You Belong Here: Youth Voices Bring New Mural to Life at the Andover/North Andover YMCA
The Andover/North Andover Branch’s new mural is more than a vibrant addition to the afterschool classroom — it’s a bold and joyful reflection of what Y kids say they want and need: a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and welcome.
Created in partnership with Elevated Thought of Lawrence, the mural was designed with direct input from the youth who spend their afternoons in the space. The result is a colorful, calming, and deeply personal work of art anchored by a powerful message: You Belong Here.
A nonprofit arts and youth development organization founded in 2010, Elevated Thought is well known throughout the Merrimack Valley for blending creativity and social justice to empower young people and communities. Their team believes art can be a liberating force — helping young people understand themselves, explore societal issues, and imagine positive change.
When Andover Branch Executive Director Nicole Heena first connected with Elevated Thought’s design team, her vision was clear: refresh one of the Y’s central youth spaces — and ensure the students themselves had a voice in shaping it.
“We are proud to see the arts brought to life through this meaningful partnership between our youth and the talented artists of Elevated Thought,” Heena shared. “From concept to completion, the project centered the voices, ideas, and experiences of our young people. This mural has become more than a work of art. It is a visible reflection of our mission and our commitment to belonging. ‘You Belong Here’ is not simply a message on a wall — it is a promise to every child, family, and member who walks through our doors.”
Art with Heart — and History
The project carried special meaning for Elevated Thought Co-Founder and Art Director Alex Brien. His uncle, Andy Brien, served for many years as Facilities Director at the Andover Y, and Alex himself worked at the Y as a teenager. “Our process starts with engaging the students,” Alex explained. “We get to know them and challenge them to think about what the space means to them and how it affects their lives. With music playing in the background, we share artwork and get their creative thoughts flowing. Each student creates a collage, and from there we pull common themes for the final mural.”
Joy. Friendship. Safety. Belonging.
Those themes surfaced again and again during the workshop sessions. From the initial conversations through the final brushstrokes, Alex and fellow artist and Creative Director Wilfred Acosta dedicated nearly 80 hours to bringing the mural to life — always guided by student input. “We take pride in working with youth to make sure their voices are heard in the art installation,” Alex said.
A Space That Feels Like Theirs
For 10-year-old twins Dylan and Izan Pinedazayas, the Y is where their friends are. Students at South Elementary School in Andover, they attend programs during school breaks and after-school care throughout the year. “The mural project was fun, and I loved showing my creativity through the collage,” Dylan said. Both boys were in awe when the finished mural was unveiled at the end of February.
Lucas Brogan, who has been coming to the Y since he was two years old and now attends North Andover Middle School, agreed. “It was cool to participate,” he said simply — a statement that speaks volumes about the pride young people feel when they help shape their environment.
School Age/Out of School Time Director Erica Little saw that pride firsthand. “It’s not often that childcare kids get to be part of the creating phase of something permanent,” she said. “When I brought them in to see the mural for the first time, they were so enthusiastic. The looks on their faces were priceless.”
The transformation is tangible. What was once a plain white wall now radiates warmth and color.
“The mural brings the color back to the room,” said Prince Lebron, 12, a seventh grader at North Andover Middle School. “Now it looks calm. I like the painting of the girl listening to music — she looks calm and chill.” Prince has been coming to the Y for two years and says what keeps him returning is simple: “It’s safe here. They take care of you. If you need anything, the teachers will get it for you. Friendly people work with us. There’s a lot of respect for all of us — and we all show respect, too.” He especially enjoys movement activities in the Active Science room, playing basketball in the gym, and swimming in the big pool. But now, he and his friends also have something new: a space that visibly reflects their voices.
Members are encourage to check out the new mural, which is located in the after school room, along the main hallway behind the Welcome Center. To learn more about Elevated Thought visit www.elevatedthought.org.
