Students from Glasswing’s New York Programs Exhibit at MoMA PS1

This winter, students from our New York programs experienced an unforgettable moment when they were invited to participate in Education as Resistance at MoMA PS1. Organized by LA ESCUELA___ in collaboration with Salvadoran artist Studio Lenca, the exhibition explores education as a living, community-rooted practice that shapes identity, nurtures belonging, and creates space for collective storytelling.

At the heart of the project was Studio Lenca’s Rutas series. Through a series of workshops, 25 students from our New York programs worked alongside the artist to create paintings reflecting their personal journeys, exploring themes of memory, home, and hope. Students came from different schools and spoke different languages, yet quickly found connection through painting, working side by side, sharing music, and creating stories together.

Their works were installed at MoMA PS1, where they are now part of a major international exhibition and a dialogue on art, education, and community. As part of their final workshop, they stood before the paintings they had created, toured the galleries with the exhibition curator, and engaged with other works across the space. They finished their visit by gathering over pupusas, reflecting together on what the experience meant to them. Students spoke about feeling proud of themselves, and grateful for the opportunity to work with Studio Lenca and with each other. 

This moment reflects what we strive to build every day in our New York programs: safe, creative spaces where young people can express themselves, strengthen identity, and grow in community and belonging. Through partnerships like this, students are creators, storytellers, and leaders, shaping their own narratives about who they are and what is possible.