Yedandy U. Wins 2nd Place in National Arts Contest
BGCA's 2023 National Arts Contest Virtual Awards Show was held on March 28, 2023 on BGCA's National Virtual Club. The event showcased the top entries from the contest, which was open to young people between the ages of 6 and 18 who are members of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The contest accepted entries in a wide range of categories, including visual arts, performing arts, writing, and multimedia.
Yedany U., a talented member of the Venice Boys & Girls Club, achieved second place in the competition! In her winning photograph, "Man Singing," she beautifully captures the spirit of the Venice community through the image of a performer using his art to survive. By selecting this subject, she aimed to shed light on the unfortunate reality faced by many individuals in her community. Homelessness, mental illness, and limited resources are pervasive challenges that numerous people grapple with daily. Through her lens, Yedany reminds us of the resilience and strength of those who face such adversity, while also igniting conversations about the need for social change.
"Man Singing" by Yedandy U., Age 15
"Yedany was not aware that I was planning on submitting her photograph to BGCA National Arts Competiton," said Carmen, Art Director of the Venice Club. "I had sat her down and explained to her it would be an amazing opportunity to try to get her artwork and stories out into the world. Especially when she has started to step outside her comfort zone and speak more freely about what she is interested in. It was a surprise when to her when we found out she placed 2nd place in her category and we want to continue to celebrate her because she deserves to be recognized!"
Yedany has been an active member of the Venice Club for four years. Her journey began when she joined our Mark Twain Middle School Site, where she eagerly participated in various art programs. Even at a young age, she had a deep fascination with the arts, and her interest in photography grew steadily over time. When she learned about the Club's teen photography program at our main site through club advertisements, she decided to seize the opportunity to explore this passion further. She was thrilled to discover that our program encouraged members to freely express their ideas through the camera lens, and found great joy in capturing moments and exploring different perspectives, particularly during our outdoor field trips.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, the Venice Club, and her mentors are immensely proud of Yedany and will continue to celebrate her accomplishments, ensuring that her voice and vision are recognized and amplified! Her photography also shows the transformative power of art in fostering social justice and inspiring empathy in our communities.
Celebrate the remarkable talent of young artists from across the nation - CLICK HERE to watch the BGCA National Arts Contest!
