Why Art Is So Powerful for Youth Mental Health 

At Apex for Youth, we believe creativity is a powerful form of self-expression, especially for young people navigating the complexities of life, identity, and belonging. This year’s annual Art Exhibit, hosted by our Mental Health Services team, brings together over 50 compelling works from youth artists spanning 1st grade through college. Each piece tells a story of emotion, growth, heritage, and hope.

How Did it Start?

“Our first Apex for Youth art exhibition was in the summer of 2022. After working for almost a year at Apex, I started to dream about creating a space that would uplift our youth and would celebrate their creativity, imagination, and artistic expression. When I first approached Ivy Li, our Associate Director of Mental Health Services, with the idea of putting on this kind of an art show, she — without hesitation — said ‘let’s do it.’ We have now hosted an art show every summer.” — Melissa Lee Alvey, ATR-BC, LCAT, Apex for Youth Art therapist 

These artworks are more than mere visual expressions. They are windows into the hearts and minds of the youth who created them. Every artist selected their piece with care, choosing to share something deeply personal with their community. The result is a moving collection that reflects not only individual journeys but also shared experiences around identity, culture, and mental health.

“Each year, we invite all of our youth in Apex programs — from kindergarten to our college alumni — to share any work and across all mediums. After we receive and reflect on the abundance of artwork, we develop a theme and plan workshops and activities for the exhibition based on that year’s collection of pieces. Fun fact: we even install the artwork 8-10 inches below standard gallery height because we want our gallery space to be a space for our youth audiences as well!” – Melissa Lee Alvey, ATR-BC, LCAT, Apex for Youth Art therapist 

Personal Stories Behind the Artwork

For many youth, this exhibit is their first experience sharing their work publicly. Soleil, a 9th grader, shared:

“My experience in sharing my artwork at the Apex Art Exhibition was nerve-wracking at first, but as it went on, I realized that it was pretty fun. This experience meant a lot because I don’t really get to show my artwork in galleries and with all the people complimenting how good my artworks are, I felt really happy and seen.”

“This year, I showed two art pieces, the first one is Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen. I picked this piece because it shows a lot of action, and you can feel what he’s feeling. The second art piece is named Little Luffy, Ace, and Sabo from One Piece. I chose this artwork because it’s very colorful, fun, and it makes me smile whenever I look at it.”

The exhibit is a cornerstone of Apex’s broader commitment to youth mental wellness. Our Mental Health Services provide free, culturally responsive care to all youth in Apex programs from elementary school through high school. Whether a young person is dealing with anxiety, trauma, or simply needs a safe space to talk, our mental health team is there to help them process, reflect, and heal.

“As a quiet, introverted Asian American kid myself (who was terrified of talking) art was a sacred and special place where I could express myself freely without the pressure of having to be in front of people. Sometimes, art felt like it could communicate more than words could. Now as an adult — and even more as an art therapist — I see how this kind of creative expression is significant to how we explore our identity and discover our sense of self.” – Melissa Lee Alvey, ATR-BC, LCAT – Art therapist. 

Creative exploration plays a crucial role in this healing process; it fosters the confidence, voice, and sense of belonging that our youth need to thrive. Mental health remains stigmatized, especially in early adolescence, but having a space where emotional safety is intentionally built makes long-term growth possible.

Artmaking provides youth with a space to wonder, be curious, and celebrate who they are. Youth were encouraged not just to create, but to share about their pieces and creative process. Many shared stories of growing confidence, discovering something new about themselves, or realizing they weren’t alone. 

Through exhibits like this one, we’re not just uplifting the creativity of our youth; we’re also fostering connections and community. 

Xu Lan, an 8th grader and four-time participant in the exhibit, made a new direction with a 3D sculptural piece instead of 2D drawings and smaller sculptures. Reflecting on her art journey, she shared: 

“Honestly, I’m just glad that people see my artwork. Throughout the years, I can clearly see that I’ve improved quite a lot with the pieces and meaning. The piece I made this year was supposed to be a change from the usual pieces I submitted. The piece this year is also up to the viewer’s interpretation, compared to how my pieces usually already have a story. What the cranes represent is up to interpretation.”

Want to learn more about how our Mental Health Services support youth year-round? Click dito to meet our Mental Health team and explore our programs.