For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio has been a cornerstone of the city’s history, evolving from its early days supporting railroad workers and cowboys to becoming a modern hub for health and community.
As the organization celebrates its anniversary this June, it is inviting the public to help paint its story through the Uniting Generations community art campaign.
The campaign reflects how the YMCA has fostered experiences that are passed from one generation to the next. For instance, a grandfather may have learned to swim in the same pool where his grandson is now on the swim team. By focusing on this intergenerational theme, organizers hope to capture the spirit that defines the organization.
"Art gives everyone a voice," Vice President of Marketing and Communications Shannon Gowen said. "It gives everyone in the community, from all backgrounds and all ages, a chance to create a visual reference of what the YMCA makes them feel and the memories they have with us.”
Removing barriers to participation
The initiative is designed to be approachable and inclusive. Participants do not need to be YMCA members, and there is no cost to submit artwork. For those unable to submit their art online, the YMCA is hosting in-person submissions during its official birthday week, June 1-6.
During that week, local branches will set out paper, pencils and art supplies, inviting visitors to pause, reflect and sketch a memory on the spot.
Gowen emphasized that the project is not looking for perfection, but for authentic stories.
"You have a story to tell, and everyone's story is important," Gowen said. "You do not have to be an amazing artist. This is about finding true storytelling, which comes from our community."
From a sketch to a legacy
The campaign aims to collect at least 150 entries across all locations. From those submissions, a select group of artists will be invited to transfer their sketches onto canvas during a special workshop on June 27 and 28. This event is hosted in partnership with SAY Sí, a local youth fine arts organization that is donating its studio space and support staff to help facilitate the process.
The completed canvas works will make their official debut on September 26 at Pedrotti’s Ranch during the YMCA’s 150th-anniversary celebration. This event will bring together community members, local leaders and international representatives, such as the president of the YMCA Mexico.
While the event celebrates the past, it also funds the future. All proceeds from the celebration go toward the Open Doors Scholarship Program, which ensures that financial barriers never prevent anyone from accessing YMCA programs, such as mental health services or youth sports.
A permanent place in the community
The YMCA sees this initiative as a way to foster a sense of belonging in today’s world, where social connection can feel harder to find. By sharing their art, participants may find that their personal experiences overlap with those of their neighbors.
"Our story has always been written by the people that we serve," Gowen said. "They help build our legacy."
That legacy will have a permanent home. The artwork created through this campaign is expected to be installed in the new Gordon Hartman Family YMCA, which is scheduled to open in early 2027.
Long after the 150th anniversary banners are taken down, these community stories will live on the walls of the YMCA’s newest facility, serving as a reminder of the generations that came before.
All event dates and in-person art submission dates can be found at www.ymcasatx150.org.
Click here to learn more about the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, or click here to submit your artwork today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
