For the past couple of months, I've been busy organizing fundraisers for the 5-year old son of my good friend who was diagnosed with Leukemia. I'm so passionate about helping him maybe because the kid loves to draw. I was given the task to create fundraisers out of his drawings and doodles. Initially, we were just going to make merchandise to sell. But I thought, how can we make it bigger, so that even people who don't know Mio would appreciate and buy the art, for a higher price? That's how I came up with the idea for >>stART with Mio. With the help of these generous artists and designers who "stARTed with Mio", Gallery7 in Eastwood Mall, and my awesome team (Jobelle, Tiffy, Katwo), our exhibit is now open for viewing, and works are now up for sale!
We had out Exhibit Opening last December 9, 2009, and it was a gathering of all people passionate about art. Looking into the details of the kid's daily doodles, one would instantly understand how a child his age could inspire a group of professional artists and designers to create something great. At 5 years old, Mio is indeed one talented drawer--he truly deserves to have his name up in lights. He draws with the childlike innocence that all artists dream they never, ever lose. His subject selection is random and fun. His crayon strokes, though imperfect, have a sense of confidence in them. When noticed for his drawing skills, he becomes shy and doesn't really understand the compliments, because to him, drawing is a normal, everyday thing, and something that he just simply loves to do.
Mio with Mommy Jasmine
Mio cuts the ribbon held by the Professional Artists during Opening Night
Artists, musicians, designers, actors and directors came to support the event and to express their appreciation for Mio's art and the awesome work the Artists did in continuing his drawings. We were all so happy that many of the artworks were sold on the first night (but don't worry, there are still a lot available!). Artists and art-lovers mingled about and the event was buzzing with creativity as crayons, markers and postcards with Mio's seed artworks served as table centerpieces.
The exhibit is interactive and unique: Guests' artworks are exhibited as well!
Guests drew their own stART with Mio art on postcards and stuck them on the exhibit wall. Kids of ALL ages are most welcome to come and create their own stART with Mio postcards and can get a chance to be exhibited together with the spectacular artworks by the pros.
Delicious wine and cocktails kept everyone's bellies satisfied, all prepared by Chef Edward Bugia of Pino, a restaurant that is passionate about Food and Art. Favorite Nori Cheese Sticks, Pork & Shrimp Lemongrass Skewers, and Tofu Balls were among the mouth-watering picapicas served on opening night.
Pino's Pork & Shrimp Lemongrass Skewers and Nori Cheese Sticks
The Exhibit runs until December 20 at Gallery7 Digital Studio in the new Eastwood Mall.
Gallery7 is on the 3rd Floor beside Gymboree. Open Mondays to Sundays from 10am-10pm.
Please do drop by and bring your family and friends!
Support art, support local artists, and support this worthwhile cause. :)
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Photos by Buddy Arancon of
Snap Shack Photography.
Opening Cocktails catered by
PINO Resto Bar.
Pino is located at 122 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village, QC.
For catering inquiries, please call 4411773 / 0917-4258184.
Many thanks to Bing & Enrico and the staff of
Gallery7 Digital Studio for hosting the exhibit!
