Visitors wandered from easel to easel, pausing to admire one painting after another before turning to the young artist standing beside it. With every question came another glimpse into a personal journey.
On July 28, MYC hosted its third annual art exhibition, centered on the theme of mental health. The exhibition showcased paintings created by participants in the center’s drawing classes, which have been ongoing for the past three years.
The exhibition became a space where youth could express emotions that are often difficult to put into words. Each artist stood proudly beside their painting, sharing the meaning behind every canvas and reminding visitors that behind every image is a story worth hearing.
Every painting tells a unique story. Click on each title below to view the artwork and read the young artist’s reflection.
Connecting Hearts and Minds
Inspired by MYC’s psychosocial support group, Connecting Hearts and Minds, Randa’s painting explores the relationship between the heart and the mind. Her artwork reflects her belief that both must work together as we seek God’s will.
“I want people to know that God wants us to use both our hearts and minds to make wise decisions that are aligned with His will.”
After attending MYC for four years, Randa says the center helped her discover confidence in her abilities. “When I first joined, I did not believe I was talented. Miss Rana (youth worker) encouraged me and helped me believe in myself.”
The Masks of the Soul
Assaad’s painting invites viewers to look beyond appearances and remember that hidden struggles often exist beneath smiling faces.
“My artwork is about people who hide their pain behind different masks. Many people appear happy on the outside but are struggling on the inside. They carry a lot of fear that others cannot see.
The bird necklace in my painting represents melancholy and pain. It is a bird trying to break free but unable to because the chain keeps it tied to the neck.
The message I want to share is: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Someone who seems happy may be carrying deep sadness inside.”
Through MYC’s drawing classes, Assaad discovered that “art can carry a message to the world. That is a responsibility.”
A Heart Beginning to Bloom
Through bright colors and blooming flowers, Rula’s painting reminds visitors that every person has unique gifts waiting to be discovered.
“My artwork is about a lost person who is discovering themselves. Their heart is still beating and beginning to bloom. The flowers represent our abilities and potential, and I chose yellow because it symbolizes hope.
I did not enjoy drawing before, but at Manara Youth Center, I discovered my love for it. Art has helped me get to know more people at the center. It has also given me a way to express my feelings and discover a new talent within myself.”
A Ship Through the Storm
Fahed’s storm-tossed ship symbolizes perseverance, encouraging others to keep moving forward even when they feel alone.
“This painting represents a lonely ship at sea facing hardships. Despite the storm and the waves, it continues its journey. I want people to know that they can overcome challenges, even when they feel alone.
Before joining the center’s drawing classes, I only made pencil sketches. Here, I learned how to paint with acrylics, and now colors are my favorite part of drawing.”
The Pain of Being Left Behind
Samar’s painting captures the emotional weight of neglect and heartbreak, portraying the unseen wounds that relationships can leave behind.
“My painting shows a woman facing a man, and each character represents a different emotion. The man represents apathy and arrogance, while the woman is overwhelmed by her emotions.
Since this exhibition focuses on mental health, I wanted to highlight the feelings that come from being neglected in a relationship when someone gives everything they have, while the other person walks away, leaving them hurt.
The hardest part was finding the right way to express emotions that someone might have experienced at some point in their life.”
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Against a backdrop of darkness and pressure, Zahra’s painting points to the hope that continues to shine despite life’s hardships.
“The dark colors represent the pressures people experience, including war and the inability to pursue an education or career. These struggles can break a person, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
The most challenging part was painting the sun. How can you represent something as big as hope through only a few rays of light in the center of a painting? I hope people can understand the power of hope in this piece.
The drawing classes have taught me the importance of cooperation and understanding other people’s perspectives about our artwork.”
There Is Still Hope
Rafaa’s artwork portrays feelings of helplessness and despair while reminding viewers that hope remains even in life’s darkest moments.
“My painting shows a person curled up in despair in a corner. The missing hand is not a mistake; it is a symbol of helplessness and the inability to express inner thoughts and feelings.
The dark colors emphasize the feeling of being trapped. We all experience moments like this somehow. Sometimes I feel this way too. But I want people to know that there is still hope.”
Beauty in Imperfection
A young artist reflects on wounds, perseverance, and remaining faithful in a broken world.
“This painting reflects me. If you want to be an angel in a world surrounded by demons, there is a pain that comes with it. The idea came to me on a day when I was not feeling well.
It is not perfect because nothing in this life is. My painting is filled with wounds, but the process of creating it was messy and beautiful because I was able to express myself.”
After joining MYC’s drawing classes, the young artist discovered a new way to process emotions and share what was inside.
Let Your Gifts Bloom
Ghaleb’s painting celebrates the courage to let God-given talents flourish despite criticism.
“This painting shows a person with flowers flowing out of their chest, and it represents me. I wanted people to understand that talent is meant to grow and flourish.
At school, I wanted to become a fashion designer, but some people made fun of me because they believed designing dresses was only for girls. I overcame that by reminding myself that fashion is for everyone, and my parents supported me.
Although I experienced bullying at school, here at the center, I found acceptance, love, and encouragement.”
Over the past three years, MYC’s drawing classes have been a space where young people discover talents they never knew they had, express emotions that are difficult to voice, and grow in confidence as they encourage one another.
Through every canvas, visitors caught a glimpse of the inside world of these young artists. We pray God continues His work in their lives.
