Water Flows Among Us, curated by Yiyao (Yolanda) Jiang

"Just like what the author Amit Kalantri said, 'A river doesn’t just carry water, it carries life.'

Water offers vital resources like drinking water, food, and irrigation, yet their significance surpasses its sole utility. Water acts as connections, transforming individuals into cohesive communities. Rivers and lakes inspire diverse cultural beliefs, values, and ways of life, shaping the societies worldwide. In this exhibition, artists, drawing from their unique backgrounds, articulate their perspectives on rivers and lakes, weaving personal narratives into the broader tapestry. Through various mediums, they explore the profound beauty between individuals, communities, and rivers."

–Born next a river, I feel at home when curating this web exhibition. I am Yiyao (Yolanda) Jiang, a senior at Bellevue High School and part of the 2024 ArtsWA WAYAL team. (Created in March 2024.)

The Washington Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) Program is a yearly cohort of youth and young adults (ages 16-19) from across Washington State. Youth arts leaders in the program explore the arts and cultural field, creative careers, and related policy.

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