Art to ‘Lift and Free’ New Jersey Youth at the 19th Annual YCS Blossoms Art Exhibit & Awards Show at BergenPAC

Englewood, N.J. (April 20, 2026) – Youth Consultation Service (YCS), a non-profit behavioral health and social services agency in New Jersey, will host its 19th Annual YCS Blossoms Art Exhibit & Awards Show on May 4 from 6–8 PM at the Sandy Bennett Art Gallery at BergenPAC, located at 30 N Van Brunt St, Englewood, NJ. The Awards Show begins at 6:35 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's theme, "Art Lifts and Frees Me," sets the tone for an evening that is equal parts gallery opening and celebration. The works on display will feature paintings, sculptures, poetry, and 2-dimensional art, created by children and teens ages 6 to 21 enrolled in YCS special education schools, therapeutic residences, and foster care.

In addition to the exhibit, nominees will take the stage to deliver live performances including original songs, urban hip hop dance, and spoken word poetry. First held at a local public library in 2004, Blossoms has been featured at BergenPAC annually since 2008, earning a reputation for moving audiences and celebrating what becomes possible when someone believes in a child.

“Every year, Blossoms reminds us why we do this work and is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the space to express themselves in a supportive environment and truly be seen,” said Tara Augustine, President and CEO of YCS. “Through art, our youth share their stories, their resilience, and their growth in ways that words alone often cannot. We are so grateful to BergenPAC for giving us a stage worthy of their talent, and we invite the entire community to come and be inspired."

For more information on the YCS Blossoms Art Exhibit or to make a donation to support YCS's creative therapy programs, visit https://www.ycs.org/index.php/blossom-art-show/. The exhibit will remain on display in the Sandy Bennett Gallery throughout the month of May for visitors and theatre guests.

About YCS 
Since 1918, YCS has been providing services to thousands of New Jersey families who have children, birth through adulthood, with special needs. Some children are separated from their loved ones and have been affected by trauma; others are challenged by complex intellectual and developmental disabilities that adversely affect their behavior. Caring YCS staff provide individualized, educational, mental health and/or behavioral health services across 70 programs throughout the state. Our mission is to partner with at-risk children who have special needs and adults with developmental disabilities, to build happier, healthier, more hopeful lives within their families and communities.