symbolize the love and community that stems from supporting each other as well as ourselves.
The hand represents all of the people that support us in our community, such as our family, friends, or teachers. The boy is smiling and making direct eye contact as he is happy and thriving through the love given to him.
Psyche of Serendipity
Created By: Sofia-Rose Nagberi (She/Her)
Medium: Print Making
Artist Statement:
I am a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on dance, music, and visual arts to explore ideas of queerness and femininity within the Black diaspora. I explore how color and emotion can be used to express identity and experience, drawing inspiration from my own cultural background and personal journey.
My work often incorporates elements of nature and spirituality, creating a sense of connection and healing for both myself and the viewer.
My work is a variety of reflections on time and about understanding the interconnectedness of communities as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of existence, inviting viewers to contemplate their own place within the world.
Through my art, I aim to challenge societal norms and celebrate the diversity of human experience, sparking conversations about identity, representation, and belonging in today’s world.
Eyes on Me
Created By Carly Ewald
Medium: Painting on Canvas
Artist Statement:
My name is Carly Ewald, and I’ve always been compelled to create. Raised in a small town, I learned to appreciate the beauty in the smallest details, turning them into something magical. This creative fire burns deep within me.
Painting became my passion and purpose. In our fast-paced world, it’s vital for young minds to foster their creativity. Art has been my salvation, pulling me through life’s darkest moments. We should all be encouraged to dream big, aim high, and create fearlessly.
