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Art Open Studio is a community space for individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels to come together to tap into the healing power of art, as a means of self-expression and personal growth. In these sessions, individuals are provided with art materials and personal space to explore their emotions and thoughts through spontaneous artistic expression, supported by a trained art therapist on-site. These group sessions hope to provide a healing supportive space for our community.

Art therapy is a potent blend of art and psychology, allowing individuals to explore and express their emotions creatively, through the guidance of the art therapist. This therapeutic approach delves into introspection and personal discovery, aiding in confronting traumas and fostering growth. Suitable for all ages, art therapy is a transformative tool for self-expression and emotional well-being, regardless of artistic ability. Dive into a journey of understanding and healing. Book a full session with us.

Art therapy is a potent blend of art and psychology, allowing individuals to explore and express their emotions creatively, through the guidance of an art therapist. This therapeutic approach delves into introspection and personal discovery. Suitable for all ages, art therapy is a transformative tool for self-expression and emotional well-being, regardless of artistic ability. If you are unsure whether art therapy is for you (or your child), book this session to speak with an art therapist.

Learn about Art For Good, a social enterprise dedicated to using art to create positive change, promote mental wellness, and foster creativity in the community. About Art For Good At Art for Good, we follow the simple concept and philosophy of using art to create good. Through the Use of Visual Arts, we aim to highlight the importance of good mental health and well-being. As a Social Enterprise, we provide professional art services and organise meaningful art projects for the good of our community. Proceeds will be used to fund our efforts in helping children with special needs, disabilities and from low income families. With your support, we can reach out to as many children as possible and make a positive impact to our community! Like to learn more about us and our work? Do read our Art for Good Kit! Art for Good Kit To promote the importance of good mental health and well-being, especially among children, through the use of visual arts. To use art to reach out to as many children as possible and make a positive impact to our community. Our Vision Our Mission Our Services Art Therapy Art therapy offers a unique healing approach for physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Led by certified Art Therapists with Masters in Art Therapy, our sessions, workshops, and lectures provide a supportive space for creative self-exploration. Through art, clients express emotions and experiences that words cannot, fostering self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal growth. Tailored to individual or group needs, art therapy aids in trauma recovery, illness management, and personal development, offering a versatile and effective path to healing and self-expression. Community Art Our community art initiatives promote happiness, mental well-being, and a love for learning through creative projects. By applying positive psychology, we enhance personal growth and resilience. Participants engage actively, fostering fulfillment, appreciation, and a more inclusive society. These initiatives empower individuals and groups to explore creativity while contributing meaningfully to their communities. Shop For Good Our online Shop for Good empowers artist beneficiaries by selling their crafted art products. Through art, individuals leverage their strengths and share unique narratives, gaining therapeutic benefits and passive income. Showcasing their creations also builds confidence, independence, and pride. Each purchase supports these talented artists and promotes the healing power of art in our community. Founder's Note Amanda Chen - Art Therapist Inspired by The Starfish Story: One Step towards Changing the World Art for Good set up under the premise of the coming together of like-minded creative individuals to collaborate and develop creative projects with greater social impact. As an individual we can do so much, through collaboration, we can do so much more. Imagine a group of people standing on the shore throwing back many starfishes into the water. Art has so many positive applications and the potential to create so much good! We strongly believe in the work that we do and in collaboration, we believe together we can achieve so much more! As a social enterprise, we do not wait for handouts, instead, we look for sustainable and creative ways to conduct our art projects and programs to create good. While some projects are pro-bono or on a volunteer basis, we strongly believe that artists should be fairly paid and remunerated, we strive to working towards that outcome. We want to create the potential, the community, the platform and invite open hearts to want to create good using art! And we invite you to join us on this journey! Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions. Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you're doing?" The young boy paused, looked up. and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can't return to the sea by themselves, "the youth replied. "When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water." The old man replied, "But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I'm afraid you won't really be able to make much of a difference." The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, "It made a difference to that one!" About Blob

Meet the passionate team behind Art For Good, dedicated to driving social impact and spreading positivity through creativity and art initiatives. Meet Our Team Management Team Art Therapists / Mental Health Professionals Team Artist/ Art Teaching Team Management Team Managing Director / Founder Amanda Chen Amanda is a certified and experienced Art Therapist (MA-AT 2015 Masters in Art Therapy) and Arts Educator (Registered with MOE-AMIS). She has been active and current in the social work scene for the past decade and has worked with many charities and social enterprises like Red Pencil, Student Advisory Centre (Children’s Wishing Well), Center Pottery, Habitat for Humanity Singapore and was the Former Deputy Director of Social Creatives. She currently sits on the board as Honorary Secretary of the Rare Disorders Society of Singapore. She believes in the healing and therapeutic aspects of art and its many applications. Prior, Amanda had been in the advertising industry for several years before starting her own branding and design agency that was running for more than 12 years. As the healing arts and the work of a therapist resonated so deeply with her, she decided to pursue her Masters in Art Therapy to become an Art Therapist. Amanda is the founder for Art for Good and believes that a lot of good can be done through art using the platform of a social enterprise. Support Executive Alanis Seah Alanis is an alumna of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, holding a Diploma in Fine Arts, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at SIM Global Education in collaboration with the University at Buffalo. Her multidisciplinary background in fine arts and sociology fuels her creative perspective, inspiring art that empowers, provokes introspection, and sparks meaningful dialogues on sociopolitical issues such as gender, race, mental health, neurodiversity, colonialism, and capitalism. Challenging conventional themes, Alanis aims to catalyze positive change through her work, drawing inspiration from artists who defy societal norms. Alanis works alongside with Amanda and Gabriel at Art for Good, an initiative leveraging the power of art to drive positive change in diverse communities. Together, they provide professional art services and innovative creative products, demonstrating art's potential as a force for good in the world. Director of Operations / Business Development Gabriel Lee Gabriel’s passions have led him to become the General Manager of Art for Good. Transcending his love for photography, Gabriel is a CAAS certified Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot, specialising in aerial photography and cinematography. Over the past decade, he has worked with various profit and non-profit organisations such as GuruRealiti, the Catholic Church, the People’s Association, and online car magazine Revv-Motoring Singapore. Gabriel finds passion and fulfilment in social work, with numerous years of experience in disaster response and humanitarian aid with Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS). He has led and organised mission teams to provide relief in countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. During which, he has also worked with children with disabilities, people with financial difficulties and refugees of war and natural disasters. At Art for Good, Gabriel gets to combine his two passions, by doing good through art. Project Executive Wendilyn Wendilyn is a digital artist driven by a passion to make the world a more vibrant and colorful place. Inspired by the limitless possibilities of digital illustration, she loves that it allows her to learn from mistakes and continually improve. Wendilyn's artistic style is characterized by bright, bold colors and a whimsical children's storybook aesthetic. As a creative, Wendilyn finds inspiration in the work of fellow artists and the community. She believes that art is a journey, not a destination, and that there's no such thing as perfection – only beauty in the eye of the beholder. Wendilyn's artistic philosophy is centered around spreading joy and happiness through her work. Through her daily creative practice, Wendilyn continually refines her craft, experimenting with new techniques and styles. Her unique approach balances texture and color, resulting in captivating digital illustrations that transport viewers to enchanting worlds. With a heart full of creativity and a passion for making a positive impact, Wendilyn's art is sure to delight and inspire audiences of all ages. Web-developer Zhansaya (Saya) M. Zhansaya (Saya) brings our mission to life online. As the web developer for Arts for Good, she is driven by a belief in the power of art to create positive change, and she channels that belief into building our digital home. Though her personal strength lies in code and majors in Data Science rather than illustration, she has a keen eye for design and a heartfelt appreciation for the bold colors and whimsical styles that give our community its unique character. She sees her role as a facilitator: she builds the platform that allows artists, volunteers, and supporters to connect and share their work. Art Therapists / Mental Health Professionals Senior Art Therapist / Supervisor Amanda Chen Amanda is a certified and experienced Art Therapist (MA-AT 2015 Masters in Art Therapy) and Arts Educator (Registered with MOE-AMIS), where her passion is in working with children, especially those with special needs and disabilities. She has been active and current in the social work scene for the past decade and has worked with many charities and social enterprises, and currently sits on the board as Honorary Secretary of the Rare Disorders Society of Singapore. As the healing arts and the work of a therapist resonated so deeply with her, she decided to pursue her Masters in Art Therapy to become an Art Therapist. Amanda is the founder and key art therapist at Art for Good and believes that a lot of good can be done through art using the platform of a social enterprise. She believes in the healing therapeutic aspects of art and its many applications. Daphna Arbell Kehila Daphna Arbell Kehila has over 20 years’ experience as Expressive Arts Therapist. Daphna holds a PhD in Adult Education and a Master of Arts (MA) in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. She also holds a master’s degree in Space Design from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, and a Master degree in Theatre Arts from Tel-Aviv University. Daphna incorporates her experience as a qualified Yoga Therapy practitioner with creative work, to cultivate inner strength, support mental health and wellbeing; she dedicates her time to create, develop and conduct programs and workshops for various populations, supporting the process of personal development and growth of individuals and communities. Living and working in Asia Pacific region for more than three decades, and as a permanent resident (PR) in Singapore since 2004, Daphna has a deep understanding of multicultural experiences. She is owner and director at West East Pte. Ltd, where she practices Expressive Arts Therapy and Yoga Therapy. Senior Art Therapist / Supervisor Senior Art Therapist Wendy Yap Wendy is a certified Art Therapist (2010) and Career Coach (NCDA, 2018). She is an associate faculty at Singapore University of Social Sciences and adjunct lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic. Wendy enjoys working with people from all walks of life. To her, everyone has a story to tell and listening empathetically is the key to help people to open up. Through this approach, her clients have found a safe outlet to work through their personal challenges. Apart from art and verbal therapy, Wendy is exploring to use of sports, pets and gardening to enhance the mental well-being of clients and the community at-large. She believes that being in touch with nature, animals and physical activities relax the mind and release happy hormones. Art Therapist Colette Alexandratos Colette is a dedicated Art Therapist specializing in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through creative expression and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Fluent in English and Greek, she holds a Master’s in Art Therapy from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, and is a registered member of ANZACATA, ATAS, and the HCPC in the UK. With a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, Colette uses art as a means of communication and self-discovery to empower individuals, fostering insight and healing. Her experience includes working with diverse international clients, addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, school avoidance, eating disorders, and conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Art Therapist Christopher Tan Christopher Tan Meng Loong is a skilled mental health professional and registered art therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals across diverse age groups. Specializing in trauma-informed care, he uses creative therapies to address complex trauma, emotional challenges, and mental health issues, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional dysregulation. With over a decade of experience, Christopher has facilitated impactful one-on-one and group therapy sessions, empowering individuals through art to foster healing, resilience, and self-expression. Holding advanced degrees in art therapy and psychology, he is a dedicated member of professional organizations committed to promoting mental well-being with empathy and professionalism. Kit Louis Kit, an accredited art psychotherapist with 11+ years of experience, provides a nurturing sanctuary for clients to rediscover their inner selves through art. Collaborating gently, she guides individuals in using art as a transformative tool to navigate life's challenges. Specializing in diverse art therapy approaches, Kit warmly welcomes individuals of all genders, orientations, and ages. Her interventions, backed by a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, adapt to individual needs. Previously assisting those with trauma and mental health challenges, Kit integrates art therapy into workshops and group sessions. Her practice also includes holistic healing techniques like reiki and Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT). Senior Art Therapist Art Therapist Karen KOH centres her practice with the arts as an essential for holistic personal development and meaning-making of life experiences. She have 9 years of experience as an art therapist and 8 years working with seniors. Rooted in disciplines of psychology, art therapy and spirituality, she has been active in healthcare and social service settings engaging with different communities like older adults and caregivers. Karen has been growing her practice as an art therapist-artist in community-based settings. Having implemented fruitful programmes through collaborations in the expanding arts & health context, Karen has also contributed in the creation of arts toolkits to equip community care professionals and volunteers with creative care skills. She believes accessibility to the arts should be an everyday practice for people from all walks of life. She is a registered art therapist with Art Therapists’ Association of Singapore (ATAS) and The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA). Karen Koh Family Counsellor & Coach Xavier Woon As a Family Counsellor and Coach, Xavier is passionate about helping individuals and families overcome challenges and achieve their potential. His supportive and empowering approach ensures clients feel understood and valued. For over 15 years, Xavier has conducted workshops on mental well-being for schools, institutions, and organisations. As an adjunct lecturer, he has taught counselling skills, conflict management, and crisis intervention, engaging students eager to enhance their soft skills. With expertise in one-on-one and group settings, Xavier tailors counselling and coaching sessions to individual needs and provides training on family-related issues like communication and conflict resolution. As a father of four, he promotes healthy relationships through practical strategies, helping clients improve family dynamics and resolve conflicts with care. Senior Art Therapist Lela Aswad Lela is an accredited art therapist with 17 years of experience working with neurodiverse and neurotypical infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Passionate about art, mental health, and people, she provides individual art therapy sessions and facilitates workshops for women, educators, healthcare workers, and seniors. She specialises in non-functional communication, challenging behaviours, and various developmental delays and diagnoses, including ASD, GDD, ID, ADHD, MD, DS, SPD, OCD, Kabuki syndrome, and individuals who are at risk. Lela provides therapy in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Bahasa Indonesia. Her areas of work include, but are not limited to, self and sensory regulation, anxiety, stress, fatigue, burnout, relationship issues, identity, grief, trauma, and emotional well-being. She is registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), the peak professional body representing creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. Artist/ Art Teaching Team Art Teacher Gabriel Lee Gabriel’s passions have led him to become the General Manager of Art for Good. Transcending his love for photography, Gabriel is a CAAS certified Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot, specialising in aerial photography and cinematography. Over the past decade, he has worked with various profit and non-profit organisations such as GuruRealiti, the Catholic Church, the People’s Association, and online car magazine Revv-Motoring Singapore. Gabriel finds passion and fulfilment in social work, with numerous years of experience in disaster response and humanitarian aid with Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS). He has led and organised mission teams to provide relief in countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. During which, he has also worked with children with disabilities, people with financial difficulties and refugees of war and natural disasters. At Art for Good, Gabriel gets to combine his two passions, by doing good through art. Peter Loh Peter was Amanda’s first art teacher, when she was 4 years old. Peter is a self-taught artist, cartoonist and graphic designer who has been doing freelance work and working in design houses for more than one and a half decades, creating a plethora of traditional and digital illustrations, logos and other graphic designs for hundreds of clients, from individuals to MNCs. He has self-published a number of illustrated story books and also put his artistic skills to use in a string of educational books for various authors, both locally and in the US. On top of that, Peter has also conducted art lessons in schools and company offices, as well as in charities and non-profit organizations, like the Down Syndrome Association of Singapore. Creative Consultant / Artist / Art Teacher Nagomi Artist / Teacher Goh Keat Long Goh Keat Leong grew up in a humble fishing village with an exceptional interest in drawing. As art lessons were considered an extravagance, he taught himself sketching and illustration. In 2017, he chanced upon Pastel Nagomi Art. This simple form of art rekindled his long-lost desire in art creation, and he started his journey as a Pastel Nagomi Art instructor. Keat Leong believes that art is not just about drawing skills and creativity. Art can be a simple form of therapy that brings balance to people’s emotional harmony, and it should always be a part of our lives. In 2019, he founded Zundeng Art based on his alias name, Zundeng. Zundeng Art is known for the willingness to share valuable and quality content openly and the stencils that he designed and created are widely used in many countries! Artist / Art Teacher Wendilyn Wendilyn is a digital artist driven by a passion to make the world a more vibrant and colorful place. Inspired by the limitless possibilities of digital illustration, she loves that it allows her to learn from mistakes and continually improve. Wendilyn's artistic style is characterized by bright, bold colors and a whimsical children's storybook aesthetic. As a creative, Wendilyn finds inspiration in the work of fellow artists and the community. She believes that art is a journey, not a destination, and that there's no such thing as perfection – only beauty in the eye of the beholder. Wendilyn's artistic philosophy is centered around spreading joy and happiness through her work. Through her daily creative practice, Wendilyn continually refines her craft, experimenting with new techniques and styles. Her unique approach balances texture and color, resulting in captivating digital illustrations that transport viewers to enchanting worlds. With a heart full of creativity and a passion for making a positive impact, Wendilyn's art is sure to delight and inspire audiences of all ages. Want to be part of our team? Join Us! Community Featured Artists

Discover Blob, the lovable character from Art For Good, inspiring creativity and kindness through art and storytelling. Learn more about Blob's adventures and mission! Meet Blob Blob's profile Name: Blob Title: Mental Health Advocate Birthday: 16 June 2021 Colour: Turquoise (sometimes in other colours as his mood changes) Origin: A blob of paint Interests: Art Mental Well-Being Personal Development Family and Friends and... Plants and Animals! Blob has joined Art for Good as the official Mental Health Advocate since June, 2021. Started by sharing his mindfulness journey to promote mental well-being on social media, he has successfully gained children and parents' affection. Recently, he has started sharing more of his thoughts, such as self love, green lifestyle, art tips, through quotes, comics and featuring more of his family and friends. Before joining Art for Good, Blob has been through a turmoil of depression. Yet, he came to our art therapist and learnt the way to understand his emotions better. Therefore, Blob believes that self-awareness and continuous personal development are the keys to good mental well-being. Stories Story 1 Meet Blob Story 2 Blob Gets Art Therapy Story 3 Blob Explores Art for Self-Care Story 4 Blob Learns About Art Therapy Meet Blob's Family and Friends! Citrus and Lemon Citrus (orange) and Lemon (yellow) are Blob's friends who always encourage Blob and give Blob positive feedback. Blob is always happy when being with them. Little Pink Little Pink is Blob's younger sister, and the twin of Lavender. Little Pink is a caring and sweet little girl. She loves to give Blob a warm hug when he needs it. About Art For Good Ms. Mint Mint is Bob's art therapist and mentor. She patiently helps blob to cope with his emotions so Blob could understand himself better. Lavender Lavender is Blob's younger sister and the twin of Little Pink. Lavender is quite sensitive and loves to find Blob for comfort and advice. Good News

Celebrating Our Artists This Christmas As the holiday season unfolds and festive cheer fills the air, Art for Good is thrilled to kick off our Christmas celebrations by honoring the extraordinary talent of our artists—individuals with special needs and disabilities, whose creativity shines as bright as the season’s lights. More than a showcase, this initiative is a heartfelt commitment to our mission: to provide a platform for these artists to share their work, embrace their identities as creators, and feel empowered through art. We are deeply grateful to @downstown gallery for their unwavering support, which has made this celebration of resilience, creativity, and “the joy of giving” possible. Among the remarkable artists we’re proud to highlight is Chloe Chek . Chloe lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA2), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects motor neurons controlling voluntary muscles. Confined to a wheelchair and navigating limited fine motor skills, Chloe has long felt different from her peers—often left out of physical education and sports activities. Yet her spirit remains unshakable: she carries a radiant, positive outlook on life and a profound love for art. For Chloe, creating is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the world. Her greatest hope? To craft art that resonates with others—pieces that people will cherish, admire, and choose to bring home. Every brushstroke reflects her courage, and every artwork is a testament to her belief that her creativity can bridge differences and spread joy. We also celebrate Koh Jun Kai , an artist diagnosed with autism whose talent lies in his remarkable eye for detail and the calm art brings to his world. For Jun Kai, drawing is more than a creative outlet—it’s a lifeline. It calms his mind, helps him regulate his emotions, and allows him to express thoughts and feelings that words sometimes cannot capture. Beyond art, Jun Kai is fascinated by Lego constructions, particularly the intricate interactions of Lego Technic gears—a passion that mirrors his precision and focus as an artist. His artworks are a reflection of this meticulousness: each line, color, and composition is carefully considered, revealing a unique perspective that captivates anyone who views them. This Christmas showcase embodies “the joy of giving” in its truest form: giving our artists a stage to be seen, not for their challenges, but for their extraordinary gifts; giving audiences the chance to discover and support art with purpose; and giving these creators the empowerment that comes from knowing their work matters. Every purchase of Chloe’s heartfelt pieces or Jun Kai’s detailed creations is a gift of validation—a way to tell them, “Your art is loved, and you are valued.” As we celebrate this season of giving, we invite everyone to join us in honoring Chloe, Jun Kai, and all our artists. Their creativity reminds us that art has the power to unite, inspire, and transform—and that the greatest joy of the holidays lies in lifting others up. Thank you to @downstown gallery for standing with us, and to every person who supports our artists: your generosity doesn’t just bring Christmas cheer—it fuels a lifetime of confidence and purpose 💛🎄. Would you like to add specific details about the artworks (e.g., mediums Chloe and Jun Kai use, themes of their pieces) or include a call to action for purchasing their art to further emphasize “the joy of giving”?

On November 28th, Art for Good had the profound honour of partnering with the Rare Disorders Society (Singapore, RDSS) to host a special art therapy session titled “Colours of Hope.” More than just a creative gathering, this event was designed to create a safe, gentle space for emotional expression, reflection, and collective healing—bringing together patients living with rare disorders, their caregivers, and siblings to explore hope, strength, and connection through colour and creativity. Art therapy, as a form of expressive healing, offers unique value for communities facing physical or emotional challenges: it bypasses verbal barriers, allowing participants to communicate feelings that may be hard to put into words. For the RDSS community, this session was an opportunity to step away from the daily struggles of managing rare disorders and focus on self-expression—whether through bold brushstrokes, soft watercolour blends, or symbolic imagery. Together, we explored “what hope looks like” in tangible, creative ways: some participants painted rainbows breaking through storm clouds, others depicted sunlit gardens bursting with cherry blossoms and fireflies, and a few crafted abstract pieces of glowing hues—each work a personal testament to resilience 🌈🌸. The magic of the day lay not only in individual creation but in shared connection. Caregivers, who often prioritize others’ needs, found space to acknowledge their own emotions; siblings bonded over collaborative art-making; and patients felt seen and celebrated for their unique perspectives. What moved us most deeply was the participants’ heartfelt decision to gift their completed artworks back to RDSS—each piece now serves as a symbol of community, appreciation, and shared hope within the organization’s spaces. These artworks are more than decorations: they are reminders of the strength found in coming together, and of the healing power of creativity to unite and uplift. This session aligns with Art for Good’s core mission: to leverage art as a force for social good. Just as public art enhances community spaces and fosters belonging, targeted art therapy sessions like “Colours of Hope” address the specific emotional needs of marginalized communities—adding immeasurable value to their well-being and sense of community. We are deeply grateful to RDSS for trusting us to hold this space, and to every courageous participant who brought their authenticity, vulnerability, and strength to the canvas. Y our resilience shines through every brushstroke, and your artworks will continue to inspire hope for the entire RDSS community 💛.

June 27, 2025 In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, art has the power to heal, empower, and connect. For Chloe Chek, a bright young girl diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA2), crochet has become more than just a hobby—it’s a lifeline, a source of joy, and a way to share her creativity with others. Chloe has discovered the therapeutic magic of yarn and needle, transforming her challenges into beautiful, handmade creations. Finding Solace in Art Chloe’s journey with crochet began as a simple pastime, but it quickly blossomed into something far more significant. The rhythmic motion of stitching, the vibrant colors of the yarn, and the satisfaction of creating something tangible became a form of therapy for her. Despite the challenges posed by SMA2, crochet has allowed Chloe to express herself freely, build focus, and experience a sense of pride and accomplishment with every completed piece. Chloe is a participant in Art For Good’s art therapy program, where she receives support for her emotional and mental well-being. She is also part of our artist development program, which focuses on empowerment, confidence building, character development, and fostering a positive sense of identity. Chloe’s crochet work has moved beyond a personal hobby to a recognized part of her art portfolio. Chloe is learning to weave her personal experiences and resilience into each piece, turning her hobby into a form of artistic expression. A Heartfelt Collaboration with NLB Chloe’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. In a remarkable opportunity, the National Library Board (NLB) commissioned her to crochet 70 IRIS Hearts—a special project that merged her passion for crafting with a cause close to her heart. Introducing IRIS (Inclusive LibRarIes) IRIS, which stands for “Inclusive LibRarIeS”, is a purple heart icon that represents accessible programmes and services for persons with disabilities and reflects the inclusive offerings available throughout NLB libraries. Persons with disabilities, their caregivers, and the general public are encouraged to engage with IRIS activities to explore and learn more about the accessible services available in the libraries. For Chloe, this project was more than just a commission—it was a chance to contribute to a larger movement of kindness and inclusion. Each heart she crafted became a personal symbol of her dedication, stitched with love, patience, and care. A Testament to Resilience and Creativity Chloe’s story is a testament to the power of art to transcend limitations. Through crochet, she has not only found a therapeutic outlet to navigate the challenges of SMA2, but she’s also brought beauty into the world. Her collaboration with NLB highlights her growing skill and reflects the deep personal meaning woven into each piece of work. This partnership underscores the invaluable role of programs like Art For Good, which provide a nurturing space for individuals like Chloe to thrive. It is through such support that Chloe is able to share her art, not just as a hobbyist, but as an emerging artist with a unique voice. As she continues her artistic journey, Chloe hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles, showing that with passion, dedication, and support, anything is possible—one stitch at a time.