Mr. Kevin O’Hanlon, Director of Rogue Foundation, New York, visited MCAF Nepal with his incredible Art Empowerment project to empower our children of Shram Jyoti Public School and Hillside Academy.
Rogue Foundation is a socially conscious organization whose goal is to empower children in conflict zones and challenged environments around the world through art and creativity.
Introduction
As Nepal was hit hard by the massive earthquake of April and May 2015, it took lives of many Nepalese, caused major destruction, and children have the most severe post-traumatic stress and panic.
The project was held at Shram Jyoti Public School for three days from 31 January to 2 February 2016. Over 250 students participated, and children were given an opportunity to express their dreams for the future and feelings through color.
As painting straight out with colors was very new for these children, they started using pencils to sketch out images. After constant encouragement that they could paint anything they wanted, in any color, without concern for judgment, they suddenly burst into abstract, excited expression. “Here, Buddha is spreading peace and blessings to us on earth from the sky, and these are prayer flags.”
A boy was describing his abstract painting. One little girl said of her dabs of pink and orange. “These are people walking in a village at night with flashlights”, a young boy said of his black and white splatted canvas.” “Sah, Sah, This is REALLY interesting," yelled one girl as she held up her creation. Indeed, it is.
Overview
Similarly, the art empowerment project ran with big excitement at Hillside Academy, Lapsephedi, for 2 days from January 3rd and 4th Jan 2016. Over 50 students participated there.
The artwork these children created returns to New York to be exhibited in Rogue Space | Chelsea and all proceeds will be returned to the children to assist in their further education. in addition to the wonderful experience and education the children receive at their school this will be an exceptionally positive experience for them as what they have expressed and committed to canvas will be exhibited in a New York gallery, appreciated and purchased by some of the most discerning art fans in the world!
From this positive experience the hope is that the kids will be encouraged to try more creative ventures and manifest their life’s goals and desires.
MCAF will keep continue this sort of arts and creation programs in our schools in the coming days and proceeds from the Art exhibition by Rogue Foundation in New York will a great support for us to keep this continue. Our sincere gratitude to Mr. Kevin O’Hanlon and his Rogue Foundation for this wonderful opportunity.
We hope our mutual relationship will go stronger into the future.
