Wellness center Sunshine Place transforms into multi-generational art collective

A vibrant community of artists of all ages is blooming at Sunshine Place along Jupiter Street, Makati, and they’re gearing up for upcoming exhibits in select SM malls under the banner “Sunshine Place Artists.” What began as a wellness hub for seniors has evolved into a multi-generational art space where creativity flourishes.

Sunshine Place President and feng shui artist Lizanne Uychaco describes the center’s transformation: “Sunshine Place was built not as a business enterprise, but as a space where people, especially seniors, could reclaim that joy."

Heading the five-story center is Gilda Reyes, who confirms that negotiations are underway with SM executives for exhibitions across Metro Manila.

To bolster the creative spirit, Uychaco enlisted the expertise of Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) President Fidel Sarmiento, known for introducing art in unconventional venues.

At Sunshine Place, Sarmiento collaborates with hyperrealist painter Robert Fernandez to mentor seniors rediscovering their artistic passions, as well as younger enthusiasts exploring creativity for the first time.

“Art has no age,” Sarmiento reflects. “The hands may tremble, but the heart never forgets how to dream.”

These budding Sunshine Place Artists come from a variety of backgrounds. Conchitina Bernardo, an all-around creative, has held numerous exhibits since picking up painting in her later years. Her granddaughter Ella, first exposed to art at Sunshine Place at age six, is now an artist herself. Meanwhile, award-winning educator and Constitution framer Dr. Florangel Braid spent countless hours refining her talent here before mobility challenges limited her visits. Loida Tan discovered painting in 2015, describing it as “a rebirth” — a journey of rediscovery and renewed purpose.

Breast cancer survivors Len Torres Fernandez, Leni Reynoso Araullo, and Fang Fang Li embody resilience, transforming personal trials into vibrant artworks.

Vicky Zubiri paints with one eye and endures chronic headaches. Over two decades ago, she underwent two critical surgeries at Stanford, California, to remove a 2.5 cm brain tumor that affected her eye and ear nerves. Despite these challenges, she remains the epitome of elegant tenacity, sometimes painting from memory with artistic skills honed since the 70s.

“My father told me to study law and discouraged me from pursuing fine arts, a commonly perceived low-income career," shares Carolina Llanillo, who eventually found new life in painting after a corporate career.

Twice or thrice weekly, the atelier is filled with a colorful mix of seniors, teens, and everyone in between. Guided by teacher Loida Balubayan, super seniors paint side by side with young newcomers, and porcelain artist Mee Lee Casey occasionally joins to teach delicate floral paintings on plates. These sessions yield a range of works — from large-scale canvases to hand-painted jute bags — showcasing art’s ability to unite generations.

At the heart of this thriving artistry is the vision of Felicidad Sy, realized with the support of her daughter Tessie Sy-Coson. The Sunshine Place, originally a sanctuary for seniors, has blossomed into a haven for all ages. The upcoming exhibits at SM malls promise to spotlight the passion, diversity, and intergenerational appeal of the Sunshine Place Artists.