At YWCA Metro Vancouver, we are always inspired by the creative and compassionate contributions of our community members. We are excited to spotlight the incredible collaboration of two talented Grade 11 students, Emily Ying and Amy Yuan, who have generously lent their artistic skills to support the YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace, a YWCA housing community, through a stunning mural project.
The Inspiration Behind the Mural
Emily and Amy decided to support the YWCA through their mural project with a clear and impactful vision to promote the message of gender equity and cultivate a sense of community and belonging at the YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace. Their goal was not only to gift a mural to the housing complex but also to raise awareness of the YWCA's invaluable services and the lives we touch.
The mural follows the path of the Fibonacci sequence, drawing the viewer's eye towards the centre of the canvas where new life begins, nestled within verdant leaf shrubs. This central image symbolizes the nurturing embrace of nature, reflecting the sheltering role of the YWCA. To the left, a baby in a bee costume finds refuge amidst flowers, symbolizing protection and love while bubbles capture intimate moments of mothers and daughters, portraying familial warmth and grace.
As the bubbles ascend, they lead to a hill with quaint houses, representing the thriving community within the YWCA's walls. The dignified silhouette of the YWCA building stands in the bottom right corner, symbolizing hope and support. In the upper right, a mother cradles a bouquet of flowers, her attire vibrant with joy, while a young girl on a swing kisses her mother's cheek, a tender moment before she ventures into the wider world.
Inspiring Change Through Art
Through their mural, Emily and Amy aim to amplify the voices of the women and families at the YWCA housing community, highlighting the remarkable services provided and the holistic resources that support personal, collective and economic wellbeing. Their representational painting serves as a visual anthem for living, learning and love at the housing complex. They hope to inspire empathy, action and support within the community and beyond.
Their dedication and creativity not only brighten the walls of the YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace but also shine a light on the importance of community, support and gender equity. Their work is a testament to the power of art in fostering connection and inspiring change. We are immensely proud of their contributions and look forward to seeing the positive impact their mural will have on the community.
Support Emily and Amy’s Fundraising Efforts
Emily and Amy are also fundraising for the YWCA and have nearly achieved their fundraising goal. If you would like to support their efforts and contribute to the valuable services provided by the YWCA, please click here to visit their peer-to-peer fundraising link. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of women and families in our community.
Meet the Artists
Amy Yuan
“Greetings art admirers! I'm devoted to visual arts and I also embrace music and sports. I have shown equal virtuosity in drawing, painting, graphics, photography, sculpture and ceramics, and art serves as my primary means of expression. Given my multifaceted personality—detailed, critical and intense—I contributed to a YWCA mural project which hopefully brought delight to those who passed by. I served as the mural design leader and community outreach liaison for the YWCA Pacific Spirit Murals.”
Emily Ying
“I'm Emily Ying, a high school student at St. John's School. Not only am I a dedicated high school student, I also juggle roles as the social media organizer and budget planning manager for the YWCA Pacific Spirit Murals project. When I'm not crafting social media campaigns, you'll find me indulging in my passions for creating digital artworks that blur the lines between reality and imagination. I love nothing more than splashing vibrant colors onto canvases and sketching up some creative fashion designs.”
If you are inspired by the incredible efforts of Amy and Emily, we invite you to join them in supporting the YWCA by starting your own fundraising initiative. Learn how you can create your own fundraiser for the YWCA today.
