YMCA International Services, a unique center of the YMCA of Greater Houston, will host its 6th annual Triumph of the Human Spirit art show and auction Friday, Nov. 12 at St. Johns School. Triumph of the Human Spirit is Houston’s premier refugee and immigrant art showcase celebrating the work of artists from around the globe who now call Houston home. Each of the contributing artists has commissioned pieces which showcase their unique perspectives in art and their experience in coming to Houston. Proceeds from the art sales will benefit the artists and YMCA International Services where it will be used to support programming designed to help immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable individuals in Houston.

“The artwork showcased in Triumph of the Human Spirit is more than just artwork. It is an investment into the lives of refugees and immigrants who now call Houston home. At the YMCA, we remain passionate about supporting these vulnerable communities to restore hope, well-being and stability while providing a number of opportunities,” states Stephen Ives, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We want to give these talented artists the platform to showcase their work from all over the globe. YMCA International Services, along with the kindness and generosity of Houstonians, continuously provides individuals and families the support they need to transition into their new community.”

The art showcase will take place at St. Johns School. Pre-sale tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase online through this link. The artists and artwork have already been selected and are open for browsing here. Additionally, donations of any denomination will be accepted to aid YMCA International Services to continue their work with vulnerable populations, helping them on their path to self-sufficiency. Bidding will commence at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 and conclude at 8:30 p.m.

A sample of artists include:

*Alejandro Gutierrez – Mexico – Alejandro’s work is inspired by his life experiences growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico where he began drawing at a young age.

*Sanya Wafeq – Afghanistan – Sanya has participated in Triumph of the Human Spirit for the last five years and her work reflects her years of growing up during the Afghanistan war. She also serves as an Afghan translator at the YMCA of Greater Houston.

*Tina Al Debashi – Yemen – Tina enjoys working with the medium resin for its water and glass-like qualities. She finds her work to be a therapeutic outlet.

YMCA International Services is a unique center of the YMCA of Greater Houston that delivers client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations to advance their economic independence, social integration and civic participation. The Y continues to reaffirm its commitment to help newcomers restore hope, build stability, create opportunity and change futures through a variety of refugee services and programming.

More recently, the YMCA of Greater Houston joined forces with The Alliance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston to form the Houston Afghan Resettlement Fund (HARF) to raise support for Afghan families resettling into the Houston area. In collaboration with the Y, HARF provides critical needs for Houston’s new neighbors throughout their resettlement process, such as securing employment, establishing households, transportation, language services, medical and legal services, enrolling in schools and more.

For more information regarding the 6th annual Triumph of the Human Spirit art show and auction, or the Y’s refugee services and programming, please visit https://ymcahouston.org/.