Strive DC Mural

My next mural project will bring me to Washington DC in mid January.  


Kendra Rubinfield -- Director of Programming for the Jewish nonprofit Yachad -- contacted me via facebook through the introduction of a friend.  Yachad, she informed me, has volunteered to assist Strive DC.  From their website: "STRIVE DC helps chronically unemployed people in the Washington, DC area transform their lives through employment.  The program helps people find and keep employment through three programs."  They help young adults get their GED, find employment, and stay employed.  


The building in which Strive DC operates, however, needs a real facelift.  Yachad is helping to turn the place around and make it visually represent the wonderful and transformative work that happens inside.  Among with other improvements they have up their sleeve, I get to paint the outside of the building along with the classroom wall.  


The building was originally a Jehovah witness church, which means no windows.  Our solution will be a trompe l'oeil effect.  I will painted these fake window to look real and "reflect" the buildings across the street.  

Painted pond turns wishing well

Thanks to Peter Vondras who lives in Manchester, NH, I have discovered that the pond I painted in Elliot Hospital has turned into a wishing well!  Here is a photo courtesy of Pete:

Sony's Artwork online for sale!

http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Painted-Egg/150539999160/item

Here he is!  The artist who I met in the tent city of Fond Parisien and who helped me paint the school mural along with several other volunteers.  After Carine and the rest of the Westerly Road Team brought back a suitcase of his goods to the United States, we decided to try and find a market for his goods.  With the suggestion of Mr. Barmeier, we're currently posting his goods on worldofgood.com

http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Painted-Egg/150539999160/item

Empowerment Works Article

Very exciting - my article about Haiti is up!

http://empowermentworks.org/inspired/?p=125

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Today I cleaned up our good brotherly monks and sprayed on the varnish to protect the paint.  The weather was rather frigid, so please excuse my numerous and baggy layers of sweatshirts.  

Here's the view of the courtyard coming down from the steps.  One man told me he watched the Wizard of Oz the previous night and when he saw this afterwards thought it was the Yellow Brick Road -- which is decidedly this piece's title.  Thanks to all the guys and Linda who dropped by when I was painting to keep me company, share conversation, and throw in a couple jokes.  It always means a lot, and I don't forget it!  You made the process a lot of fun.  Keep warm and enjoy the Holidays!