Pattern & Play: Creativity and Community in Cagayan de Oro
In June and July 2025, AVRF sponsored two Pattern & Play art workshops led by visual artist Nikita Ares. The program introduced art as a grounding, meditative tool and created welcoming spaces for collaborative creativity across two very different settings.
AVRF provided funding for artist facilitation and core workshop expenses, enabling the team to deliver high-quality, inclusive arts programming. Community partners supported with coordination and on-site logistics as noted below.
Workshop I — Children’s Session (June 28, 2025 • Teakwood Hills)
An inclusive group of 15 children (ages 6–12)—both neurodivergent and neurotypical—explored mark-making, pattern building, and collaborative painting in a calm, supportive setting. Families reported strong engagement and confidence gains, and participants completed a shared large-scale artwork.
Workshop II — Lumbia City Jail (July 27, 2025)
The second session was held at Lumbia City Jail in partnership with I Will Serve Foundation, Inc. through its SEED (Support, Educate, Empower, and Develop Self-worth) program for PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty). 25 participants took part in an afternoon focused on personal growth and emotional well-being through art. Highlights included:
Story sharing & artwork presentations that deepened connection and self-expression.
Discussion of art as expression and potential livelihood; with partner support, some participant paintings were sold, providing immediate income.
Enthusiastic feedback, including requests to extend future sessions to a full-day format. Engagement reached beyond attendees—local officers later shared that the workshop rekindled their own interest in art.
I Will Serve Foundation, Inc. provided art materials through the SEED program.
Outcomes
Both workshops met their goals, delivering accessible, high-quality arts programming and tangible benefits: increased confidence, community connection, and—in Workshop II—direct livelihood support. Based on the positive response, partners recommend expanding and repeating the format in additional communities.
AVRF is proud to fund programs that make creative opportunities accessible and impactful—strengthening confidence, connection, and well-being through the arts.