Art Everywhere

"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."
Native American Saying

It's midway through our week in Antigua, Guatemala.  On Thursday, we visited Escuela Cambiando Vidas, which in 2010 became the sister school to Samy's former school - the Ridgewood Avenue School in Glen Ridge.  We brought over a hundred pencils and sharpeners with us, which had been collected in NJ for the students in Guatemala.   The students were so excited to see us, and especially to see Samy.  They sang for us, and presented us with lovely thank you cards (that so reminded me of gelli prints!).

On Friday, we visited Escuela Kimna'oj in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala.  Samy's current school, the Montclair Cooperative, is beginning a sister school relationship with Kimna'oj!  Samy and her classmates made little booklets to introduce themselves to their new amigos and amigas.  On Monday, the two classes will skype with each other!

In between our school visits, we roamed Antigua, which is a beautiful colonial city.  Color and composition are everywhere.

I didn't bring much in the way of art supplies with me -- just Neocolor II crayons, my journal, a pencil and a black pen.  But I was moved to sketch some of the beautiful foliage outside my window and write what I feel, being here: 

 

Today, we have a full day.  In the morning, we'll walk to Jocotenango, a small village outside of Antigua, to see the beautiful alfombras -- "carpets" created with colored sawdust, flower petals, and fruits and vegetables throughout the village on the path of the processionals that take place in the days leading up to Easter.  Here's a blog post that describes this custom.   Then, we'll visit our three different families in San Antonio des Aguas Calientes and Santa Maria de Jesus.  Can't wait to see them!  And of course, I'll take lots of pictures and share.  To see all prior posts about our work in Guatemala, click here.

Thank you for visiting! I read and treasure every comment and will answer any questions as quickly as I can.

Linking to the blog hops at  Create With Joy,  Creative Everyday, Mandarin Orange Monday, Make It Monday, and Monday Mantras.