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.

grace

So it turns out that the 73 year-old white supremacist who fired shots yesterday in the parking lots of Kansas City’s beloved Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom didn’t manage to kill any Jews at all. Which, presumably, is what he intended to do.

A thoughtful and wise Jewish Kansas Citian, David Horesh, posted this on his FB page:

“When tragedy befalls us, it befalls us all regardless of race or religion.

According to the Midrash, God chided the angels for cheering when the Egyptians were drowned in the Sea of Reeds. ‘How dare you rejoice when any of My children suffer.’

We are all God's children, bound together by Grace. When will we realize our eternal connection? When will we stop bickering like infants - lashing out and inflicting pain so unnecessarily?

May Mercy and Grace comfort and nurture all God's children.”

The Methodist grandfather and grandson who were killed were on their way to auditions for a singing competition. The third victim, a Catholic occupational therapist, was simply arriving for a Sunday visit with her mom, a resident at the assisted-living complex.

The doors at the Jewish Community Center are shattered today. So are hearts all across this city. These two institutions combined make up the heartbeat of our Jewish “neighborhood.”

Of course, the doors will be repaired. And once again they will swing open for Jews and non-Jews alike as they bring their kids to daycare, attend theatre, go to school, visit the art gallery, call on a grandparent, eat in the café, work out, swim or just gather with friends.

What is your reaction when horrific things like this happen? Have you ever stopped to think about how you process this kind of hatred and violence? After all, we have to deal with it on some level and find a place to put our feelings so that we can move on. So we can take the next step forward. So we can fix the doors and put a swimsuit on our four-year-old for her next swim lesson. So we can continue living.

I remember the morning of 9-11. As I sat at my computer watching the first tower burn, when things were confusing and undefined, and I had no idea what was happening yet or what was to come, I called my father. He doesn’t live in New York, but I needed to know he was OK. Then I asked him: should I pick up Max from school? My first feeling was: I need to round up my family.

Then, later that day, I had to retreat. Shut down. Crawl into bed, pull the covers up over my head.

Do you know what the mother of the 14-year old singer and daughter of the boy’s grandfather did a few hours after the shooting yesterday? On the worst possible day of her life?

She showed up at the interfaith prayer service that had been hastily arranged. Dressed in a red Oklahoma hoodie, Mindy Corporon made her way to the podium and calmly addressed the crowd. She ended with this:

“We were having life, and I want you to know that we are going to have more life.”

She - without anger, without fear, without hatred, without hysterics -  gently suggested how we might all find our way and move on. She - without pointing a finger or naming a name - sent a message to a hate-spewing murderer that he has no place here. That life will be lived. 

Perhaps she is the Grace who will comfort and nurture the rest of us.

you okay?

That was the question that kept popping up on my cell phone this afternoon and evening. After all, folks who know me know I've spent a great deal of time at the JCC here in Kansas City over the years. Eddie, too. He even worked there for a while. We weren't anywhere near the JCC today when a crazy person started shooting people in the parking lot. One of the victims (whose name has not yet been released) was shot at Village Shalom, two miles away - another spot I frequent. They say it was a hate crime and that the shooter called out "Heil Hitler!" from the backseat of the police car as he was being driven away.

There was a dramatic thunderstorm in KC just after I heard the news of the shooting. I was driving home from my studio and just had to pull over to make these photographs of the ominous and scary sky that hung over the city. It seemed like the perfect metaphor for how we're all feeling here today.

The following was written by a dear friend, Marcus, who is the director of the Epsten Gallery at Village Shalom. Apparently he couldn't make it there yesterday because his car broke down. His last line resonates loud and clear.

So many conflicted feelings today: I am glad my car broke down, preventing me from going to work today to experience the tragedy at Village Shalom, but I also wished I could have been there to help in some way. All the expressions of concern and support remind me, however, that there is still a lot of love in this world. The safest place may not necessarily be a place at all but a state of mind… 

a guggie i did not get

Last summer I began the process of applying for a Guggenheim Fellowship. I had decided in the spring to take on this endeavor, and I spent a great deal of time thinking about the proposal I would submit.

In the end - and over the course of several weeks - I wrote three separate proposals. The Guggenheim folks basically want to know how you might spend a year (and $30,000 to $40,000) completing a project you would not otherwise have the time and/or resources to put into motion. It's an amount that is supposed to free you from the chains of having to "work" during the year - designed to allow the you to devote your creative efforts to a project of your own choosing for a duration of approximately one year. Think Robert Frank and "The Americans."

I finally settled on proposal #3, spent a lot of time writing and assembling other support information, made a set of twenty very carefully edited photographs and convinced four esteemed people to write letters of recommendation for me. When I sent everything in the day before the deadline, I was glad to be finished, but I was also really happy that I had subjected myself to the process. While it was somewhat grueling, it proved to be a thought provoking period, full of introspection and self evaluation  - one that forced me to consider more fully than ever the choices I have made living a photographer's life.

The process of applying for a Guggenheim Fellowship is shrouded in secrecy. There are few hints to be found anywhere in books or online. There is no "how to" manual. I ended up making several calls to past "Guggie" recipients so I could find out what their secrets to success were. I finally realized that it was a total crap shoot for me; I didn't really expect to get it (but, of course, I was secretly hoping I would).

I got the rejection letter today.

It was the same day my grandson Henry got to come home from the hospital after a pretty severe and scary illness. Because of that timing, I was able to put it all into a proper and healthy perspective and realize that everything is relative. The joy and sheer relief I felt that grandson Henry was well enough to come home and that he will be fine was so much bigger than anything I felt about the Guggenheim. I ended this day feeling truly blessed, not sad or depressed.

detour: new orleans

I spent this past week helping Abbie and Sam take care of two sick kiddos. While it was a wonderful, unexpected surprise to see them, it was not easy to see them ill.

I busted out the camera once they were on the mend.

barber shops

A few weeks ago I began working on a series of photos of black barber shops in Kansas City. The work might be included in a show I'm having at the Ethnic Art Gallery in May (depends on how much I get done and how much I like the work). There are quite a few old barber shops in this town that have, for decades, catered to black men and boys only. Most of them are situated on the east side of town, running along streets like Troost and Prospect. These barber shops are some of the last bastions of male social gathering places - where men gather (even if they aren't getting a haircut or shave) to discuss sports, politics and current events and just have a good time together.

So, I've been hanging out at a few of the barber shops. It's been a lot of fun and incredibly interesting. I have yet to be able to visit any of the shops on a Saturday, which is when the chairs are full and the conversations are buzzing. So far, the places have been kind of quiet, but it's been a good way to get my bearings and get a feel for how the series might take shape.

fun this friday!

The National Art Honor Society of Shawnee Mission East High School is made up of a group of students interested in exploring the visual arts.  This year the group decided to host an event to benefit Change the Truth! Their goal in creating the event is two-fold: to assist the CTT in its goals and to learn the process of hosting a gallery show. The show will consist of art from a variety of both established professional artists and aspiring student artists to be sold on the day of the show. All proceeds will go to Change the Truth.

Each participating artist was given a small wood panel. The artists were invited to work with the panel in any way they wished. The exhibition/sale will consist of these panels. Pictured here are examples of finished work that will be offered for sale.

The event takes place this Friday night at the Locust Factory at 504 E. 18th Street from 6 - 9 PM. Hope you can attend!

James Fink

Leonor Jurado

Susan Myers

team 8 has a leader!

This December Team 8 will travel to Uganda to spend ten days - 2 weeks at St. Mary Kevin Children's Home (please note the new name, and stay tuned for info as to why the name change happened).

Team 8 has just about been filled, but there are still a couple spots available. If you are interested, now is the time to say so.

I am very pleased to announce that Natalie Boten will be the team leader!! 

Natalie with a group of secondary student before their field trip to the Ugandan Parliament

Natalie was a member of Team 7 and returned to Uganda with me this past August. She is a pied piper with the children at SMK and an enthusiastic champion for them stateside. Natalie will be the perfect person to lead this group of adults and teens through their journey. And here's another exciting piece of info about Team 8: there are many returnees! I will write about the members of the team once everyone has confirmed their plans.

If this trip is something you have ever considered, please contact me as soon as possible. I can fill you in and get you started on an adventure you'll never forget (I promise).

artwork by the kids

Thanks to those of you who sent in pics of your artwork by the kids from St. Mary Kevin. The pieces look great hanging in your homes, and I know the young artists will be thrilled to see these photos.

art teacher: michael

Have you ever wondered who teaches and encourages the talented young artists year round at St. Mary Kevin? His name is Michael. He is humble and gentle, so very sweet and kind. He teaches the children important skills and techniques, but he knows when it's time to step back and let them blossom on their own. He is like a big brother/father to all of them.

When young Brian was injured in a terrible accident a few years back, Michael immediately made his way to the hospital to sit by his side. When I looked over one time to see the Okecha brothers and Michael huddled around Brian, it was a beautiful thing. Like a family, he told me.

Michael is a talented artist, but he never flaunts that fact to the children… or to anyone for that matter. He is easy-going and polite. He is respectful of the kids. He takes his time with them, allowing them to make important discoveries about their own artistic possibilities - and about themselves as human beings, too. A better role model would be hard to find.

drawing alongside Oscar on a CTT field trip to Lake Victoria

I am proud to call Michael my friend. I have loved and admired him for many years now. The fact that he comes to SMK on a weekly basis to teach - and receives only transport money in return - says volumes about the size of this man's heart.

Here's Michael's story in his own words:

Michael Stanley Kolulye is my name. I was born from a family of 13 and am the fourth but the 1^st born of my Mum. I grew up in a simple home in Ngogwe my beloved grandmother. This SPECIAL lady nurtured me since my mum was always on the move for her business ventures. After completing secondary school, in August 2005 I joined Kyambogo University for a Diploma in Education Secondary (Art & Design), it was a fun because I was doing some thing I liked from childhood. If I didn’t do Art & Design, I dreamt of doing Engineering/Architecture. I started teaching 2008 after my last school practice, I continued with my students and some graduated last year. 

I came to know about the existence of St. Mary Kevin through a friend, Peter Damba. He used to talk about the place with great pleasure that I wanted to know more about the place myself. I called Mummy Rosemary and we met at her office in Kajjansi in 2008. She was a busy lady but gave me a chance after listening to my proposals. She took me to the school and introduced me to some people. I remember it was in the afternoon, she told me to start straight away if I could. Our first class used to be at the verandah of the Guest house near Mummy’s office. My first day went well though I left without seeing/reporting to Mummy because it was getting late & I could not find her. To my surprise, Mummy called to find out where I was only to tell her that I had left thinking that she was off campus. She tried to explain as she was busy with the kids at school. I remember asking me if I could come back to fetch transport money. This (phone call from Mummy) gave me much joy & determination to come back. I decided to come every Wednesday for the young kids & Saturday for bigger boys projects. There were a lot of difficulties but I believe the spirit I had in me & the fire I saw in the young kids kept me alive. I myself I never got a chance to try out the talent in me at an early age, & whenever I thought of this it renewed my interest in sharing with the young lads. Now I feel proud whenever I look at them all grown up with their talents & skills. 

Right now I am devoting much time into promoting my small business of Graphics Design, printing & commercial/advertising publications. I have two kids Ryan & Renah. Ryan now goes to school & he is doing well in Nursery/Pre-Primary.

smk kids' artwork

Top: painting by Oscar. Bottom: pastel by Issy

Have you ever purchased or been given a drawing or painting made by Brian, Willy, Issy, Nicky, Oscar, Ivan, Petra or any of the other talented young artists from St. Mary Kevin? Has the artwork found a place in your home or office? If so, please send me your photos, so I can share them with the artists themselves. They will be thrilled to see their masterpieces hanging on various walls here in America.

The above shot is from my own home. Drawings, paintings and dolls made by the kids are everywhere! These are two I recently purchased from our 6th Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser.

Please send your photos to me at gbfeinstein[at]gmail[dot]com. I'd love to share them on the blog, as well as with the kids.

spring suite

I made these pictures at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City, Missouri. I wish I could include the sounds along with the sights. There was a lot of honking going on.

Witnessing this glorious snippet of the migration of these snow geese was, dare I say it? kind of like a religious experience. Amazing, awesome, inspiring, hopeful.