My name is Zayira Ray. I am an artist and photographer from New York City and a 2018 YoungArts winner in Photography. When I became a winner, I had just turned 18 and the prospect of pursuing photography as a career was starting to come into focus as a real possibility. Attending YoungArts New York not only played a significant role in my decision to ultimately pursue my craft, but it unequivocally changed my life and my relationship to my artistic practice for the better.
This transformative clarity was not some divine happenstance, but more so a reflection of the sacred environment cultivated by YoungArts, where each and every young artist is treated as a peer, mentor, student and a valued thinker, all at once. YoungArts provides the intrinsic affirmation that we are on the right path— that we are meant to make art— at a pivotal time when many young artists need to hear it most; during the transitory period that often feels clouded by uncertainty, imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
Now, in 2026, I am working full-time as an artist, and have experienced firsthand YoungArts’ commitment to championing their alumni well past the awards cycle. In 2023, I was the YoungArts Baxter ST Residency recipient and had the immense privilege of having my very first solo exhibition, interthread, debut at Baxter ST Camera Club of New York’s storefront gallery for one month. The value of this opportunity is not lost on me, especially as I continue to try to forge a path in the ever-evolving art industry that at times feels near impossible to break into.
But my relationship with YoungArts truly came full circle in January when I had the chance to photograph 2026 National Young Arts Week in Miami. Ever since my own YoungArts experience, I have yearned for the beautifully fostered environment where commitment to craft, multidisciplinary thinking and unmitigated creativity is unapologetically at the forefront. In Miami, I had the unique privilege of experiencing that magic all over again— this time, as a fly on the wall. Through each class, discipline, and outstanding young artist, I vicariously experienced the magic of National YoungArts Week.
I listened in on interdisciplinary classes that provided necessary reminders of the fundamental principles of being an artist. I documented Photography winners as they eagerly embraced the novelty that surrounded them. I observed mosaics of light filtered through the Jewel Box’s stained-glass walls while the visual artists worked, a natural collaboration. I found myself deeply moved by how Theater winners were able to seamlessly interweave performance and personal storytelling.
I carried both my camera and my journal with me to every class, jotting down quotes that deeply resonated in my soul: “center yourself but serve all”; “community is the ultimate currency”; “a moment of connection can save a life.”
I sat for the winners’ performances in stunned awe along with the rest of the audience, entranced while watching both on and off the camera viewfinder.
Since returning home, I have pored over the hundreds of photographs from the week. I keep returning to the themes of commitment, passion, curiosity, awe and connection. Much like in 2018, experiencing the magic of YoungArts has once again reminded me why I do what I do. That being an artist is a lifelong practice… one where you never really stop being a student, as long as you keep your heart, and your eyes, open.
