L-R: Robert Sanchez, Stan Miao (Founder and CEO of Acts of Kindness), Julia Robert Capili, Kimmy Flaviano (Area Director for Smile Train in Southeast Asia), Gelli Ann Agus, John Ray Fernandez, Jervy Hobo and Dr. Bernard Tansipek.

What if there is a way to help make children’s lives better while bringing home a brand new painting to beautify one’s home?

“A Celebration of Smiles: Creating smiles and second chances at life through art,” an art exhibit for the benefit of international charity Smile Train, was launched by Acts of Kindness (AOK) and Solaire Resorts and Casino at Solaire’s The Shoppes Artway, last July 19.

Stan Miao and Kimmy Flaviano led the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 26.

Part of the proceeds of each painting purchase will go to Smile Train, which the charity will use to fund local programs dedicated to providing Filipino children free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.

“We are grateful that Acts of Kindness is hosting this art exhibit to help raise awareness for Smile Train and our local programs here in the Philippines,” Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, area director for Smile Train in Southeast Asia stated. “Through this initiative, not only is Acts of Kindness able to showcase local and international talent, they are also able to help create a brighter future for children born with clefts.”

The exhibit showcases pieces from artists of different backgrounds. These artists, who possess varying art styles, have chosen to donate their artworks to help children with clefts.

Among them are self-taught artists Roberto Sanchez, a DJ and entrepreneur; and John Ray Fernandez, an airline professional turned mixed media artist, whose works are admired by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, Spanish actress Rosie De Palma and French actress Emmanuelle Béart .

Camy Francisco-Cabral, a full-time artist and illustrator known for the spontaneity of her artworks, has decided to donate some pieces for the exhibit as well.

Another to contribute his work for the exhibit is German award-winning artist, bestselling nonfiction writer and playwright Albrecht Behmel. The artist whose unique style of painting is admired by pro athletes, entrepreneurs, business gurus, royalty, artists and scientists, has his artworks displayed in Carousel du Louvre, Paris; Cannes at Art Expo; Beijing; Berlin; Houses of Parliament in Potsdam, Germany; private galleries and collection; university clinics; and corporate headquarters in New York, Moscow, Silicon Valley and London.

Aside from the established artists, the exhibit also features artworks of Smile Train’s former cleft patients — Julia Robert Capili, Angel Ibo, Pearl Angeli Miranda, Jervy Hobo and Nickson Cabote.

“We hope that we can continue to raise awareness for children with clefts in the Philippines and all over the world through these small acts of kindness,” noted Flaviano. “We want to continue to spread smiles and encourage others to do the same.”

The art exhibit benefitting Smile Train is slated to run until Sept. 2. JB

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