New York Artists Hold Interactive Workshop, Benefit Exhibit with Young Filipino Artists with Autism
JA Tan shows New York artist Art Zamora his latest pina artwork
12 April 2017 NEW YORK – The Autism Hearts Foundation in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General held a two-day interactive arts workshop with young Filipino artists with autism from April 05 to 06 as part of World Autism Awareness Month at the Kalayaan Annex of the Philippine Center in New York.
The workshop brought together New York-based artists Art Zamora, Reynaldo Cardenas, Carol Tanjutco, and Angelo Maristela with the young guest artists of the Autism Hearts Foundation – Vico Cham, JA Tan, Samantha Kaspar, Nina Bantoto, Julyan Harrison, and Julien Borromeo for an afternoon of interactive art. Aside from creating one interactive art piece on piña under the watchful eye of piña expert India Legaspi, the New York artists got to learn more about the styles and techniques of the young artists with autism.
The first day of the workshop culminated in an arts benefit for the continuation of art therapy programs for young people with autism. The art benefit featured works by the young artists with autism invited by Autism Hearts Foundation and participating artists who generously donated proceeds from any sale of their works for the Arts Training program.
The participating New York artists include Greta Lood, Art Zamora, Jojo Austria, Angelo Maristela, Marco Art, Dulcie Dee, Helen Dimaya, Jes Evangelista, Otto Neri, Ronald Cortez, Rey Cardenas, Jeff Hutchinson, Carol Tanjutco, Loren San Diego, and May Madarang.
In her welcome remarks both at the Workshop and Exhibit openings, Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized that the art autism therapy advocated by Autism Hearts Foundation and supported by the Philippine Consulate General is yet another means to raise awareness of the unique qualities and potential of persons with autism. She noted that the Consulate is honored to be part of this project to raise greater awareness of autism during World Autism Awareness Month.
Mrs. Erlinda Borromeo, founder of Autism Hearts Foundation was also on hand to offer her appreciation to all the participating artists, art teachers, parents, mentors, and sponsors for making the event possible.
The exhibit likewise featured a Keynote Message by New York Gallery owner and art expert Paul Calendrillo.
The second day of the workshop featured an introduction to mosaic making by New York-based Cuban artist Jorge Valdez who taught the young artists basic mosaic techniques, color combinations, and shapes.
From left: (1st row) Artists Angelo Maristela, Art Zamora, Nina Bantoto, Pina Expert India Legaspi, Consul General Theresa De Vega, Artists Vico Cham, Reynaldo Cardenas (2nd Row) Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Julyan Harrison, Julien Borromeo, JA Tan, Samantha Kaspar show an interactive work on pina created by the New York-based artists and the young artists with autism.
Fashion Event Headlines World Autism Awareness Month at Philippine Center New York
Piña creations by Anthony Cruz Legarda feature paintings by the young artists with autism.
12 April 2017 NEW YORK – In observance of World Autism Awareness Month, the Philippine Consulate General partnered with Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF) for a Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Fashion for Hope Show on April 07 at the Philippine Center in New York’s Kalayaan Hall.
Fashion for Hope featured elegant piña fabric (pineapple fiber) creations by renowned fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda, featuring art work by young persons with autism. The Legards creations were modelled by Filipino-American community members and professional New York-based models in an hour-long program.
The Fashion for Hope marks the first anniversary of a collaboration between the Consulate General and Autism Hearts Foundation to promote an innovative art therapy program and fashion project for persons with autism.
Consul General Theresa De Vega thanked Ms. Linda Borromeo and the Board of AHF for their dedication and vision to raise awareness for autism among community members and recognized the partnership between AHF and the Consulate in the past year to bring FAAB Fashion for Hope. She noted that the project celebrates for a change the unique qualities and potential of persons with autism instead of their deficits and disabilities.
She also paid tribute to the 10 young artists with autism whose talents from singing, painting, and public speaking, were on full display during their visit to New York City. In their short trip, they participated in a two-day art workshop, fashion show, and an art exhibit at the United Nations on April 03 attended by Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
Ms. Borromeo said that autism awareness affects a significant segment of the world population. In the U.S., one out 68 births have the condition. She explained that AHF envisioned FAAB to empower persons with disabilities to overcomes challenges by promoting healthy self-expression, building skills, and providing inclusive opportunities in the creative arts.
Mr. Andy Shi delivered a message from Autism Speaks, the global organization working for autism awareness.
Guests also learned more about the AHF and FAAB Creative Arts Therapy project with through a short video presentation.
The program also showcased a Sharing of the FAAB Experience by one of the young artists, Ms. Nina Bantoto as well as song numbers by Ms. Samantha Kasper and pop artists Meredith O’Connor. The other FAAB artists aside from Ms. Bantoto and Ms. Kasper include Nick Huang, Vico Cham, Jorel Alegre, Daniel Sanchez, Julyan Harrison, Karl Oliveros, JA Tran, and Julien Borromeo.
The young artists with their families pose with models wearing clothes featuring their designs.
PHL Mission to the United Nations, Autism Hearts Foundation Open Fashion for Arts Autism Benefits Exhibit
Paintings by FAAB artists on display.
12 April 2017 NEW YORK – The Philippine Mission to the United Nations, in partnership with Autism Hearts Foundation, launched the Fashion for Arts Autism Benefits (FAAB) Exhibit at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters on April 03.
The FAAB Exhibit showcases the artistic talents of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The project seeks to empower young individuals to courageously overcome specific challenges by promoting self-expression, building essential life skills and providing opportunities in the creative arts.
Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. highlighted key Philippine initiatives in the areas of disabilities. The biennial resolution “Inclusive Development for Persons with Disabilities” tabled by the Philippines, together with Tanzania, during the current session of the UN General Assembly welcomes their inclusion in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which promises to “leave no one behind.” The also Philippines ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008 “so that all those with autism can lead in the eyes of normal people the meaningful lives they really do inside” added Ambassador Locsin.
Autism Hearts Foundation Founder and President Ms. Erlinda Borromeo in her remarks praised the artistic talents of the FAAB artists while Mr. Michael Rosanoff, Public Health Research Director of Autism Speaks spoke about the significance of World Autism Awareness Day.
Ms. Samantha Kaspar, one of the featured artists, performed a special song entitled “Through My Eyes”.
Paintings by artists with Autism Spectrum Disorder on piña textile and canvas were showcased in the exhibit. The FAAB artists also did a live painting demonstration during the launch.
The FAAB Exhibit will run from April 03 to 06 April at the Delegates Entrance of the United Nations Headquarters. END
FAAB artist Mr. Vico Cham does a painting demonstration on piña cloth.