Creativity in Action:
Our Impact
At Yonkers Arts, we believe that art is more than just self-expression; it’s a powerful catalyst for social change, economic growth, and community resilience. For years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to weaving creativity into the very fabric of Yonkers, transforming neighborhoods, sparking vital conversations, and empowering the next generation of local creatives.
Our impact isn’t just measured in the murals that brighten our streets or the exhibitions that fill our galleries. It’s measured in the lives touched, the voices amplified, and the connections forged through the universal language of art.
How We Move Yonkers Forward
Empowering Youth
Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and creative arts programming, we provide local youth with safe spaces to discover their potential and build confidence.
Beautifying our Neighborhoods
Our public art initiatives turn everyday spaces into vibrant community landmarks, fostering local pride and driving local tourism.
Supporting Local Artists
We provide resources, exhibition spaces, and platforms necessary for homegrown talent to thrive and sustain their creative careers right here in Yonkers.
JR. ARTS LEAGUE
The Jr. Arts League is a weekly program offered at the Yonkers Arts Projects for high-school-aged participants geared toward nurturing, supporting, and connecting young artists with opportunities for artistic growth, mentorship, and community engagement.
YONKERS ARTS KITCHENETTE
The kitchenette developed from a vision into a vibrant reality. It provides access to nourishing foods and essential goods and has successfully enriched the lives of hundreds of community members.
AAA ALL-STARS CHOIR & MOVEMENT
The AAA All-Stars Choir & Movement Program, led by Choir Director Laura Olivieri-Reyes, is designed to inspire and encourage youth through the performing arts.
PROJECT INSPIRE’S COME AS YOU ARE
Project Inspire is a partner organization focused on the mentorship of middle school-aged boys that regularly meets at Yonkers Arts. This group focuses on providing resources, knowledge, and courage for at-risk youth.
YONKERS ARTS WEEKEND
An annual event presented by the City of Yonkers’ Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers Community Development Agency. Yonkers Arts coordinates the city-wide celebration of the arts with exhibitions, workshops, and performances in partnership with local organizations.
YONKERS ARTS POET IN RESIDENCE
The Yonkers Arts Poet in Residence program is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering self-expression, healing, and social change through the power of the written word. Tom Ray, our current Poet in Residence, is a celebrated local spoken word artist, author, and community leader dedicated to driving social change through literature. Tom hosts the monthly Expressive Reader Writers Course, an interactive workshop designed to help participants discover and develop their unique creative voices.
THE LISTENING ROOM
Coordinated by Joe Corbalis of Westchester Fashion week, this is a free monthly event featuring live performances by local artists.
JOSEPH GABRIEL FOUNDATION GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS EVENT
The Joseph Gabriel Foundation hosted a gun violence awareness event to advocate for a future free from gun violence through inspiring speakers, music, art, and nonprofit resource sharing. By bringing the community together in solidarity to #WearOrange, this youth-led resource fair and peace rally honors survivors and implements concrete safety strategies for our neighborhoods. This impactful initiative provided a vital platform for young leaders to drive meaningful change and foster a safer, more resilient Yonkers.
YONKERS COMIC CON
A free, annual event that brings together artists, cosplayers, fans, families, and local businesses for a day of art exhibitions, talent performances, professional panel discussions, and community storytelling. This event attracts thousands of attendees from all over Westchester.
YONKERS BREAKIN’ LEAGUE
Led by the legendary BBoy London Reyes, the Yonkers Breakin’ League empowers 40 active students by championing physical wellbeing, creative self-expression, and competitive development. This high-energy program brings the community together across three dynamic local hubs: Yonkers Arts Project Space, Ross F. Calcagno Homes Gym, and Riverfront Library. Through specialized training and mentorship, the league provides a supportive yet rigorous environment where youth can build confidence, master new skills, and connect with the rich culture of breaking.
CHAMPIONING EQUALITY
Coordinated by Mezaun Ramjohn-Arnone, this event featured conversations about human rights and women's rights with human rights lawyer Thellenza Arifi Krasniqi. It was a free event attended by more than 40 people.
IT WAS WRITTEN. YOU NEED A PEN?
An interactive writing program that created an opportunity for expanded public and community conversations, led by Akasha Collective’s Tralona Boisne. This program had 30+ attendees for the 2-day workshop.
ART INSPIRES ADVENTURE
An art enrichment program that focused on bringing different types of visual arts to provide youth with different ways to express themselves creatively, giving them a voice and ensuring their wellness. This program was attended by 40 youth.
YOUTH POWER COALITION SPRING CONVENING
The Youth Power Coalition hosted an interactive gathering designed to equip young people with the skills, resources, and community support needed to thrive. The afternoon included a shared community lunch and clothing swap, alongside creative identity-exploration workshops in block printing and poetry led by Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva.
COMMUNITY PLANNING COUNCIL OF YONKERS MEETING
A roundtable meeting for community leaders in Yonkers with access to the amenities of Yonkers Arts, including the projector system for a multimedia presentation.
GORTON HIGH SCHOOL CTE GALA
Celebrating the artistic talent of Gorton High School, this inspiring awards ceremony brought together over 250 community members to honor student achievement. The event included a group show in the Project Space of Gorton students’ work, and highlighted cross-school collaboration with catering provided in partnership with the Saunders Trades and Technical High School culinary department.