This piece is grounded in an in-depth interview with Sydney Dietz, Creative Arts Program Director at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury. Her insights helped shape the themes explored throughout, particularly the powerful role creative expression plays in supporting youth mental health.
Art as an Emotional Outlet
When discussing art programs for members, the focus often falls on the technical aspects—how to hold a paintbrush, how to master a dance move, or how to play an instrument. But as Sydney Dietz, who was recently promoted into the role of Creative Arts Program Director at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury explains, creative arts are about so much more. For many members, the arts serve as a powerful outlet for self-exploration, expression, and emotional healing. At a time when mental health struggles are on the rise, we need to recognize the role of creativity in fostering resilience, discipline, and perseverance.
Young people today face an incredible amount of pressure. From academic stress to social expectations, many struggle to navigate their emotions in a world that can feel overwhelming. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, supporting youth mental wellness is foundational to our mission. Through programs like the creative arts, BGCB provides safe, supportive environments where young people can express themselves, build emotional resilience, and feel a sense of belonging.
Sydney emphasizes that art offers a safe space to process and express these emotions. Whether through painting, dance, music, or theater, creative expression allows members to channel their thoughts and feelings into something tangible.
Sydney recounted one member, initially very shy, who discovered painting as a way to communicate emotions they had previously struggled to put into words. Over time, his confidence grew, and so did his willingness to share his feelings in other areas of life. “Art gives members a language for their emotions that doesn’t rely on words but can be just as powerful,” Sydney explains.
Building Perseverance and Confidence
One of the most common challenges Sydney sees in members is the fear of failure. Many avoid trying new things because they don’t want to risk not being “good enough.” Social media has heightened this fear, bombarding them with images of perfection that make any mistake feel like a setback.
“Members often start out thinking that if something isn’t perfect, it’s not worth doing,” Sydney shares. But art teaches a different lesson. In creative spaces, mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities. A misplaced brushstroke can lead to a new idea, a missed dance step can inspire fresh movement, and a rewritten song lyric can evolve into something even more meaningful. Learning to work through these small challenges fosters perseverance, a skill that extends beyond the studio or stage and into everyday life.
Members who initially crumpled up their drawings at the first sign of imperfection gradually learned to adjust, keep going, and embrace the process instead of focusing solely on the final product. Sydney notes that this shift in mindset translates into academics, relationships, and future careers, giving members the confidence to tackle obstacles with a growth mindset.
The Evolution of Confidence: From Carefree to Self-Assured
Confidence in creative expression shifts dramatically between childhood and adolescence. Sydney describes this evolution as a natural progression. At six years old, confidence often comes from a place of unawareness—members create freely, uninhibited by the fear of judgment.
But as members grow, awareness of judgment and criticism sets in. By middle and high school, many begin second-guessing themselves. They hesitate before stepping on stage or putting their artwork on display because they now understand that others have opinions. Their confidence in engaging with the arts shifts from a carefree, youthful enthusiasm to something cultivated—a belief in themselves and their abilities.
This is where arts programs become critical. The Yawkey Club provides a space where members can regain their confidence—not because they are unaware of judgment, but because they learn to value their own creative expression above outside criticism. They develop a true, earned confidence, knowing their abilities come from practice, passion, and perseverance.
Art as Community, Accessibility, and a Stepping Stone
Beyond personal growth, BGCB’s art program serves as a stepping stone for members to explore the arts and hone their skills, preparing them for the next step in their artistic journey. In fact, 24% of BGCB members have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the arts, highlighting the importance of accessible, high-quality programming that nurtures both talent and passion.
However, Sydney highlights that accessibility remains a major barrier to arts education, particularly in fields like dance and music, where private lessons can be prohibitively expensive.
“At the Yawkey Club, all arts programming is included in the small yearly membership fee, making it possible for members to engage with the arts regardless of their financial situation,” she says. Historically, many artistic spaces have been exclusionary, limiting access for those without financial means or industry connections. Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is committed to sending a different message: that everyone has a place within the arts.
Whether a member is exploring dance, music, or visual arts for the first time or developing their craft, BGCB ensures that the opportunity is there for them to grow and thrive. Through key partnerships, the program connects members with real-world artistic experiences that help them reach new heights.
“Our partnerships with organizations like Berklee College of Music, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Phunk Phenomenon provide members with mentorship, training, and exposure to professional artistic environments,” Dietz explains. These experiences reinforce that creativity has value beyond the Club’s walls.
A study on youth mental health found that when young people were asked what helped them most during difficult times, their top two answers were community and creative expression. That speaks volumes about the importance of spaces like the Yawkey Club, where members can find both. Whether it’s through a dance group, an art club, or a music ensemble, creative programs give them a place where they feel seen, valued, and supported.
Celebrating Youth Creativity: Art Week at the Yawkey Club
To celebrate the creativity and talent of our young artists, the Yawkey Club of Roxbury will host its annual Art Week from May 5–9. This special week showcases the wide range of visual, musical, digital, and performing arts created by our members, offering them a platform to shine and be celebrated by their community. Art Week is a powerful reminder of the role creative spaces play in uplifting youth voices and supporting their emotional wellness.
A Call to Invest in the Arts for Mental Health
As conversations about youth mental health continue, Dietz stresses that creative expression is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Art programming isn’t just about creating talented artists—it’s about creating resilient, self-aware, and emotionally healthy individuals. It teaches discipline, patience, and the ability to push through challenges, skills that benefit members far beyond the studio or classroom.
“If we want to support the next generation, we need to invest in programs that allow members to express, explore, and heal through the arts,” Sydney advocates. Whether through funding, advocacy, or simply recognizing the value of creative spaces, the community can help ensure that every member has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of art.
Because sometimes, a paintbrush, a dance floor, or a melody can be the very thing that helps a member find their way.
