While Supplies Last, You Can Pick Up a Michaels Tote Bag Featuring Angel’s Artwork
Angel loves to draw whatever’s on his mind. He uses pencils, colored pencils, paintbrushes or any tool he can get his hands on to create a masterpiece. He first discovered his love for art around the age of 11. Now at 18 years old, he hopes to turn his passion into a career and is pursuing a degree in Studio Art at Cal State LA.
“I like making things. Once it’s done, it looks awesome,” Angel said. “It calms me down and helps me focus.”
Using Art to Alleviate Scoliosis Pain
Angel also uses art as a form of physical therapy. He attends regular art therapy sessions to alleviate pain from scoliosis. His condition developed over time and, thankfully, is considered mild. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly five of every 1,000 children develop scoliosis with no identifiable cause. Although he has learned to live with the diagnosis, he does experience lower back pain during long shifts at work and needs to lay down or walk around to make the pain stop. He finds comfort in his artwork. Angel attends art therapy classes at Starlight community partner Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, Calif.
Find Angel’s Artwork at a Michaels Store Near You
Michaels selected one of Angel’s paintings to be featured on a Spring tote bag that is now sold at Michaels stores across the nation.
“It’s kind of like a dream come true,” Angel said. “I’m sure it’s a goal for many people, to have their art displayed for everyone to see.”
The tote bags are $1.99 in all US Michaels stores while supplies last, and $1.24 from each bag helps Starlight’s mission in creating moments of joy and comfort to seriously ill children and their families.
Love for Art Runs in the Family
Angel created the yellow leopard using acrylic paint — and he’s not the only artistic one in the family: his 17-year-old brother shares his love for art.
“When I told my brother, he got excited, but kind of jealous,” Angel said, laughing to himself.
Once he finishes college, Angel’s goal is to have his art hung in galleries for all to see. We’re sure this is just the first of his many successes as a great young artist!
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