In the bustling streets of Singapore, a wave of colorful creativity is helping children tackle stress and anxiety one brushstroke at a time. Ten-year-old Chua Kah Ing reveals how her watercolor painting—a serene full moon resting atop a mountain—serves as her safe harbor in moments of worry. "I felt like all my problems would go away. When I see this picture, it makes me very calm," she shares.

Kah Ing is not alone; she joins over 120 young artists whose expressive works are on display at the Bedok Library's vibrant exhibition, SELebrate!—The Colours Of Emotion, running from June 1 to June 29. Here, emotional connections come alive through art, as children reveal their inner lives and learn to navigate their feelings.

This eye-opening exhibition is the result of interactive art workshops organized by Morning Star Community Services. These sessions, aimed at fostering Social Emotional Learning (SEL), empower children to talk about and manage their emotions in Singapore's fast-paced and often stressful environment.

The pressures of academics and friendships can weigh heavily on young minds. Many children, facing misunderstandings with pals or feeling distanced from family, find it challenging to express their feelings. Morning Star recognizes this struggle and steps in with structured art workshops that encourage kids to articulate six core emotions through their creativity.

Launched as part of Morning Star’s broader mission, these workshops have reached seven primary schools and care centers across Sengkang and Hougang. The SELebrate initiative aims to educate the public about emotional resilience and its importance for family stability and personal mental health.

Mr. Freddie Low, executive director of Morning Star, emphasizes that the exhibition offers a glimpse into how children perceive their worlds. "Through art, they learn to name, understand, and regulate their emotions—a crucial foundation for mental wellness," he explains.

Fourteen-year-old Samuel Lee expresses joy through vibrant hues in his painting, A Wonderful Scenery, featuring a rainbow above lush mountains. The reds, greens, and blues bring him calmness, while the bright yellow sun uplifts his spirit.

Meanwhile, young Kendric Chai, only eight, also finds solace in images. His piece titled A Peaceful House portrays a tranquil blue dwelling, encapsulating his notion of peace—"as peaceful as a river." These artistic journeys allow children to not only express but also explore their feelings.

The workshops are not just about painting—they are immersive experiences that incorporate music to help students reflect while they create. Each session prompts participants to connect emotions with colors and shapes, enhancing their ability to visualize and communicate their feelings.

Ten-year-old Chen Ye Ning finds art to be a more effective tool for expressing herself than words alone. Her painting, Peace In Space, features a calming view of Jupiter amidst a starry backdrop, illustrating her feelings of tranquility.

The SELebrate exhibition features not only paintings but also a captivating video essay showcasing selected artworks, complemented by the enchanting music of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra performing an orchestral suite by local composer Kelly Tang.

This artistic journey highlights the power of creativity to heal and connect, proving that even in a busy world, there’s room for emotional exploration and understanding through art.