Hopes & Dreams – Meet the Artist – Sep 10

Vancouver-based Mary Gao spent Jan-Jun 2026 in Bogotá, Colombia, working with public school children through the YMCA International Youth Internship Program in partnership with Fe y Alegría. Together, they learned from one another through English conversation, art, and cultural exchange.

This exhibition, in the Britannia Alcove Aug/Sep/Oct 2026, features artwork created by the children Mary met along the way. Their drawings capture hopes, dreams, imagination, and everyday life in Bogotá, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of Colombian youth.

This exhibition is dedicated with gratitude to the students, teachers, and communities who welcomed her with open arms.

You are invited to join Mary to respond to these artworks with your own words and drawings of hopes, dreams, imagination and everyday life in Vancouver. This is our response with the resilience and creativity from Canadian youth.