Highlight International Art Center Foundation
WAAD Youth Art Exhibition 2025 in Two Cities Los Angeles & Boston
March 30, 2025
The 2025 WAAD Youth Art Exhibition in Two Cities (Los Angeles & Boston)， hosted by Franklin Foundation and Harvard Medical School, officially opened at the Bowers Museum on March 30, and some of the works will participate in the Art Exhibition held at Harvard Medical School from April 5 to 6.​
The opening ceremony was attended by Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu, San Gabriel City Councilmember Jorge Herrera Avila, and Bowers Museum Chair Anne Shih. U.S. Representative Judy Chu and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma sent a representative to present certificates of recognition to the organizers and co-organizers in appreciation of their contributions to the exhibition.
2025 WAAD Youth Art Exhibition Opening Ceremony
Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai (2nd from left) and City Councilmember Melinda Liu (3rd from left) attend the opening ceremony of
the 2025 WAAD Youth Art Exhibition.
Brian Yan, Founder of the Highlight International Art Center Foundation, delivered brief remarks.
The exhibition also honors volunteers who have supported the Foundation’s programs year after year and made significant contributions to its work. Over the years, they have helped build the Foundation’s social media presence, connected with children through magic tricks, put together exhibition catalogs and promotional materials, hosted auctions, and led children in painting activities and outings. Their dedication has helped the Foundation’s programs thrive.
Highlight International Art Center was honored to co-organize this vibrant celebration of the arts in Los Angeles. Brian Yan, founder of the Highlight International Art Center Foundation, received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Representative Judy Chu for his outstanding leadership as a volunteer.
Brian Yan (center) poses with award presenters Melinda Liu (left), Irvine City Councilmember, and Ling Liu (right), Executive Chair of the American Women’s Association.
Brian Yan, Catherine Zhang, and Cheng Ma of the Highlight International Art Center hosted the afternoon auction. All proceeds went toward supporting families affected by autism.
Brian Yan (2nd from right) and Catherine Zhang (2nd from left) host the youth art auction.
Catherine Zhang presents an artwork up for auction.
The Artwork Sold.
This art exhibition attracted nearly 60 young artists with autism and approximately 100 compassionate painters to participate and auction their works, raising over $10,000 in charitable funds.
Autistic pilot Bryant and autistic pianist Bowen Duan pose for a photo with volunteers from the Highlight International Art Center Foundation.
Jorge Herrera, San Gabriel City Councilmember, poses for a photo with volunteers from Highlight International Art Center Foundation.
Group Photo of All Volunteers
Spanning two cities—Los Angeles and Boston—some of the paintings are on display at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston from April 5 to 6.
Some of the paintings are on display at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston.
Through the power of art, we aim to build a broader platform where everyone’s future holds greater possibilities.
