Artherapy by SILAB Artreach

A blessed day to everyone. Still in Robinsons Metro East, while my wife is busy looking for baking utensils, I grab the chance to freely roam around the mall. She thought that I will only sit down for being tired of the endless walk. But then, I am looking for a perfect spot to relax, comfortably raise my foot and take off my footwear. That is why I headed to the third level where health and wellness corner is present. I haven't visited this part again sinced my personal doctor moved to a new clinic. Because years ago, I often visit this place to comply on my doctor's advices and remedies.

Glancing at the surroundings while looking for a comfy spot, I reached the art corner of the mall. I was heading to the massage chairs but this art corner made me pause for a while and appreciate its offer of aesthetic masterpieces.

As what I have read, they called it Artherapy. The combination of the word 'art' and 'therapy'. It is a noble advocacy, to teach someone and expect nothing in return. And this art therapy offers a solution to individuals with autism, down syndrome and with obsessive compulsive behavior. Because nowadays, teachers specializing in SPED (special education) are decreasing in numbers. Parents' efforts are not enough to take care of these children with special needs. They need to vent out and spend their time on activities that will aid as a treatment for them. And art is the best way to develop your emotions, make your mind at ease and control your inadequacy.

Silab Artreach is a non-profit corporation that reaches out to individuals and organisations through art.

It started with Nestor Calma’s (Teacher Nick), and his drive to help reach out to the Filipino youth. Armed with his collection of brushes, paints, and miscellaneous media he started his activities through conducting free guerrilla art workshops for street children in Tumana and Riverbanks in Marikina City. After a few regular workshops, he was asked to do conduct art therapy to cancer patients with Cancer Warriors Foundation.

His heart developed a need to put up an organisation and hopefully; one day will reach out to a greater audience. This was the start of Silab Artreach. This was his initiative in setting a deeper structure to his commitment. He hopes that Silab Artreach will make people more like humans; humans that touch the youth’s lives through art. view source

As I was watching the art students compassing their hands, making indistinct patterns, truly I was amazed how their style generates a certain image piece by piece. And their selection of color fits perfectly on the image they are painting. Several strokes of brush and it seems already finished. Adding minor details like grass, leaves, more curved lines and precision, the art they have just made appears to be a work of a professional.

Wow! Amazing! Very inspiring! Captivated by the arts that I spot, I gloriously took photos of them while applauding and admiring its splendor.

With the support of art teacher Nick Calma, the volunteers and other donors, what started as a small activity became a strong advocacy. Giving free “art therapy” lessons to children battling cancer, as well as other kids with special needs is a virtue of morality. If you have the means, the talents and the attitudes, why not let others learn from you. It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. As teachers, they have the great privilege and responsibility to impact ones life positively, giving them reasons to push forward and motivating them to want to succeed in life. A teacher takes a hand, opens the mind and touches the heart. That is why teaching is often referred to as 'love in its purest form'.

"Be a blessing to others."