August 2014, Guatemala Trip: Kevin Macpherson travels for Art Ambassador For A Color World

Posted on 8/24/2014 5:52:14 PM by Ryan Lanese - 2 Comments

August 2014

Guatemala Trip: Kevin Macpherson Travels for

Art Ambassador For A Color World

On August 2, 2014 along with Xela Aid, Kevin Macpherson and Ryan Lanese, members of Art Ambassador For A Colorful world arrived in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. It is fitting that we aimed to connect such a place with art. The environment is a living canvas, from the lush greens rolling over the mountains, the endless fields of maize, to the beautiful hand made garments worn by the Guatemala women. A 45-minute bus ride separates us from San Martin, the village where our friends at Xela Aid have been doing incredible work for the last couple of decades. They have turned previous despair in to treasure trove of opportunity and hope for the future. They give hugs and joyous greetings. There is something that can almost be described as magical about the affection we received by people we had never met in our lives. Though I had come with the intention of making an impact, it quickly became clear that the impact was to be made on me.

We were immediately set on the work to be done. Many eager children were excited for the art activities planned by Kevin and the other members of the group.

The first 3 days go by quickly. A mob of young children follows Kevin around. The childlike aura of curiosity that surrounds him as an artist immediately paints him as a friend and mentor to them. The same respect is given to the many Xela Aid workers, who consist of teachers, doctors, and translators. In the short time they have been in San Martin, they have led many children to a better, educated life. The children aspire to attend the university and become leaders of the next generation. Some have even come back to work for the same cause that changed their life.

At Las Nubes, the local school in San Martin, the kids draw Chinese characters on mini easels. Kevin gathers a large crowd when he offers to translate names in to Chinese.

Art is a tool for all mankind. It fits even the tiniest hand to do the largest of jobs.

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Comments

2 Responses to August 2014, Guatemala Trip: Kevin Macpherson travels for Art Ambassador For A Color World

Today's FASO newsletter reprint of your post led me on a lively and inspiring dance throughout your other posts and websites. Somewhere in one of the pages I read that you'd returned to your home in Baja, which was the last impetus needed for me to contact you.

I now live in the Philippines, aboard the boat my husband and I built and sailed here. We arrived in 1999 but by 2002 I'd become knee-deep in helping rural children develop creative confidence during Saturdays and regular school holidays, so your work with ART AMBASSADOR was the first connection I made with your posting.

In 2009, after Bill died, my One Candle Schoolhouse project segued into two, Community-run Learning Centers, while I refocused on taking care of our neglected boat and figuring out what I would be doing for the rest of my life.

I have always loved and worked with children but the experience of being involved so deeply in a Community altered my views on simply returning to 'Cruising', as we'd done when we lived in Baja for two+ years, then onward through the Pacific. We loved Baja, often discussed returning there...as I did recently, to see if I could live with the changes. It seemed a reasonable choice, however your experience in Guatemala prompts me to consider there, too.

I apologize for imposing on your time, but hope that you will have a few moments to email and discuss with me where you are in Baja, your impressions of the Community where you are, and how it compares to Guatemala? Much as I have loved doing the work I've done, here, in this small corner of the Philippines, I am looking for a place where there is more initiative and excitement for new learning experiences. I would be grateful to hear any thoughts you might have.

Sincerely,
Diane Pool

Posted by Diane Pool · via kevinmacpherson.com · 144 months ago

It is such a pleasure to read about amazing things done through art.It is a language without barriers, like a smile. I hope you do have the opportunity to come to Honduras and begin a project like this one. If you do, I offer my services in any way possible.
Warm Regards,
Dinoh

Posted by Dinorah Rosol · via kevinmacpherson.com · 144 months ago

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