My Life: Woven with Heritage, Compassion, and Hope

Born in Zimbabwe, the fourth of five children, I grew up immersed in art. My father, Patrick Kutinyu – "the greatest artist I've lived to know" – was a brilliant stone sculptor. Our yard wasn't just a yard; it was his vibrant, creative workshop, where rocks transformed into wonders under his hands.

"We lived art... all of us."

Our names prove it: Elmmah, Thelmah, and Wilmah. Even as a four-year-old, Daddy allowed us all to help him. It made art our nature. He remains the great love of my life, and I am deeply proud to follow in his artistic footsteps.

It wasn't just my father. My mother, Mama, has her own magic with fabric. Being born to these two truly "got my brain artistic and my hands crafty." Growing up in Zimbabwe, where art is deeply woven into the culture, fed this energy. From early on, I felt a pull, a certainty: "Owning an Art Gallery was the one path life couldn't deprive me of. It was my destiny by default."

My path led me from the artistic heartbeat of Zimbabwe to the warm heart of Malawi. Life took interesting turns – I even earned a Diploma in Computer Engineering. Yet, I always found my way back to creativity. Art remained my compass.

Later, I earned a Certificate in Early Childhood Development, a skill that would soon prove vital. In Malawi, I built a life with my husband Tamanda Mdala. We share two energetic boys and our own special, everyday art: "Cooking and eating!!!!" Through moves, studies, and raising a family, art remained my constant.

"Little children came to the shop for fabric cut offs to use for dolls."

It started unexpectedly. Children were drawn to the fabric scraps outside my small shop. Soon, they began to overcrowd the space – 40, 50, even 70 kids seeking refuge and play. Seeing their need, I offered space in the backyard. The need grew, and by 2017, I was running a Child Based Centre with an Under-five clinic and Nursery school.

"My passion for the children took over my life."

I naturally incorporated my art into their care, weaving creativity into their learning and play. I gave up the shop. I was mesmerized; as I discovered, "a child's presence is a whole world of art on its own."

Today, that spark is the Silver Bells Helping Hands foundation. We offer an Under-six Clinic, a Family Planning Clinic, Play Therapy for children with Learning Difficulties, and Early Childhood Development care. Here, we live by the principle that "art is our culture," using creativity to brighten our path every single day.

Then, in 2024, a visit from the Polish Medical Mission brought a pivotal connection. I met Tomasz, a dentist with the team. Conversation flowed easily. During the clinic, I sold some handmade jewelry, sparking his curiosity. After returning home, he asked how my art fit with everything else.

So, I told him my story: about Daddy, my artistic heritage, the shop that became Silver Bells. He truly listened. He saw my dream for a gallery and believed I needed solid ground to stand on to keep helping the children. He made an offer born from that belief: a partnership, providing the funding needed to build, equip, and run the gallery I'd always carried in my heart.

It felt like a miracle. I said yes. Together, as partners, we built Moyo Art Galleries. Just like that, the dream I had almost stopped looking for found me. I feel truly, deeply blessed.

Moyo Art Galleries is more than a space for art; it's the culmination of a life's journey and a platform for the future. It carries the 'Moyo' – the Heart – of everything I do.

Our vision is expansive: collaborative exhibitions with youth and emerging artists, bridging cultures with the European art scene. Tomasz and I come from different worlds, but our partnership proves the power of connection. We want to "use our art to bridge the gaps of society."

"With the platform our art gives us, we will use it to the advantage of the children at the centre, to advocate for what they lack and what will make them smile."

Art provides the voice, the connection, and the means to champion both creative expression and community well-being.