Pintando en Guatemla

These photos are the length of the parque central in El Estor, Guatemala, where I lived for 9 months working for Save The Children International.  I was assigned there through a program called ArtCorps, which is similar to the Peace Corps but with the idea of sending artists to help non-profits further their message through creative means.  

I worked in the town of El Estor, on the edge of Lago Izabal, putting together a monthly magazine about human rights with teens and also got them involved in this mural, which the mayor approved in the town's center.   I went to the school and we talked about what they wanted to see.  The ideas incorporated human rights and cultural appreciation.  I took all their drawings and composed them into one long cohesive design and then we got to work.  Many people came to watch the process, of all ages, and I often asked them to join in.  If they were hesitant I would outline an area and ask, "Can you paint this area green for me?"  A defined job gave them the confidence to say yes.  

Art by Sara

   

In August I had the pleasure of organizing a community project at my local Natural Foods Co-op, just down the street from my house. The project had all the elements I love: a business I used to work at years ago, my neighborhood market close to home, a local business I believe in, and complete freedom to organize it as I wanted.   The store put out an announcement for children to participate, and I gathered some neighborhood kids and we made it happen! 

Deje mi corazon en Chiapas

My mother's heart is full

Self portraits from different times in my life.  Mexico, Ireland and back on the Central Coast.