Youth Arts for Humanity
The Brushes Project
Where Toothbrush Meets Paintbrush
At Youth Arts for Humanity, we believe true well-being comes from caring for both the body and the soul. That’s why we created the Brushes Project, a collaborative initiative with our affiliate nonprofit, Dentists for Humanity, which leads international dental mission trips to underserved communities.
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While volunteer dentists deliver critical treatment, our team sets up portable art stations in the waiting areas to engage patients — especially children — as they await care. These creative activities help ease fear, encourage emotional expression, and build positive associations with health services, transforming anxiety into trust and connection.
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The name “Brushes” carries special meaning: the toothbrush represents physical care, while the paintbrush symbolizes emotional healing and creative expression. Together, they reflect our belief in holistic care.
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Launching In Paraguay
April 2025
The Brushes Project is officially launching in Paraguay this June in partnership with Dentists for Humanity. As volunteer dentists provide essential care to underserved communities, our team will be setting up portable art stations to spark creativity and calm for children, youth, and families.
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From watercolor painting and drawing to coloring and more, these art activities will help transform waiting rooms into spaces of joy and connection. Whether they are waiting for treatment, accompanying parents, or simply coming to join in, we hope the children will experience the healing power of creativity.
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A huge thank you to BLICK Art Materials for providing art supplies and to Come and Change Foundation for sponsoring this life-changing initiative.
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Follow along as we bring art and smiles to Paraguay!
Paraguay Trip Recap
A Heartfelt Success
July 2025
Paraguay, you stole our hearts!!💛🎨
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Our very first Brushes Project was an incredible success! Over 5 days, we visited five different towns, bringing art and creativity to more than 100 children and youth alongside Dentists for Humanity’s life-changing dental mission.
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Some children came specifically for the art activities, eager to explore and create. Others joined in while waiting for their own dental treatments, and many participated as they accompanied their parents receiving care.
For many, it was their first-ever experience with watercolor painting — and their excitement was contagious! Several kids created more than 10 artworks each, so deeply immersed and joyful they didn’t want to stop.
We were especially moved when some young artists gifted us their favorite pieces to display at our upcoming annual charity exhibition — a true reflection of their generosity and spirit.
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With such a warm welcome and heartfelt requests from the community, we are already planning to return to Paraguay next year — and hopefully for years to come.
From Paraguay to Boston
A Full Circle of Love
October 2025
When we launched the Brushes Project in Paraguay earlier this year, our goal was to bring comfort and creativity to children in mobile dental clinics. We saw firsthand how art could transform a moment of anxiety into a moment of joy. But we never imagined just how far that joy would travel.
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The Art of Giving Back
In September 2025, Youth Arts For Humanity hosted our Second Charity Art Exhibition. The heart of this gallery was the vibrant, soulful artwork created by the children and families we met in Paraguay.
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In a powerful display of global community, the very participants who received care through our portable art stations became the benefactors for others. Through the sale and showcase of their work, these young artists helped raise essential funds for Boston Children’s Hospital.
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A Cycle of Healing
We call this the "Full Circle of Love." It is the incredible phenomenon of kindness going round and round:
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In Paraguay: Art provided a sense of well-being and emotional healing during dental care.
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In the Gallery: That same art inspired a new community and shared the story of the Paraguayan spirit.
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In Boston: The proceeds from that creativity now support the health and recovery of children at one of the world’s leading hospitals.
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The Impact Beyond the Brush
This exhibition proved that art is not just a passive activity—it is a bridge. It connects underserved communities in South America to world-class pediatric care in New England, proving that every child, no matter their circumstances, has the power to make a difference.
As we look back on the success of the exhibition, we are reminded that one brushstroke can start a wave of change that spans continents. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and celebrated this beautiful cycle of care with us.
We’re Returning to Paraguay: Brushes Project 2026
January 2026
After the incredible impact of last year’s mission, The Brushes Project is thrilled to announce our return to Paraguay this June!​​
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Trip Date: June 26, 2026-July 5, 2026​
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
For the trip details, please reach out to youthartsforhumanity@gmail.com
To sign up for our trip, please click here
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Once again, we are joining forces with Dentists for Humanity to bring a unique blend of essential healthcare and creative expression to underserved communities.
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Building on the smiles and colorful memories of our inaugural trip, our team will be back on the ground with expanded portable art stations.
We’ve seen firsthand how a simple watercolor set or a blank sketchbook can transform a stressful waiting environment into a sanctuary of joy and calm for children and their families.
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Our Continued Mission:
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Healing through Art: Providing watercolor, drawing, and coloring activities to soothe nerves and spark imagination.
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Community Connection: Creating spaces where local youth can connect and share their stories through creativity.
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Essential Care: Supporting the vital dental work provided by the Dentists for Humanity team.​
If you would like to participate in upcoming trip, please fill out the form.
