time for some good news!

Let be me begin this exciting post with two quotes from Anne Frank. They serve as beautiful transitions from the previous posts:

"Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart."

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

In two weeks, a mini CTT team will arrive at St. Mary Kevin Children's Home. Eager, enthusiastic, nervous and full of hope. Armed with duffel bags full of supplies. Ready to do fun and magical projects with the children. Poised to give a lot of love and receive same. Elizabeth Ormand and Rebecca Poole will accompany their teacher, my friend Jackie Heigle.

Jackie

Elizabeth

Rebecca

Jackie teaches photography at Middle Tennessee State University (she and I met many years ago at a Keith Carter workshop in Tuscany). Her students are photo majors, Rebecca with an interest in dance, Elizabeth in humanitarian/outreach programs  (she hopes to apply for a Fullbright grant to come back to Africa long term... this is her first trip abroad). 

In Jackie's own words:

"We all want to enjoy getting to know the children at SMK.  Yes, we hope to 'make' art.  But most of all we hope to make 'heart.'  We want to connect with the children and they with us.  We don't know where all these activities will lead us, but I am hopeful that this will be a dynamic opportunity for the children. This is a brand new conversation for me, and I am humbly inspired by Gloria." [Thank you, Jackie.]

Below are Jackie's descriptions of the cool projects she, Elizabeth and Rebecca will be doing with the kids. I want to sign up for each class! I so wish I was going to be there, at least to see the joy on the kids' faces. I have a feeling, though, there will be some awesome photos taken and then shared with the rest of us.

Photo:  Abelardo Morell 

We will convert a room into a camera obscura: This requires a single room or space that has one window that we can block, and with a simple hole in the blocking material, project the world onto the opposite interior wall.  The camera obscura becomes a raw and unique form of "live theater" and a lot of fun.  (The individuals in our "groups" will be involved in creating this room, and adapting it for the live theater.... Then others can partake in performance and viewing.... throughout the week -- we may incorporate all performance opportunities that we improvise, either in dance, music or in combination...  Or this may become a space people can enter and sit quietly to simply muse about the world outside, moving silently and upside down... Magical)

Photo:  Andy Mattern, Camera Head Shanty

Portable Box Head Camera Obscuras: These are amazing things and really can be adapted from any size (shoe box to microwave size box).  These will be constructed in class. Then everyone can try them on and experience the wonder of "pinhole image formation."

Caitlyn Soldan, The Butterfly Caper

Cyanotype Small and Large Scale Murals: These will be produced in groups, weather and light permitting and will be displayed during the Community Share day. We will need tables inside to work, and on sunny days, a few tables outside to work. We will need to place wash pails in the shade (or inside) for developing/ washing the exposed materials. We will need to string up a clothesline inside for the pieces to dry (I will bring clothes pins, and clothes line).  I am bringing all materials pre-sensitized and ready to go. 

Dance exercises: Rebecca is bringing music and has developed exercises to incorporate improvised movement and choreographed dance, while also inviting traditional movements to mix with classical and modern. It would be great to engage anyone who wants to contribute musically, choir members, band, etc. This will be fun, light, open and experimental! 

Throughout all of these activities, we will answer questions and make photographs with available cameras and ones that we are bringing.