BALANCING FANTASY AND REALITY

How one artist uses art as a tool for resistance

a stem of leaves
Ten years ago, McKenzie Young-Roy (she/her) felt compelled to ditch small-town life near Bellingham, Washington for college to study art in Portland. She says that she had initially intended to study journalism, but “art won out.” Ironically, she now is currently the Art Director for Eugene Weekly — a role that allows her to use her talents to wield art as a tool and make journalism more accessible. 
 

The ACLU of Oregon had the tremendous pleasure of working with McKenzie in designing dynamic artwork and illustrations to revitalize our brand and support our organizational work. You can see some of her designs for yourself here, and on her Instagram profile, @mckenzieyoungart.

Our Communications Coordinator, Amanda (she/her), sat down with McKenzie (over brunch at Redwood in the Montavilla neighborhood) to learn more about the artist and mental health advocate, her process, and how finding the middle space between escapism and doom spiraling has served her best under this current administration.