Let Colors Connect Love and Hope — “Together” Charity Art Exhibition Opens in Orange County

LAPost / Orange County (October 10, 2025) — As the sun set over Southern California, a heartwarming charity art exhibition titled “Together” opened at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center under CHOC Children’s Hospital. The event was co-hosted by the Sunshine Hearts Foundation, RAYA Art & Education, and The Artist Lab (TAL), with strong support from the City of Irvine and CHOC.

This exhibition was truly a celebration of art that brought special needs children and youth together. The first floor showcased nearly 50 paintings created by 29 young artists, aged 5 to 25, from RAYA Art’s inclusive art classes. Using vibrant colors and heartfelt brushstrokes, these children expressed their inner vision of “Together,” conveying love, courage, and the beauty of connection. Many of them are long-term patients at CHOC, deeply familiar and comfortable with the environment, making their participation even more meaningful.

On the second floor, works by three local high school students — Skyler Y., Sherrie F., and Jane J. — were also on display. The young artists pledged to donate part of their artwork sales to the CHOC Foundation, supporting children’s health and development through art.

Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu attended the opening, praising it as “an exhibition that delivers hope through art.” CHOC Executive Director Wendy Altamirano (MPH, MBA) expressed gratitude, saying the children’s artwork made the hospital “warmer, more colorful, and full of hope.”

Joanne Chen, CEO of the Sunshine Hearts Foundation and founder of RAYA Art, shared her personal motivation as a mother of a child with autism:

“Art gives children the power to express themselves freely and joyfully. It helps them step out of isolation and find confidence through creativity.”

Coco Liu, Foundation Operations Director, added that the exhibition aimed to amplify the voices of these children, fostering greater understanding and empathy within families and the community.

A week before the opening, organizers held a touching “Master Charity Art Class”, where 20 children with special needs, aged 3 to 25, joined under the guidance of Japan-based oil painter Yang Feng. With the help of high school volunteers and soothing live music by radio host Jack Bai, the session offered an immersive art experience filled with laughter, color, and warmth.

Julie, Marketing Director at TAL, concluded beautifully:

“More than an exhibition, ‘Together’ is a heartfelt dialogue. Every painting tells a story, and every color carries hope.”

In that loving evening at CHOC, art became the softest and most powerful language, reminding everyone that — in love, we are truly together.

（By： Richard Ren/LAPost)