Art for Everyone! Autism advocacy, local stories, and indigenous pride in one exhibit

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With every piece admired, Art for Everyone proves that local art doesn’t just decorate a space — it moves people

BAGUIO CITY – At first glance, it’s just a splash of color on canvas. But look closer and you’ll find a world of quiet strength behind the brushstrokes, some of which come from the hands of children on the autism spectrum.

At this year’s Art for Everyone exhibit in SM City Baguio, art becomes more than just something to admire. It becomes a way of seeing, connecting, and healing.

Now on display until July 26 at the mall atrium, Art for Everyone brings together over 110 local artists and more than 600 original pieces. Paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and sketches fill the space with stories, many deeply personal, others proudly cultural, and all undeniably creative.

What makes this year’s exhibit stand out is its heart: a strong advocacy for autism awareness and inclusive representation. Among the featured works are those by neurodivergent artists, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and youth, proving that art knows no bounds — only expressions.

“This is not just a show, it’s a shared space,” said Maricar Docyogen of the Pasakalye Group of Artists, a homegrown collective deeply involved in this year’s exhibit. “Here you’ll find artworks by professional artists, children on the spectrum, and even farmers and elders who paint in between planting seasons. This is local art, indigenous art, and community art — alive and mingling.”

Artworks from Autism Hearts Philippines offer a powerful glimpse into the vibrant perspectives and boundless imagination of artists on the autism spectrum

True to Docyogen’s words, artists were seen engaging directly with mallgoers — answering questions, making portraits, posing for photos, and encouraging young onlookers to try sketching themselves. It’s this kind of interaction that makes Art for Everyone more than a mall exhibit; it’s a living dialogue between creator and viewer.

Launched on July 14 as part of SM Supermalls’ nationwide initiative to democratize art, the exhibit aims to bridge artists and audiences by creating accessible spaces where local works can be both appreciated and acquired. The Baguio edition, following the success of last year’s Gold Stevie Award-winning Art Market, returns with its commitment to community, diversity, and creative empowerment.

It also carries a meaningful cause. Through their organizers, the artists are donating part of their sales to Art Heals, Autism Hearts Philippines, and Helping Hands, turning each purchase into a small but powerful act of giving.

SM City Baguio mall atrium transforms into a walkable art experience, filled with color, culture, and community

During the opening program, Lissa Sobrepeña, president of Autism Hearts Philippines, presented SM City Baguio with a plaque of recognition, acknowledging the mall’s continued support for inclusive arts and disability awareness.

“We don’t just want to raise funds. We want to raise understanding,” Sobrepeña said. “Every painting by someone on the spectrum is a message — one that says, ‘I am here. I see the world this way. Please look.’”

Also present was Creative Baguio City Council co-chair Marie Venus Tan, who lauded the exhibit for its focus on both creativity and compassion. “Art in Baguio has always been rooted in community. This initiative shows that when you give space to artists from all walks of life, you get something that’s truly powerful,” Tan said.

Visitors appreciate the art at the mall exhibit

Featured collectives include Pasakalye Group of Artists, Tam-Awan Village artists, Camp Folkswagen, Sining Sa Tubig, and Autism Hearts Philippines. Groups that represent the dynamic layers of Baguio’s art scene. Indigenous motifs, surreal dreamscapes, portraits of everyday life, and experimental pieces sit side-by-side, creating a visual map of Cordillera’s evolving soul.

And the best part? Admission is free, and anyone can buy the art. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a curious passerby, the exhibit invites you to take home something more than décor. Something with story, meaning, and heart.

Art for Everyone runs until July 26, 2025 at the Mall Atrium, SM City Baguio. It’s more than an exhibit. It’s a gentle reminder that art belongs to us all. – Rappler.com