Art transforming life
The Xue Xue Foundation selected several of the more outstanding works produced by these children to display in an exhibition, and in 2016, some 4,336 pieces will be exhibited in galleries and art museums in Taipei, Yilan, Kaohsiung, and Taitung.
Xue Xue Foundation vice chairman Chang Chi-yi says, “The important thing about this project is that it gives these children a chance to have their works showcased in an art gallery alongside the works of great masters.” When the children get to see their own artwork so carefully displayed in real art galleries, that can be a confidence booster beyond any kind of academic achievement.
Providing art education to underprivileged families has long been a focus of the Xue Xue Foundation, in the belief that introducing children to a variety of aesthetic and artistic elements can inspire their creativity, build their self-assurance, and transform their lives.
After major disruptions to his family life, one child’s self-esteem had taken a hit, leaving him ready to give up on tests, for example, after a single question stumped him. After taking classes with Xue Xue and experiencing the tireless encouragement of the teachers, he not only learned to produce his own art, but even had some of his work put on exhibition at a museum. Seeing his own work on show gave his self-esteem a huge boost. As his confidence rose, so too did his grades, and he even ended up getting involved in student government.
“As long as even one child’s life is changed through this program, then it’s worthwhile for us to keep it going,” says foundation executive secretary Luo Jia-hong.
Color is not just color—it beautifies our environment, makes the world more varied, shapes our character, and more than all that, defines groups and symbolizes their identities. Seeking the colors of Taiwan will be a long journey, and the Xue Xue Foundation has led us on the first few steps. In the future, one hopes, this “color movement” will make ever-bigger waves, splashing the creativity and colors of Taiwan across a global canvas.
“Oh, that one’s really special!” Getting children in Taitung into an art museum to feel the atmosphere for themselves is also part of art education.
Xue Xue Foundation chair Hsu Lilin worries that Taiwan lacks education in cultural literacy. It was this concern that motivated the creation of the Xue Xue Colors website.
A child focuses intently while painting a monkey.
A teacher explains how to use the Xue Xue Colors website’s Practice section.
Art education can spark children’s creativity, making them happier and more confident. Truly, art can change lives.