Artwork at City Hall by Montebello kids celebrates kindness and uniqueness – Whittier Daily News

Montebello hosted an art exhibition on Wednesday, April 17, for the inaugural Anti-Hate Art initiative. Students’ artwork is on display at City Hall. (Photo courtesy of City of Montebello)

At City Hall, the artwork of Montebello students is on display as part of the city’s inaugural Anti-Hate Art initiative.

The initiative aims to harness the power of art to celebrate diversity, promote empathy, and combat bullying in the community, officials said.

“I’m excited to welcome our community to our Art Exhibition at City Hall, featuring the incredible artworks submitted by students ages 5 to 18 for the Anti-Hate Art initiative,” Mayor Scarlet Peralta said.

This year’s theme was “embracing uniqueness and kindness matters,” which captured the importance of acceptance and compassion, she said.

Students submitted their original artworks, as well as included a brief statement detailing their inspiration behind their work and its connection to the theme.

“As a young woman of color, I’ve personally experienced moments of discrimination and bullying, reflecting the struggles and experiences of many in our community,” Peralta said. “In a world where hate takes various forms – whether based on race, religion, gender, or other factors – this contest has provided a platform to channel our youth’s creativity to spread empathy and kindness in Montebello.”

Montebello students, their families, and the community were invited to visit the City Hall on Wednesday, April 17, to view the artwork and recognize children who participated in the initiative.

Mayor Peralta, alongside Councilmember Georgina Tamayo and city staff, presented students with a certificate of recognition and a gift.

The artwork is still on display for the community to view at City Hall, 1600 W. Beverly Blvd.