Hanoi artists promote eco-friendly art experiences for children
Unlike academic classes that are heavily focused on technique, Malena's Dream Canvas encourages spontaneity in creativity to nurture and protect the soul, also known as art in sanctuary, where each person is allowed to explore, share, heal and live fully with their passion.
THE HANOI TIMES — Nguyen Hai Yen, 15, concentrates as she adds the final touches to a painting of her garden. For Yen, weekend art sessions at Malena’s Dream Canvas in Hanoi are always the most anticipated moments of the week.
“I love the glow-in-the-dark painting sessions in particular. When the lights go out, everything shines like a fairytale world,” she told The Hanoi Times.
“I feel like I step into my own dream. In these experiential classes, I can freely create and explore many materials, so I always look forward to the next session,” Yen said.
Yen is one of many students attending art workshops at Malena’s Dream Canvas, led by artist Diem Hang and her collaborators.
Interesting art experiences
Art classes have gained growing popularity in Hanoi, offering children a space to relax, express themselves and recharge after school. Malena’s Dream Canvas stands apart for its distinctive approach.
Hang works with Vietnamese and international artists to create immersive experiences for both children and adults, using art as a pathway to emotional healing and environmental awareness.
Although widely known as an actress, Hang grew up deeply rooted in art within an art-loving family.
“From an early age, I lived among colors and creativity. My sister and I learned painting very young and my mother took me to almost every art class in Hanoi,” she told The Hanoi Times.
“During the summers, I stayed at my uncle’s house. He was an artist and I spent my days admiring paintings and wandering through exhibitions,” Hang said.
Her journey continued as she watched the artistic careers of her older sister, painter Quynh Lien and her brother-in-law, sculptor Nguyen Van Vu.
They inspired her to shape her own artistic path and understand applied art as a lifelong practice.
Each summer, Hang opens drawing classes, workshops, or creative studios to give amateur artists a chance to experience painting.
This year, she wanted to build something different: a creative space where art intersects with emotional well-being. She views the project as a quiet remedy for the soul.
“The idea came from observing many people who love drawing but hesitate because they fear they lack talent, time, or resources,” Hang said.
I was also deeply influenced by my sister Quynh Lien’s community art and healing projects. I saw clearly how art can bring comfort and inner strength.”
For me, painting always brings balance, peace and happiness,” she shared.
That realization led Hang to explore art therapy more deeply. She found it to be a path that connects creativity with emotional life.
From there, Malena’s Dream Canvas took shape, with contributions from painters Quynh Lien, Doan Hoang Kien, Luu Chuong Duong, Gerna Brink and sculptors Nguyen Van Vu and Nguyen Van An.
Hang often reflects on Pablo Picasso’s words: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
The quote became the guiding philosophy of Malena’s Dream Canvas and shapes how Hang engages with children in the classroom.
The studio offers hands-on experiences such as glow-in-the-dark painting, creating art from recycled materials and field trips to Lien Mac Recycling Village, about 15 kilometers from central Hanoi.
“I want children to see art as more than drawing something beautiful. Art helps us dialogue with the world. That’s why I love lessons using recycled materials and visits to Lien Mac,” Hang said.
Children are excited with art creative experience. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times
In Lien Mac, discarded materials gain new life as rustic and colorful artworks.
When children touch materials once thrown away, such as fabric scraps, newspapers, magazines, broken bowls, or old wooden chairs, their imagination awakens most strongly.
“These experiences help children understand that materials have a second life. They learn to value objects and grasp environmental protection through real experience, not lectures,” Hang said.
“They realize they can turn anything into art. That confidence is what I hope every child takes home.”
According to artist Gerna Brink, creativity becomes a powerful force for holistic development when educators place it within a thoughtful learning framework.
What makes Malena’s Dream Canvas unique is its ability to turn art activities into meaningful learning experiences that activate children’s senses, emotions, awareness and self-expression.
Brink described glow-in-the-dark painting sessions as a clear example of experiential education. Children explore light, shadow, contrast and reflection through direct interaction.
When the lights go out and their artwork glows, children observe cause and effect, visual change and emotional response all at once.
Working with recycled materials also deepens children’s understanding of environmental responsibility.
Painter Diem Hang and painter Luu Chuong Duong in the gallery of their students' artworks. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times
They begin asking questions such as, “What is waste?” and solve problems through hands-on creation. This approach aligns with global education trends that emphasize sustainability and experiential learning.
“We think the project is more than just an art program; it’s an educational environment geared towards teaching children to observe deeply, reflect consciously and express themselves authentically,” said Gerna Brink.
“Through thoughtfully designed creative experiences, the program not only develops artistic abilities but also fosters the foundation of a well-rounded learner: adaptable, emotionally rich and imaginative.”
Art therapy
Through Malena’s Dream Canvas, artists use art and intentionally designed experiences to guide learners back to their emotions, instincts and inner awareness, unlocking natural creative potential.
Even when students follow the same lesson, instructors tailor guidance to each child’s personality, psychology and energy.
Children immerse themselves in painting. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times
One student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder showed high energy rather than a lack of focus. Instead of asking him to sit still, instructors encouraged him to create while moving.
They also invited him to guide new students, which boosted his confidence, sense of responsibility and natural focus.
Another student, a five-year-old girl, arrived from a stressful school environment and cried during her first days at the studio.
Rather than rushing her, Hang held her hand, offered quiet reassurance and let her observe others creating. Soon, the girl asked to draw and joined the class fully.
Her parents later noticed meaningful changes. She feared mistakes less, became more confident and proactive and rediscovered the joy of being herself - a joy she eagerly shared at home.
This reflects the essence of art therapy: healing through safety, freedom and the space for each person to find their own answers through creative expression.
