"Art is a way of saying that even in the darkest of times, there is still light." — Nelson Mandela
This 2023-2026, the Philippines is hosting a historic global celebration of the 125th anniversary of the nation’s independence from Spain. As her contribution to this historic occasion, New England-based artist-entrepreneur-philanthropist Analisa Leonor Balares honors her roots by embarking on a historic project to complete 125 paintings and works of art for philanthropic benefit.
Produced through Studio MelyRemy, the art studio that Analisa has named after her beloved mother Mely and beloved father Remy, each of her works of art will philanthropically benefit organizations and causes she is dedicated to: the Humansphere Foundation with its mission of uplifting humanity and inspiring stewardship of our planet, and trusted non-profit organizations with a shared mission and purpose.
Analisa credits her love for art and all things to her parents and family, who very early on, encouraged her curiosity, inspired her joy in learning, and supported her expression as a polymath. Reading classical children’s stories to Analisa as a child, Mely sparked Analisa’s imagination with visions of faraway lands and fantastic heroes/heroines which she sought to draw and illustrate. Mely and Remy encouraged Analisa to create artistic cards for family members, to celebrate their birthdays and holidays. From a very early age, Analisa associated creating art with gifting and creating joy for others.
Born in the same town to widowed mothers, Mely and Remy were childhood sweethearts who started in their philanthropy young, working as teenagers to send each of their siblings to college. In their story, the original Greek meaning of the word applies, whereby philanthropy truly means “love for humanity.”
In creating art for humanity, Analisa dedicates her art studio to her parents, among her primary inspirations, hence the art studio name Studio MelyRemy.
-
Womensphere Institute
One of the primary beneficiaries of the art created through Vision 125 - the Womensphere Institute is founded by Analisa Leonor Balares as an educational and empowerment center that invests in promoting gender equality and advancing women in leadership, capital, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ats & mathematics).
-
Humansphere Foundation
Founded by Analisa Leonor Balares to be one of the primary beneficiaries of her art, the Humansphere Foundation cultivates, supports and invests in inspiring people, initiatives, collaborations, and organizations that uplift humanity, that help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and that promote diversity, equality, and inclusion around the world.
We envision a brighter future and a better, happier, healthier world for all - a sustainable world where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, where we have balanced environmental conservation and greater equality for all people, and where we have successfully fulfilled the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
-
Humansphere Foundation Impact Areas
Through Analisa’s Vision 125, the Humansphere Foundation will also support trusted organizations and social entrepreneurs in a number of key impact areas. In the coming year, we plan to invest in and support select inspiring non-profit organizations in the following impact areas:
Peace & Humanitarian Affairs; Gender Equality, Empowering Women & Girls; Environment, Sustainability, Nature & Wildlife Conservation; Education & Leadership Development; Community Development, Health, Wellness