114: A Conversation With Lily Yeh

Lily Yeh, a globally celebrated artist and community arts pioneer, shares her transformative journey of using art to foster healing, hope, and resilience in marginalized communities around the world. Drawing from her experiences in places like Philadelphia, Rwanda, and China, she emphasizes the power of collaboration and the importance of community engagement in creating meaningful public art. Yeh believes that true beauty and healing emerge not from imposing solutions, but from listening to and uplifting the voices of those directly affected by trauma. Her work illustrates how art can be a catalyst for change, enabling individuals to reclaim their narratives and build trust within their communities. Through heartfelt stories and profound insights, Yeh inspires listeners to embrace creativity as a means of collective healing and empowerment.The StoryLily Yeh’s inspiring journey as a community-based artist reveals the profound impact of art on healing and social change. Through her reflections, it becomes evident that her life’s work is dedicated to bringing hope and transformation to communities across the globe. Yeh’s unique approach to art emphasizes collaboration and community engagement, where the process of creating is as significant as the final artistic outcome. This philosophy is rooted in her belief that art can be a powerful catalyst for compassion, justice, and personal growth, particularly in places that have been overlooked or marginalized.The conversation covers various aspects of Yeh's work, including her experiences in different countries—such as Rwanda, China, and her home city of Philadelphia—and how each community's stories shape the art she creates. Yeh highlights the importance of listening to local voices and incorporating their narratives into artistic projects, which fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants. Her approach illustrates a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of human experiences, as she draws from her own ancestral heritage to connect with others on a fundamental level.Additionally, Yeh discusses the challenges and rewards of her work, particularly the emotional aspects of engaging with communities that have experienced trauma. She shares powerful stories about her projects, including the creation of a memorial in Rwanda, where community members were invited to participate in the artistic process as a means of healing and remembrance. Ultimately, Yeh’s narrative serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and its ability to unite people, foster resilience, and inspire hope in the face of adversity.Takeaways: Lily Yeh emphasizes the importance of community participation in art-making to foster trust and healing. Art should not be viewed as merely decorative; it plays a vital role in transforming lives and narratives. Lily's journey shows that the act of creating can be deeply empowering for marginalized communities. The Dandelion School illustrates how art can build identity and confidence in young people. Lily believes that wisdom comes from intuition and openness, rather than just accumulated knowledge. Creating beauty in broken places can spark collective healing and allow for renewed hope. Notable Mentions:PeopleLily Yeh: A globally celebrated artist and community leader, founder of the Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia. Her work focuses on using art for community transformation. Learn more about Lily YehVerena Wheelock: A community member in Asheville, North Carolina, involved in rebuilding after severe flooding, inspired by the metaphor of creating beauty from broken mosaics.Rainer Maria Rilke: Renowned poet whose writings, particularly "Letters to a Young Poet," inspire Lily Yeh's philosophy on creativity and life. Learn more about Rainer Maria RilkePlacesVillage of Arts and Humanities, Philadelphia: A community arts center founded by Lily Yeh, fostering social change and urban revitalization through art.Learn more about the Village of Arts and HumanitiesYellow River, China: A river central to ancient Chinese culture, mentioned as a spiritual connection for Lily Yeh. Learn more about the Yellow RiverKibera, Nairobi, Kenya: One of Africa's largest informal settlements, where Lily Yeh worked on community art projects. Learn more about KiberaRugerrero, Rwanda: A village with a genocide memorial that Lily Yeh helped design and create, promoting collective healing. Learn more about RugerreroDandelion School, Beijing, China: A school for children of migrant workers, transformed into a space of learning and art by Lily Yeh's long-term involvement. Learn more about the Dandelion SchoolAsheville, North Carolina: The site of a new project by Lily Yeh, addressing community rebuilding after climate-change-related flooding. Learn more about AshevilleEventsRwandan Genocide Memorial Creation (2004): Lily Yeh's transformative project in Rwanda, creating a space for mourning and healing. Learn more about the Rwandan genocide and memorialsDandelion School Anniversary (2025): Marking 20 years of art and education collaboration at the Dandelion School.Severe Flooding in Asheville, North Carolina: A recent environmental disaster that inspired Lily Yeh’s involvement in helping the community recover through art.