Art Is Messy

I came across the organization Barefoot Artists today as I was searching around the internet for more Community Service art programs. If my after school program or my Angkor Artisans like organization do not work out, I would love to form an arts non-profit like this.

The organization works on both local and international projects that works towards empowering communities and giving voice to those who do not have one. Check out their resource section. It has links to many interesting sites.

I love teaching, but I often times think about how long I will stay a teacher. Before being a teacher I was a graphic designer. I am *significantly* more happy teaching than designing, but there’s part of me that wonders what’s next. If I leave teaching, it will only be a change of location, not career. Education has entered my blood and it’s here to stay.

I have always had a dream of starting an after school graphic design program for kids at risk. The program would teach kids design skills, get them off the streets and hopefully into internships and college.

My second dream was formed during a recent trip to Cambodia. In Siem Reap I discovered Angkor Artisans. This job entry organization trains young Cambodians in their local crafts and gives them the means through which they can support themselves. I would love to create an organization like this of my own.

Art truly has transformative powers. It is able to improve people’s lives, rebuild communities and give people hope. I believe that the people behind Community Arts Network have the same idea. This site is a great resource for project ideas, research and collaboration. There’s a lot of information here so be prepared to spend a bunch of time visiting this site.

From Dude-A-Day.

I stopped in our counselor’s office the other day for a little post Christmas holiday chat. On her desk I noticed a book called Don’t Laugh at Me. I immediately fell in love with the book’s illustrator, Glin Dibley. I think his sense of color is very interesting. I really like how he paints cool colors around the eyes with pink noses. I hope you enjoy his work as much as I do.