By practising art and connecting the dots between a studio of professional painters and a group of kids from an orphanage home, we celebrated our third Social Friday event for 2022 in September.
However, after seeing what the kids with their mentors accomplished in just one day, we couldn’t help but plan an exhibition of their art, and invite them to enjoy the fruits of their devotion.
As part of the exhibition, we also included an auction, so everyone could bid for the paintings and donate funds back to the orphanage home and the children. The event happened at the end of November 2022, at our last Social Friday for the year.
When engaging in art, the well-being of a person improves. While we can feel often overwhelmed by all the events happening around us, when focusing on art we connect with our senses and provoke thinking, engagement, and even action.
The benefits of practising visual art are also tremendous for teenagers, as they are going through big changes and new situations that can often make them feel insecure and unseen by the community.
Research shows that kids who have access to art sessions, in their schools or outside them, are more likely to:
– get better academic results,
– greater likelihood of university enrollment,
– increased self-esteem and resiliency,
– better workforce opportunities,
– improved emotional intelligence,
– engage in the community as a volunteer.
These facts were just some of the reasons for us to decide to include art and painting in one of our events. However, the crucial part for us was to engage with a group of kids that would really benefit from this kind of exercise.
Our team devoted to organizing this event was more than thrilled when we established a relationship with the Home for orphaned children “11 Oktomvri” from Skopje. They are often participants in work sessions and try to raise their kids the best they can!
The home can use all the help it can get, and you can contact them if you want to donate.
Words can’t describe the energy the event created! The kids were the happiest participants and seeing their art on the walls must have been a unique experience.
Our little artists had a total of 18 paintings exhibited in Public Room, Skopje. And the exhibition was put on display for a total of two weeks.
We want to thank again everyone that came and supported the cause, you really made a difference for someone!
The auction part of the event was hosted by the beautiful Milanka Rasic, a well-known tv host and art enthusiast. Her presence contributed not only to the success of the auction but to the atmosphere. Thank you Milanka!
After the auction, all the guests together with the participants had the chance to enjoy the little party we prepared for them. Well deserved!
For all of you that missed the event, we have some great news. Some of the paintings are still available! You can visit the Social Friday Activity social media profiles and pick your favourite.
With a symbolic donation, you can also contribute and make a difference!
Additionally, the waves that this event created are still echoing!
Two Macedonian artists contacted Social Friday and decided to donate a couple of their paintings to the cause. You can also choose from that collection if you want to purchase a piece.
All the raised funds go to the Children’s home for orphaned children “11 Oktomvri”, Skopje!
References:
https://middleearthnj.org/2014/03/17/the-impact-of-the-arts-on-troubled-teens/
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/why-art-has-the-power-to-change-the-world/
