Escuela d'Arte: April Showers

Hard to believe it's April already! Francisco and I have had a fruitful last few months at the ol' art site and there is much to report. January was a sort of 'resettling in' after our much needed three-week vacation. It was a time to reconnect with our local students and to re-envision our goals for the school. February brought in some alumni of ours and at just the right time, too! Students International leadership approached me to ask if some of our students might be interested in painting a bunch of 'cuadros' (paintings) to sell at the base. I jumped on the opportunity and quickly ordered all of the canvases and paint. The next day one of our best past students lost his job and came by to visit us. I asked him if he'd want to participate and for the next 5 weeks he came and painted everyday, sometimes up to 7 hours a day. In the beginning, Luis Miguel, who just turned 16, would have to walk from home which took him over an hour. After selling a few paintings he was able to buy himself a bicycle to get around. Providing this opportunity for Luis Miguel to earn money while using his God-given talent is what the art site is all about.

March initiated the beginning of 'teams season'. Our first team this year was from faithful Jupiter Christian School in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jupiter has been coming to the DR for years and it was my first time working with them. I had four teens at my site and they were great! We worked together painting murals at SI's new special ed site in the physical therapy room, played and did art projects with the neighborhood kids in El Callejon, did art in the park and 'hung out' with some of the local shoeshine boys. We also started packing up the art school in preparation for our move inbetween teams. What??? Yes, it's true, after much prayer, God lead us to a location that is more accessible, cleaner, brighter and much more affordable. Team Jupiter helped me to get it clean and ready for the move on their last day. Thanks for all your help guys!

We moved the weekend after they left and then Monday morning I had the next team help me get it all set up. Team two came all the way from San Luis Obispo, California (my hometown!) and I had a mix of college and high school students. This team took on the challenge of designing and painting two signs for our Centro Especial Genesis location. We also went into El Callejon to paint kids' faces and to do art in the park. This team brought a lot of much needed humor and unity. You are missed FPC!!

Since then, I am happy to report that Francisco has caught an inspirational wind again and has been painting like crazy!! Working alongside Fran is contagious and so I've started painting, too. It is such a privilege for us to be using the talents that God has given us as a ministry and to share God's passion for the arts with those who come through our doors.

Thanks to all who have come down and to all who support us from afar.

We are blessed!

Fran's new office