By Jessica Lin, ArtWell Intern

The fourth annual ArtWell Poetry & Art Show was a resounding success! To amplify youth voices, the exhibit featured a stunning display of artistic works created by K-12 students across Philadelphia. Held at the Galleries at Moore College of Art and Design, the week-long exhibit kicked off with an opening reception on Saturday, May 17th!

As we celebrate 25 years of ArtWell, we are recognizing our past achievements, looking to the future, and using our core value of imagination to re-envision Philadelphia. The exhibit honors imagination as an important vehicle for emotional growth and crafting new futures. Throughout the school year, students harnessed their imagination to create works that foster self-expression and portray the world they want to live in.

Student Artwork and Poetry

A diverse array of mediums was on display, including collage, sculpture, and written work. Here are some of the highlights:

A colorful display promoting “Clean Air and Water”, made by EcoArts students from Fanny Jackson Coppin Elementary School.

Self-Portrait Collages made by Emlen Elementary 5th grade students, embracing their identities and their dreams. One student wrote, “My voice is a star because every time I talk I shine.”

In Memoriam was an interactive installation, featuring a vinyl brick wall and canvas where attendees could write messages on priority mail labels to honor those who are no longer with us. It celebrates Philadelphia’s rich mural and graffiti culture, inviting guests to participate in the art-making.

Live Performances

The evening also included several live music and poetry performances. Jazz saxophonist Joshua Peeler serenaded guests while they explored the exhibit. As a Temple University student, he is leading efforts to bring jazz to the forefront of Philadelphia's youth.

Later, attendees gathered for the poetry lineup. The microphone stood in front of a display that resembled a classic Philly doorstep. An 8th grade student in ArtWell’s We the Poets program, began with her poem about the community of Philadelphia, embracing the proverb "if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together".

Malaya Ulan (Freedom Rain), the 2024-2025 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate, was next. She is a sixteen-year-old Filipino-American “artivist” who merges her poetry with dance, film, and visual art. Her piece was about innocent romance, incorporating a ukulele and her Filipina heritage.

Philly-based artist and speaker Ciara Chantelle closed out the performance with several pieces on mental health and introspection about being an artist. She engaged the audience with her poetry, inviting reflections of authenticity and self-expression.

Featured Artist, Nasir Young

The featured visual artist was Nasir Young, with pieces on display from his first solo exhibition courtesy of Gross McCleaf Gallery. It is a stunning series of small-scale oil paintings that tenderly document everyday scenes across Philadelphia—his hometown. His observant, sincere, and richly detailed work captures unexpected beauty in the familiar.

Thank You

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made the event possible:

The Galleries At Moore College of Art and Design for hosting us
ArtWell’s programs team, volunteers, and programs committee for putting the whole show together
ArtWell Teaching Artists for all their wonderful work throughout the year in supporting student growth
Our students for their inspiring art, which generated thoughtful reflection and conversation from attendees
School and organization partners, including administers and classroom teachers for collaborating with us
Our sponsor Penn Treaty Special Services District and our donors for their continued support

We are so grateful for everyone who joined us. We hope to see you again next year!