In the wake of recent storms, particularly #KristinePH, artist Dee Jai is helping survivors heal by offering art intervention workshops to children in areas affected by the disaster.
With the help of youth volunteers and local artists, Dee Jai distributes art kits and invites children to create freely, and encourage them to express their emotions through drawing.
“Art Diary—nagegets agad nila yun,” she explained, describing how children’s artwork often depicts houses, floods, and nature, reflecting their experiences.
“We want them to use art as an outlet, lalo ung mga na-trauma talaga,” she added.
The workshops also include team-based art games focused on resilience and "pagbangon" (recovery), creating a safe space for emotional expression.
Unlike Dee Jai’s regular free art sessions in Bicol, which she has led for years in cafes and public spaces, this intervention required adjustments.
A COPING MECHANISM
“Dito sa art intervention, there are kids na medyo tulala minsan. Meron din na sumasali na walang damit, basang basa pa, putikan,” she said.
Many children participate eagerly, despite lacking resources or proper clothes, showing a “thirst” for the creative outlet during a time of need.
Dee Jai, who has used art as her personal coping mechanism, hopes the children will find similar solace.
“It has always been 'Art versus whatever.' Art saved me from frustrations and mental struggles,” she said.
Known for her past campaign, “Art vs. Cancer,” Dee Jai now sees her workshops as “Art vs. Trauma,” using creativity to support kids’ recovery after the storm.
Her partner survived cancer with funds raised from donated paintings, a testimony to art’s powerful role in healing.
“Art is not just something lovely to behold but has relevance beyond that… It can heal a person more so, a community,” Dee Jai added.
She believes that art, paired with love, can move mountains.
A COMMUNITY
Dee Jai also hopes to inspire other artists to adopt similar efforts in their communities.
“Sana ma-adopt ng ibang artists… mas maging widespread ‘yung art relief operation,” she said.
She calls for donations of art materials and logistics support to continue reaching more barangays.
Those willing to support the workshops can reach out to Dee Jai through her social media accounts.
Driven by gratitude for the community support, Dee Jai emphasizes transparency and accountability.
“They give me help and donations because they know that I do deliver — may resibo, may accountability, at transparency,” she said.
In each art intervention, Dee Jai sees the potential of art not only to provide comfort but to build resilience, hoping these workshops will help children rebuild emotionally.
