A blank sheet of paper. A crayon, a pencil, a paintbrush. What may seem like simple tools for drawing, coloring, and painting hold the power to heal. Art, as a form of self-expression, has proven to be a vital tool for mental and emotional rehabilitation — a way to quiet the mind and calm inner storms.

One young woman is leading a movement to combat the effects of abuse on women and children through art. Kim Cruz, a 26-year-old visual artist, art therapist, instructor and curator from Manila, recently founded the Kalma Art Foundation. This nonprofit organization collaborates with groups such as Called to Rescue Philippines and Voice of the Free, offering art therapy to women and children who have suffered from sex trafficking, violence, and abuse.

Cruz, a mentee of the esteemed artist BenCab, is known for her abstract and figurative works that explore the female form through charcoal and brushstrokes. While her art has been exhibited in Tokyo and Barcelona, her creative journey transcends self-expression—it’s a profound commitment to advocacy and change.

Her work resonates with collectors. At a recent silent auction and exhibit held at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, her paintings were quickly claimed by eager buyers. Dressed in a modern Filipiniana, exuding poise and wisdom beyond her years, Cruz sat down with DAILY TRIBUNE to share her story.

“There’s one specific story I always look back on as a reason why I started,” Cruz shared. “I was working with Voice of the Free, hosting a painting session for kids, and there was a two-year-old girl who had been sexually abused by her father. The foundation took her in, but she was severely traumatized — she couldn’t speak or interact with the other kids.

“What really changed things for me was when the orphanage’s caretaker broke down crying in the hallway. That day, during the painting session, the little girl started passing out her paintings to others — interacting and showing affection for the first time. The caretaker told me it was the first time she had seen the child connect with others in a loving way. That moment made me realize the impact of what we were doing. She told me, ‘You really have to do this more often.’”

The Kalma Art Foundation explores how art can drive social change, providing a space for artists to collaborate, inspire and raise awareness of critical issues. At its core, the foundation is dedicated to healing — especially in a country grappling with the devastating reality of child exploitation, where even parents have facilitated these crimes.

“I started doing a lot of work for nonprofits at a young age,” Cruz said. “My family actually owns an orphanage outside the Philippines, so I was exposed to different communities early on. I worked in media for a bit (hosting for MYX and ESPN Philippines) before pursuing art full-time. But I’ve always had a love for it, so I took up art in college and got involved with Called to Rescue, which rescues trafficked kids in the Philippines.”

Cruz began by volunteering at school tours and events. When she transitioned into a career as an artist, she realized she could integrate workshops into her work. “Many of these kids, especially those under ten, just wanted something to do. I thought, why not teach them how to paint?”

She noticed that in art workshops, the children — many of whom had experienced severe trauma — were able to express themselves more freely. They became more social, their inner worlds unfolding on paper in ways they couldn’t verbalize.

“That moment made me want to research art therapy more,” she said. “To understand how I could truly help.”

When asked about the specific gaps she hopes to address in art and education, Cruz pointed out a long-standing cultural mindset.

“In the Philippines, art is often dismissed as a waste of time. In school, kids are told, ‘Don’t waste your time drawing’ or ‘Focus on becoming a doctor or engineer.’ Many communities don’t support the creative space. I’ve met children whose parents won’t even buy them art materials because they don’t see the value in it.”

This is the gap Cruz wants to bridge.

“I don’t want people to see art as just a hobby. The Philippines has so many talented artists, but many can’t even afford basic supplies. My goal is to support underprivileged children by giving them access to materials and opportunities to learn on their own. Even small efforts can make a difference.”

In a world full of chaos, small moments of creativity matter. “Art gives children freedom — they don’t worry about whether their work looks good or not, they just create. That’s something we can all learn from them.”

She paused for a moment before adding, “We don’t have infinite time in this world. As long as I can help someone, even for a little while, and as long as I can teach something meaningful, then that’s enough for me.”