A Young Artist’s Message: “We have to be brave!”

We’ve found inspiration in the most extraordinary places this week—from hundreds of offers to volunteer to a daily stream of donations from new and longtime supporters. We wanted to reciprocate. So, with permission, we’re sharing with you the painting La Mariposa Soñadora (Dreamy Butterfly), which was recently featured in a major metropolitan museum in the United States. The artist, Bety, is an unaccompanied child from Central America. Earlier this year, Bety fled her home country, traveling by herself to the United States where she presented herself to authorities and asked for protection. She has been in federal custody ever since. Earlier this fall, the Young Center was appointed as Bety’s Child Advocate. Our role is to advocate for Bety’s best interests. Bety is both a talented painter and a gifted writer. She shared these comments about her art:

“Agarrar el pincel y comenzara pintar me permitió divertirme. Pude plasmar mis emociones en la obra y olvidar el tiempo. Aprendí que no hay errores en el arte.
Hay que ser valiente en la vida, no solo en el arte.”

Translation: “I grabbed a brush and began painting as a distraction. I could capture my emotions in my work and forget about time. I learned that there are no errors in art.
We have to be brave in life, not just in art.”

We have no concerns about Bety’s ability to speak on her own behalf. But we will continue to accompany Bety through the process of detention and the adjudication of her immigration case to ensure that everyone who makes a decision about what happens to her first stops to consider her best interests: her safety and her well-being and with due regard for her wishes.

For the moment, we hope you are as inspired and as comforted by Bety’s artistry as we are.