In this uplifting talk and slide show, Lily Yeh shares stories and images from her internationally celebrated community art projects. From the inner city of Philadelphia to the genocide-ravaged countryside of Rwanda, she depicts her experiences creating art that’s rooted in communities, rather than imposed on them. She uses the medium of mosaics as both art and metaphor to encourage people to use pieces of things that are broken to create beauty. The projects improve the physical environment, promote economic development, preserve indigenous art and culture, and empower damaged and impoverished communities to heal and revitalize themselves. She exudes the gentle grace of a Taoist priestess and the fearlessness of a warrior for peace.

This speech was given at the 2009 Bioneers Annual Conference and is part of the Everywoman's Leadership Collection, Vol. 1.

Since 1990, Bioneers has acted as a fertile hub of social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges.

To experience talks like this, please join us at the Bioneers National Conference each October, and regional Bioneers Resilient Community Network gatherings held nationwide throughout the year.

For more information on Bioneers Everywoman's Leadership program, please visit http://www.bioneers.org/programs/ever... and stay in touch via Facebook (bit.ly/everywomansFB) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/Bioneerswomen).