Autism art therapy fashion project launched in NY
Autism Hearts Foundation and the FAAB Team New York met at the Philippine Consulate General of New York (left to right): volunteers Julien Borromeo; Julie Babich; Lissa Sobrepena; AHF President Erlinda Borromeo; Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega; designer Anthony Legarda; FAAB-NY Committee Carol Tanjutco; AHF Executive Director Thomas Natale; California volunteers Sonia Delen; Bob Sobrepeno standing behind and Charlie Borromeo. INQUIRER
NEW YORK CITY – Young artists affected by autism will showcase their hand-painted piña fabrics in a runway show at the Philippine Center here on April 3 to 7. Their works are the result of an innovative art therapy program started a year ago.
Autism Hearts Foundation, a 501-c(3) non-profit organization based in San Francisco, announced its April show, Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Fashion For Hope, with a display at the United Nations lobby.
Hand-painted art works by children in therapy will be used by Patis Tesoro and Anthony Legarda in the upcoming New York fashion runway on April 7, 2017. Other works will be displayed and auctioned off for the benefit of children with ASD and supporting the art therapy program in the Philippines. CONTRIBUTED
The FAAB Project enables individuals with ASD to overcome challenges by promoting healthy self-expression, building essential life skills and providing inclusive opportunities in the creative arts.
The Project includes an educational art therapy program and a series of fashion shows. It involves ongoing workshops where students produce original works of art on canvases made of piña cloth.
Erlinda Borromeo (center) relates the story of how she discovered that her grandson had ASD at 18 months of age; Julien (seated next to her) is now 18 years old. Borromeo’s husband, Charlie Borromeo, is on the left, Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega is on the right.INQUIRER.
FAAB artists’ creations are transformed into fabulous outfits, gowns and accessories by distinguished fashion designers and brought to runways around the world, from the Philippines to San Francisco and Geneva.
On April 7, 2017, two renowned designers will collaborate–Patis Pamintuan Tesoro and Anthony Legarda–to show their collections in New York.
A mini-show was presented last September 22 during the visit of Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, a champion for autism and supporter of mental health program.
Founder Erlinda Borromeo and Executive Director Thomas Natale made the announcement to the local press and community leaders.
FAAB will show the works of children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The young artists’ hand-painted piña fabrics will debut in New York at the FAAB International Runway.
The Foundation itself was started when Borromeo discovered that her own grandson was afflicted by the condition.
Since its inception, the FAAB Project has gained noteworthy attention from national and international communities and organizations that share the goal of maximizing the potential of children and adults with autism and empower them to live meaningful and productive lives.
Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects the person’s social, communication and behavioral capabilities, creating serious challenges in learning and development. It knows no boundaries, occurring in all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups.
WATCH: FAAB Fashion Arts Benefit last September in New York.
The FAAB International Runway Show is made possible through the collaboration of Autism Speaks, United Nations World Focus on Autism, World Health Organization, Philippines Mission to the United Nations, Philippines Consulate Generals of New York and San Francisco, and the Filipino American communities of San Francisco, New York and New Jersey.
