This event celebrates the transformative power of art in the lives of youth with disabilities and rare conditions. Through the theme "Seni Mekar - Art in Bloom" we welcome you to our garden to watch them grow, see through their eyes and feel what they feel. Click to watch the "garden".
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"Since Cory discovered painting, his world has opened with color and confidence. He beams with pride when he is happy with his creation and he is always excited to learn something new. Though non-verbal, art provides an additional channel where he learns to express himself and pours out all his emotions. Each artwork becomes his voice, radiating pride and accomplishment."
Emerging Artist with Congenital Rubella Syndrome
"Anderson found his voice through drawing at a very young age. He and his mother have navigated life together since his father passed away when Anderson was only four. As someone who is autistic, Anderson finds that spoken words can be difficult, but he has developed his own unique way of learning and communicating with the world."
Emerging Artist with Autism
"Cody is a cheerful boy who brings a lot of energy and a kind heart to everything he does. Living with ADHD and epilepsy means his mind is often moving fast, but he channels that spirit into his art. He has a unique style and a big imagination, often asking smart questions that show just how much he wants to understand the world around him".
Emerging Artist with ADHD and Epilepsy
"Aqeela Isa Ismail's artwork is often inspired by her obsession of the season. Possibly inherited her art instinct from an ancestor. Besides art, she loves dancing, capoeira, football, swimming, travelling and family time. She is still figuring out how to play monopoly and batu seremban."
Emerging Artist with Down Syndrome
"Ellie may have came into her famly with a little extra chromosome but also an extra dose of joy, colour, and wonder. She sees the world in her own beautiful way. With some paint in hand, she creates freely—where colours have no rules, and everything somehow finds its way back to pink, her absolute favourite! She uses scribbles and doodles to tell the stories of her life, capturing her favorite moments with her friends and family."
Emerging Artist with Down Syndrome
"Kritika is a strong will and a kind hearted girl. She lives with Down syndrome and is naturally introverted, often taking a little time to feel comfortable around new people. Once she warms up, she loves sharing her world through singing, dancing, and playing the piano. She is homeschooled with friends and has recently enjoyed making art with her new friend, Kaye Leigh, even drawing a special portrait of her."
Emerging Artist with Down Syndrome
"Marilyn is a happy-go-lucky little girl with a heart that is pure and full of innocence. She may see the world a little differently, but in her eyes, everything is filled with color, wonder, and endless imagination."
Emerging Artist with Global developmental delay with ADHD, secondary to Autosomal Dominant Holoprosencephaly 3 Neurodevelopmental Disorder
"Winsen has limited control of his hands, yet he is able to create strong, rhythmic knocking sounds.Knocking his wrist and palm on the paper or canvas has become his unique way of creating art. The artistic expression through the art of knocking is a reflection of Winsen's spirit, his voice, his energy and his new way of connecting with the world.
Emerging Artist with Global Development Delay
"Zidane is a happy-go-lucky 9 year old boy who loves art in many shapes, forms and sizes. He especially loves making art involving things that he loves be it The Powerpuff Girls, sea creatures, Talking Tom, English Tree and Alphabet Lore."
Emerging Artist with Autism
"Oscar is a resilient and caring teenager. After experiencing a brain infarct as an infant and later being diagnosed with autism, he has developed a gentle way of connecting with others and spreading kindness to those around him"
Emerging Artist with Autism
"Sabrina is a bubbly teenager who loves expressing herself through art, music, and dance. A natural explorer, she stays active with swimming and martial arts, bringing that same energy to her creative work. While she is still discovering her personal artistic style, she enjoys the process of experimenting with different techniques and ideas. Through her art, Sabrina shares her upbeat personality and her journey of self-discovery with the world".
Emerging Artist with Down Syndrome
"Dhia lights up any space she’s in. She loves to give (and receive) hugs, and brings that same warmth and joy into everything she creates. Whether she’s drawing, making bracelets, or building intricate lego sets, Dhia approaches art with curiosity and a playful imagination. She loves memes, Japanese food, and dreams of becoming a digital animator one day."
Emerging Artist with Autism
"Branden created this series of small artworks in 2024 as a way to play with colors and simply enjoy the process of making art. Because Branden has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and paints while lying down, his reach for large canvases is limited. These smaller pieces are much easier for him to work with, allowing his creativity to flow freely"
Emerging Artist with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type 1), Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia
"Kaye-Leigh’s journey with FriendenArt began as a sponsored student in the very first cohort of the program. After the "Art For Rare" project ended, her mother saw how much she enjoyed the sessions and how talented she was, so she decided to let her continue her lessons. Since then, Kaye-Leigh has become a successful artist, selling many of her artworks through various exhibitions and corporate collaborations"
Emerging Artist with Prader-Willi syndrome
Threads of Change - Inclusive Batik Project
"Traditional batik is often inaccessible to youth with disabilities due to its demanding physical and cognitive requirements. Threads of Change by Matt Leong addresses this by reimagining batik as an inclusive, contemporary art form. By adapting tools and methods through sensory-friendly workshops, the project allows youth to engage with this heritage craft for the first time. This initiative empowers them to move beyond barriers, providing a platform for creative expression and establishing them as valued artistic contributors and cultural custodians.
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