Ioni Mendoza is preparing to debut her first solo show, “Seeing Colors of Hope,” on August 9 at Life ‘n Arts Gallery in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. But this exhibit is more than a personal achievement — it’s a tribute to second chances, and a powerful reminder of how art can give voice to purpose.
As she approaches her 50th birthday, artist and entrepreneur Ioni Mendoza is stepping into a long-awaited milestone with heart, hope, and bold brushstrokes.
After more than a decade of painting and years of joining group exhibitions, Ioni is preparing to debut her first solo show, “Seeing Colors of Hope,” on August 9 at Life ‘n Arts Gallery in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. But this exhibit is more than a personal achievement — it’s a tribute to second chances, and a powerful reminder of how art can give voice to purpose.
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment for so long,” Ioni shares. “It’s a personal milestone, and I wanted it to be more than just a showcase. I wanted it to mean something.”
That meaning comes from a deeply personal experience: Ioni is a corneal transplant recipient. For years, she lived with poor eyesight, quietly navigating a world blurred by physical limits. Until one person’s selfless act—the gift of corneal donation—allowed her to see clearly again. That moment changed everything. And now, through her first solo exhibit, she’s telling that story with color, compassion, and courage.
With “Seeing Colors of Hope,” Ioni is using her platform to raise awareness about corneal donation, an issue that often goes unnoticed but has the power to change lives. A portion of the exhibit’s proceeds will be donated to a foundation supporting patients who need financial assistance for transplants. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
“It’s a cause close to my heart because I’ve lived through it,” she says. “I want people to see what’s possible when someone chooses to give the gift of sight.”
Her collection features works created across the span of her artistic journey. Many of them painted this year specifically for this exhibit. A blend of Eastern and Western influences defines her style, with techniques drawn from impressionism and traditional Chinese Shui Mo painting. She works with watercolor, acrylic, and ink on rice paper and canvas, combining vibrant colors and fluid textures that reflect movement, emotion, and life’s transience.
Having started painting seriously in 2010, Ioni took time off from art for several years before returning with renewed purpose. The pieces in this exhibit, she says, are a testament to that creative comeback.
“You just do your work,” she says. “Even if you stop for a while, you come back to it. One piece at a time, until you find you have something worth sharing.”
Her dual life as an artist and the owner of a consulting firm speaks to her belief in the “portfolio life” that you can pursue creativity and business, passion and practicality, all at once. The same discipline and courage she applies in business, she brings to her art.
But what ties it all together is Ioni’s desire to inspire — not just visually, but meaningfully.
“As a woman in the art world, I want to show others, especially those with limitations or fears, that you can still pursue your dreams. You can leave something beautiful behind,” she says.
That’s why “Seeing Colors of Hope” isn’t just an exhibit. It’s also an invitation to reflect.
As Ioni prepares to welcome guests to this milestone event, she is filled with gratitude for her supportive family, the friends and mentors who helped bring her vision to life, and the challenges that made her stronger.
“Pursuing your passion has no age limit,” she says. “If your heart is in it, and you believe in what you’re doing, just go for it.”
Through the exhibit, Ioni also hopes to inspire a deeper commitment to organ donation.
She encourages guests and readers alike to help restore the vision of someone living with corneal blindness by pledging to donate their cornea and eye tissue after death. “Almost anyone can be a donor—young or old, with or without glasses, even those who are blind—as long as the cornea is healthy and free from disease or injury,” she says. It’s a quiet but powerful way to give hope, long after we’re gone.
Ioni Mendoza’s first solo exhibit, “Seeing Colors of Hope,” opens on Saturday, August 9, 3:00 PM at Life ‘n Arts Gallery, Solenad 3, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Entrance is free.
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