Susan Angeles’s exhibit to fund autism arts program

Susan Angeles is a New York-based mixed media artist. Born in Quezon City, her passion for art began at an early age when she would copy some of the paintings in her parents’ art collection.

She took private art lessons with celebrated Filipino artist Sofronio Y. Mendoza (SYM) in the 1970s. This influenced her early drawings and oil paintings, which were largely representational.

Immigrating to the U.S. after college led Susan to careers in marketing and real estate. She raised two boys—one with special needs—while working full-time and pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. Throughout her professional careers in marketing and real estate, Susan has continued to work on her art.

Susan channeled her artistic interests toward co-founding Anderson Center for Autism’s art program, Expressive Outcomes, providing people with autism and developmental disabilities opportunities for artistic expression. Susan also purposed her art to fundraise for Anderson Center. This is where her oldest son has been a long-term resident.

During the pandemic lockdown, Susan retired from her property management job and immersed herself in art studies at the Art Students League of New York, Woodstock School of Art and Art2Life.

She is currently a full-time artist. Her art continues to evolve and is very much a reflection of her life. Susan’s fascination with the therapeutic effects of sensory play and her process of exploration and self-discovery has resulted in art pieces that are authentic and personal. Her work in the “Fil-Am I am” art exhibit represents “archaeological artifacts” of her childhood and youth in the Philippines, as well as her adult years as a Filipino immigrant living in New York City and the Hudson Valley.

The depth and richness of her life experiences become apparent in her use of mixed media—she often integrates fabric, paper, crushed minerals and other found objects as textural elements. Combining smooth and rough textures; organic and geometric shapes; and figurative and abstract compositions are all part of Susan’s art practice, informed by her multifaceted life of navigating diverse cultures and challenges.

Her website says Susan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with a focus on Art History from the University of the Philippines, where she graduated with honors. She is married to Larry Godfried, a studio furniture craft artist.

Having raised a child with autism, Susan is a fierce advocate for people with special needs. She serves on the board of the Anderson Foundation for Autism and is a founding member of Anderson Family Partners. Susan was instrumental in growing Anderson Center for Autism’s art program, Expressive Outcomes, and organizing their first art show in Manhattan.

Her exhibit at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue will run from July 17-28.