giving workshop

Craft crazy monkeys.

Every. One.

Three Fridays of multi-age crafting with love for loved ones.

These girls inspire...

power up

Our fall was a beautiful, busy, bustle of back to back sessions of empowering girls.

During our meetings, I find my hands so busy with guidance that the camera often sits idle on the sidelines. Somehow, I think that's totally appropriate though.

So, what have we been up to?

For five weeks we had 5-7 year olds exploring metal work in Haiti, worry dolls in Guatemala and star making in the Philippines. With the chance to learn some new art skills, expand minds and play in group games together (not to mention, put on the cutest show in town) these girls are empowered to take a few more steps in some new directions.

Then the next 5 weeks?

Second and third grade!

Making Afghan inspired medallions, Malawian inspirited wire creations and finally, Brazilian infused Mardi-Gras masks.

These girls rocked the craft.

Just a little peek...

camp

We managed to squeeze in 2 sessions of a mult-iage camp this summer...My Race is Human found kids working on various weaving projects and rockin' the construction of percussion instruments. Weaving and percussion were chosen not only for their incredible potential for crafting but, primarily, because this is something that unites us as humans - percussion and weaving can be found worldwide and are some of the oldest forms of art.

These kids were cranking out percussion instruments their last day. So much so that my hands were way to busy helping to snap even a quick shot of any of their marvelousness. I find this to be the case often...my camera lies idle when we're really cruising along. Something I'd like to figure out how to manage a little more fluidly. Hmmm, maybe I need a clone...

I found these kids already totally got the big picture so what it largely turned out to be was a safe space to talk about issues of fairness and social justice. On their own, they were bringing up Rosa Parks and MLK (and these were kindy and first graders who got that ball rolling). They were clearly wanting to talk about issues of justice and equality as I imagine many kids must be.

The camp work wells as a starting point for discussion on these topics or to dive more deeply into them. It all depends on how deep your group wants to go. I'm in the process of writing up some user friendly guides for this camp. So, stay tuned if you're interested in bringing this super fun event or your neighborhood!

Camp

We managed to squeeze in 2 sessions of a multi-age camp this summer...My Race is Human found kids working on various weaving projects and rockin' the construction of percussion instruments. Weaving and percussion were chosen not only for their incredible potential for crafting but, primarily, because this is something that unites us as humans - percussion and weaving can be found worldwide and are some of the oldest forms of art.

These kids were cranking out percussion instruments their last day. So much so that my hands were way too busy helping to snap even a quick shot of any of their fantastic creations. I find this to be the case often...my camera lies idle when we're really cruising along. Something I'd like to figure out how to manage a little more fluidly. Hmmm, maybe I need a clone...

I found these kids already totally got the big picture so what it largely turned out to be was a safe space to talk about issues of fairness and social justice. On their own, they were bringing up Rosa Parks and MLK (and these were kindy and first graders who got that ball rolling). They were clearly wanting to talk about equality as, I imagine, many kids might be.

The camp works well as a starting point for discussion on these topics or to dive more deeply into them. It all depends on how deep your group wants to go. I'm in the process of writing up some user friendly guides for this camp. So, stay tuned if you're interested in bringing this super fun event to your neighborhood!

P.S

The finale nights are always so incredibly exciting - and busy!

Although I know it would seem my camera should be in hand and at the ready to capture fleeting moments yet, most often my head, heart and hands are right where they are supposed to be and needed...calming a little jumble of nerves, setting up, listening to the latest (and surely not the last!) brainstorm of the evening on how we can add more fun to the evening's festivities (these girls are rock-star event planners, I'll tell you).

We have this though and this is perfect..

Readying

These girls.

In two practice sessions (and one being a revision of their first practice) they pulled together a beautiful and moving inspired movement piece for their upcoming Finale Fundraiser this Friday.

In 10 weeks they have used their hands, hearts and minds to move out of their comfort zones and into a place of empathy and compassion for themselves, each other and people they will never meet.

Powerful stuff.

So much gratitude.

Art in action

Hands, hearts and creativity were kept busy today to make so much loveliness for their upcoming finale and fundraiser. Silk scarves and basket weaving filled our 4 hour meeting together - and it flew by!

On April 8th, we will serve a lovely dinner, put on a quick inspired movement piece, have a learning nook were the books and props we used this session will be available for browsing and all of the beautiful items these girls have crafted will be on display for purchase. Proceeds this session will be divided among, Safe Passage, Orphelinat Foyer Evangelique 
and the Malala Fund. This will be in conjuction with the birthing kits the girls will be assembling for Konbit Sante.

Those scarves need to be seen to be believed - gorgeous! And the baskets? I'm amazed at how much diversity came out of them. Funky and fun!

Just in case anyone is looking to replicate these ideas  ~ our scarves came from Thai Silks
and the paints were these. Dick Blick makes a great classroom pack for basket weaving and can be found here.

Wow - these girls have been (and will be) busy!