Recap: The Artist Lab’s First Charity Exhibition – “Together”

Last week, The Artist Lab hosted its inaugural Charity Exhibition, a special event to support the CHOC Foundation. This event marked a beautiful intersection of art, community, and purpose, with 100% of the auction proceeds benefiting the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC. The exhibition, titled “Together,” aimed to celebrate the power of unity and collaboration, both through its theme and the cause it championed.

The exhibit was more than just an art show—it was a collective reflection of the values that bind us as a community. The theme “Together” was chosen to highlight the strength that comes from unity, cooperation, and mutual support. In a time when we often feel fragmented, the exhibit served as a reminder of the beauty and power that emerges when we come together as one.

The students showcased their pieces with a focus on how different backgrounds, perspectives, and talents can merge to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Art, in its many forms, provided the perfect canvas to explore this message. Through their work, students shared their personal reflections on the importance of community and the strength that arises from collaboration.

“Together” also pointed to the interconnectedness that is so vital in our current society. As we face times of uncertainty, isolation, and division, this exhibit emphasized the incredible potential of building stronger, more compassionate communities. It wasn’t just about physical proximity; it was about forging emotional, intellectual, and creative connections that lead to transformative growth.

Three talented students—Skyler Y., Sherrie F., and Jane J.—shared their interpretations of the theme, adding their voices to the broader conversation about connection and community. Through their artwork, they explored how individuality contributes to a greater whole, and how each of us plays a vital role in the fabric of society.

Their pieces reflected the belief that when we come together in collaboration, we can overcome challenges, inspire change, and create lasting relationships. The exhibit provided these students with a platform to communicate these powerful messages, turning abstract concepts of unity into tangible forms of expression.

We were honored to hear from two inspiring guest speakers during the evening: Melinda Liu, City of Irvine Councilmember, and Wendy Altamirano, Executive Director of the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC.

Councilmember Liu shared her thoughts on the importance of fostering community partnerships, highlighting the ways in which collaboration across different sectors can drive meaningful change. Wendy Altamirano, representing CHOC, spoke passionately about the mission of the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, emphasizing how vital support and understanding are for families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges.

Their words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, reinforcing the central message of the evening—that working together, whether on a small or large scale, can create ripples of positive change in the world.

The event took place at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, creating a full-circle connection between the art, the cause, and the community it supported. It was a night that brought families together, fostered new relationships, and raised vital funds for a cause close to so many hearts.

Through the beautiful blend of creativity, compassion, and community, the first Charity Exhibition at The Artist Lab has set a high standard for future events. It proved that when we come together in support of one another, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

We look forward to seeing how the energy and spirit of “Together” will continue to inspire and create positive change in the years to come.