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ExYo ❤️ New York City

• Funders & Supporters, Staff, Leadership & Guest Artists

Express Yourself took a trip to New York City with a special grant from the Tower Foundation, specifically for building growth opportunities and professional development. Our staff brought back the city’s creative energy and inspiration to our studio, promoting life-altering arts programming to youth facing mental health challenges. This trip fuels us finding new ways to sustain and strengthen our organization. It’s all about inspiration, growth, and making a lasting impact! 

ExYo Staff pose on the steps of the world of DVF

Express Yourself is invested in the professional development and mental wellness of its staff. Riding the wave of excitement from our milestone 30th-anniversary celebration, EXYO Planet, a special welcome dinner was arranged by our artist in residence-NYC resident Carlos Thomas from STOMP.

ExYo Staff at Industry Kitchen in the South Street Seaport

From brainstorming designs to crafting props and costumes, EXYO youth are involved in every step of the process. Their hands-on work brings our shows to life, making each performance uniquely their own. The stunning costumes and props we saw in The Lion King have sparked inspiring ideas for our next performance.

The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre

Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen captivated us with the story’s deep parallels to the work we do at Express Yourself. In the musical, a young girl struggles to find her place until she discovers the healing power of music, opening a whole new world for her. Through creativity and expression, we explore new avenues and embrace our full potential. Each staff member brings unique skills to the table, and by working together, we support our growth as a team and as a community.

Hell’s Kitchen at The Shubert Theatre

Our artists find inspiration in every walk of life, and what better place to fuel creativity than the iconic museums of New York City. Take a look at some of the masterpieces that caught our eye and sparked new ideas during our visit. From classic works to contemporary wonders, our team was inspired at every turn! 

New York City Neighborhood Art
The Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum
The High Line
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art
The Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum
The High Line
The Great Elephant Migration – The Meatpacking District
New York City Neighborhood Art
New York City Neighborhood Art
New York City Neighborhood Art

EXYO is fully committed to investing in the sustainability of the organization to ensure that services will continue to be available to youth with mental illness throughout the North Shore and Greater Boston. A critical component to the organization’s sustainability is investment in and the retention of staff. Our collective group includes working professionals from every single decade offering a wide range of generational perspectives. Art and experience unify them as they work with youth. As EXYO completes its 30th year of collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and the Boch Center, the organizations leadership and staff will focus attention on the delivery of immersive arts programming best suited to address the increasing need for youth and families.  

ExYo Staff, Guest Artist Carlos Thomas and Board Member Karen Nascembeni at Fresco by Scotto

A big thank you to the Tower Foundation for helping our staff, guest artists and board member come together, grow, and find inspiration in new places. We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead! 

Save the Date for our 31st Annual Performance, Thursday May 22, 2025

Boch Center – Wang Theatre

Boston, MA at 7:00 PM