In April 2025, teens around York and Adams Counties were asked to create original artwork for an art show at Martin Library. They were tasked with responding to the prompt, “Do My Feelings Matter?” The juried contest provided a creative outlet in advance of the “Do My Feelings Matter? Teen Emotional and Social Well Being: A Community Conversation” event held at Martin Library on May 4, 2025.
During the Teen Community Conversation, teens, their peers, community adults, and experts came together to discuss teen perspectives about issues in their communities. The intent of the event was to increase knowledge, bridge understanding, and inspire collaborative action through a unique combination of artistic expression and community dialogue.
The afternoon included a panel discussion of questions raised by local teens and members of the audience. The panel included teens and community members, and discussion focused on the expectations placed on teens today, and the effect that has on their overall physical and emotional health.
Awards were presented to the winners of the art show: First, Second, and Third place, and a Viewer’s Favorite selected by art show visitors. We are pleased to show you all the wonderful artworks below!
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First Place Winner Jassalyn I. stands with her artwork and blue ribbon during the Do My Feelings Matter? Teen Art Show Opening
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He will wipe away every tear •
Artist: Jassalyn I. •
First Place Winner
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Artist Amelia J stands with her family celebrating her second place win during the Do My Feelings Matter? Teen Art Opening
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House of Cards •
Artist: Amelia J. •
Second Place Winner
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Journaling is My Escape •
Artist: Estella D. •
Third Place Winner
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Daylight •
Artist: Deja G. •
Viewers' Choice Winner
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All Feelings Are Valid •
Artist: Madisyn B.
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At Peace •
Artist: Kaitlyn K.
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Beauty •
Artist: Makayla V.
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Bundled Up Emotions •
Artist: Kymberly W.
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Caught Between Storms •
Artist: Addy W.
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Cuando el mundo se me viene abajo •
Artist: Rihanna CT
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Do my feelings matter •
Artist: Jinnelitza VO
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Do You Hear What I Hear: A Self-Portrait •
Artist: Allison M.
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Driving for Music •
Artist: Benjamin G.
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Emotion Splatter •
Artist: Kelsey J.
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Sadness, Guilt, Anger, Love •
Artist: Damian O.
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Ezekiel 28:17, ‘Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you.’ •
Artist: Eliot P.
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Fading Away •
Artist: Zanaydije G.
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In the Other Picture •
Artist: Charlotte L.
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Locked in the Cage •
Artist: Clover B.
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Melting Away •
Artist: Madison R.
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My Choice •
Artist: Isabella D.
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My Reflection •
Artist: Tilly B.
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Repressed •
Artist: Michael F.
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She Held Her Sky •
Artist: Annye IG
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Silence •
Artist: Alexa D.
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Smokey Feelings •
Artist: Samuel D.
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The Light Inside •
Artist: Mia B.
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They Still Matter •
Artist: Caylen W.
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Undesirable Sympathies •
Artist: Alayra G.
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Untitled •
Artist: Derek W.
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Weighted Emotions •
Artist: Genesis G.
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What's the meaning of rainy days? •
Artist: Harper H.
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You Are My Sunshine •
Artist: Anaiya G.
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You're Not Helping •
Artist: Emily H.