By Pam Gervacio
In a world that often struggles to find the right words, Karissa Narukami offers something more powerful: color, texture, emotion, and truth. Diagnosed with autism, Karissa transformed her life experiences into vibrant expressions of hope, healing, and humanity. Today, she stands not only as a beacon for neurodiverse artists but also as the founder of the Karissa Narukami Autism Foundation (KNAF) — a nonprofit dedicated to using art as a tool for therapy, connection, and empowerment.
One of Karissa’s most celebrated achievements is her painting being archived on the Moon through the Lunar Codex, an ambitious project that selected her work out of 30,000 artists worldwide. Her masterpiece will be preserved in a time capsule, to be delivered to the Moon as part of a legacy for future generations. Her voice — expressed through brushstrokes — is now literally part of humanity’s cosmic story.
“ART HEALS” – July 29, 2025 | Metrotown Hall, Burnaby
On July 29, 2025, Karissa will host a powerful art healing session titled “ART HEALS: Paint to Heal, Connect to Cope” at Metrotown Hall, 6515 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, as a prelude to the Rotaract Club of HOPE 604 Induction Ceremony.
Led in collaboration with Rotaract Club of HOPE 604, this event invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore how art transcends words. Participants will engage in painting as a therapeutic release, allowing their emotions to flow freely onto the canvas.
As Karissa says:
“Art is not about producing something beautiful—it’s about expressing your truth. Sometimes pain is too deep for language. But with art, you don’t need to explain. You just feel. You just paint.”
The Karissa Narukami Autism Foundation relies on the generosity of donors and community members to sustain these life-changing programs.
A Second Chance to Heal – August 2, 2025 | Robson Plaza, Vancouver
For those who missed the Burnaby session, Karissa will host another “ART HEALS” event on August 2, 2025, at Robson Plaza, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver. This special event is dedicated to individuals affected by the Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy.
🖌 Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: First Painting Session
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Second Painting Session
- 4:00 PM: Meet & Greet with Karissa Narukami
Participants will explore how painting can be a lifeline for emotional release and restoration. Whether you’re grieving, anxious, or simply seeking connection, ART HEALS welcomes you with open arms and open canvases.
ReyFort Media 
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