Sixteen-year-old artist Nicole Harry-Erin held a solo exhibition in Abuja to raise funds for a local orphanage. Titled The Essence of Life, the event at Nike Art Gallery showcased works emphasizing optimism and resilience. Proceeds aimed to support children at Hope and Faith Orphanage.
Last weekend, 16-year-old contemporary visual artist Nicole Harry-Erin presented her solo exhibition, The Essence of Life, at the Nike Art Gallery in Abuja. The display featured six art pieces, each priced at N100,000, capturing themes of everyday beauty, resilience, light, music, and life's spontaneous joys through detailed brushwork.
The exhibition doubled as a fundraising effort for the Hope and Faith Orphanage in Apo Dutse, Abuja. Inspired by a visit to the orphanage, Nicole sought to address challenges faced by underprivileged children. She raised approximately N1.2 million, which will cover school fees for 10 children at the home.
Nicole expressed her hopes for broader impact, stating: “I hope my exhibition encourages more people to contribute to the well-being of the less privileged, not just through art exhibitions but in various creative ways. The Essence of Life reflects the little moments that enrich our lives like enjoying breakfast, reading a book or playing the piano.”
Charity ThankGod, coordinator of the orphanage, voiced gratitude for the initiative. She highlighted its significance in supporting education and urged the government and private sector to create ongoing aid structures for orphanages.
Art enthusiast Pastor Oladitan Olowodola praised Nicole's efforts, noting: “The widening gap between the haves and have-nots is a pressing issue. Many remain unaware of the urgent need for change. This exhibition challenges everyone to recognise that if a 16-year-old can contribute to society, we all have the potential to make an even greater difference.”
The event drew a diverse crowd appreciative of both the art and the philanthropic cause, underscoring the power of youth-led initiatives in community support.