Couriers of Hope Exhibition
January 19, 2021 – February 28, 2021

The Couriers of Hope Exhibition, presented by the Port City Creative Guild, asked a powerful question: Where does your hope come from? In a time of uncertainty and isolation, 80 artists expressed their hopes, dreams, and resilience through art created on new and found envelopes. This unique medium symbolized open lines of communication and the universal power of art to connect us.

As Executive Director, Cassy Leeman led the exhibition from concept to completion, overseeing the window exhibition at 228 E. Broadway in Long Beach, California, and the online gallery. Her role included curating the artwork, coordinating with artists, and fostering partnerships with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) to create a unique art exchange program. To ensure accessibility, Cassy and her team created 400 art kits, delivered to six LBUSD schools, providing students with the materials needed to participate without barriers.

Through this initiative, LBUSD students were invited to trade their own creative works with the exhibited pieces, encouraging art appreciation and participation among young minds. Over 100 student submissions were received, with 67 successful trades, marking a significant milestone for many students who were sharing their art publicly for the first time. Recognizing the vulnerability of sharing art, participation was optional, creating a safe and supportive environment for students to express themselves.

The exhibition’s macro-level goal was to unite the Long Beach arts community—museums, curators, galleries, and artists—by creating a space to view, support, and collect small-scale original art. On a micro-level, it fostered meaningful relationships between local artists and students, highlighting the transformative power of art to inspire hope and connection.

Under Cassy’s leadership, Couriers of Hope became a beacon of creativity and resilience, sending art into homes and hearts, and reminding us of our shared humanity.