When you gaze upon the paintings, it’s as if you’re peering into the very souls of the children residing within the haven of hope. In each brush stroke, you’ll discover raw emotions and boundless spontaneity. This feeling mirrors the spirit of the Angels of Rendu, an art group that serves as messengers of hope from Hospicio de San Jose.

The Rotary Club of Manila, established in 1919 and hailed as the oldest Rotary Club in Asia, is steadfast in its dedication to helping kids with disabilities and other special needs. RCM is staging an art exhibit featuring the creations of the Angels of Rendu Art Club in collaboration with Hospicio de San Jose. The exhibit, dubbed “Expanding Horizons,” will open on 14 September at the LRI Design Plaza Exhibit Hall.

The exhibit aims to raise funds for the comprehensive renovation of the Rendu Ward of Hospicio de San Jose. One of the special children in the hospice is a remarkable artist who paints with her foot. Sadly, some of the children in the other wards have been abandoned or subjected to abuse.

The Angels of Rendu Art Club got its name from a nun named Rosalie Rendu, a compassionate worker and a leading organizer of aid for Paris slum dwellers during the 19th century.

Her was beatified by the Catholic Church for devotion and holiness of her life.

“Today marks the birth anniversary of Rosalie Rendu. She was a true daughter of charity,” declared Sister Martha Gamolo.

Sister Martha added that the Rotary Club’s assistance goes beyond financial support. The Rotary also provides essential spiritual support during difficult times.

The ARAC, which is housed at Hospicio de San Jose, opened its first exhibit in 2019 with a small group of kids. It now has 10 or more talented artists whose works truly stand out.

While other artists draw from a plethora of life experiences in the outside world, ARAC’s works of art emanate a deeper connection from the innermost thoughts and feelings of these young artists.

“The painting is not just about the paint, the brush, the painter. There’s a deeper connection that’s coming from the inner feelings, the minds and the hearts of the ones who are doing it,” shared Hermie Esguerra, the Rotary’s centennial president.

The artwork on display is a potent witness to the wonders and dreams that these kids slowly develop outside the walls of Hospicio. These kids have not only discovered their potentials but have expanded their artistic horizons despite their social and physical limits.

A 27-year-old artist spoke exclusively to the DAILY TRIBUNE about her inspiration, saying, “Ang inspirasyon ko po ay para kay Sister Cory, dahil siya talaga yung nag-push para mag

-painting ako (My inspiration is for Sister Cory because it was her who really pushed me to paint).”

Former DILG secretary and current RCM president Raffy Alunan III highlighted RCM’s support for KWD from people with disabilities. He said that the money that will be raised from the exhibit will directly support Hospicio de San Jose  — in addition to helping renovate the Rendu Ward.

Alunan is asking for the generosity of his fellow citizens and hoping that Hospicio de San Jose will develop into a long

-term center for the arts and crafts and hone the skills of the children with special needs.

From 14 September to 1 October, artists like Solen Heussaff, Melissa Yeung Yap, Spencer Ozo, Kate Bautista, Jean Uy Yam and the Club founder Phillip Ong have been invited to collaborate with the children, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and unity.