2 Responses to If you were to choose one philanthropic cause, which one would it be? And, are you currently involved in that cause? If so, in what capacity?
Things about schools. Specifically, keeping kids from dropping out of them, and helping to keep/bring art programs into them. I’ve started one program called “BoostUp” ( http://www.boostup.org ) for the Ad Council from when I worked at ad agency JWT a few years back. It is still going strong. Even Obama lent his support. I’m also looking to put something together for the group “Communities in Schools”
( http://www.communitiesinschools.org/ ).
As far as doing more to get art, art supplies and the like into schools that need them, that is an area I want to get more involved in.
Encouraging young women to express themselves creatively. Especially girls who, in addition to “dealing with normal life as a female”, must deal with the added challenges of abuse, neglect, poverty, oppression and other various cultural complications.
It is my belief that though creative expression we can release the inner doubts and concerns that serve as an obstacle to finding our true self, thus releasing us from the constraints that hold us back. It is not rocket science and it will not cure cancer. But as an artist, it is what I can offer.
And yes, I am currently doing just that. I’ve begun the Gashora Art Project (www.GashoraArt.org) where I take art supplies to a girls school in rural Rwanda and teach art for a month each summer. And, closer to home, I’ve begun the Paint It Forward project where I am doing the same for teen girls (and boys) living at a local homeless shelter.
Thanks for asking Sarah and allowing me to post about these projects. If anyone is interested in more information http://www.LisaRico.com
Things about schools. Specifically, keeping kids from dropping out of them, and helping to keep/bring art programs into them. I’ve started one program called “BoostUp” ( http://www.boostup.org ) for the Ad Council from when I worked at ad agency JWT a few years back. It is still going strong. Even Obama lent his support. I’m also looking to put something together for the group “Communities in Schools”
( http://www.communitiesinschools.org/ ).
As far as doing more to get art, art supplies and the like into schools that need them, that is an area I want to get more involved in.
Encouraging young women to express themselves creatively. Especially girls who, in addition to “dealing with normal life as a female”, must deal with the added challenges of abuse, neglect, poverty, oppression and other various cultural complications.
It is my belief that though creative expression we can release the inner doubts and concerns that serve as an obstacle to finding our true self, thus releasing us from the constraints that hold us back. It is not rocket science and it will not cure cancer. But as an artist, it is what I can offer.
And yes, I am currently doing just that. I’ve begun the Gashora Art Project (www.GashoraArt.org) where I take art supplies to a girls school in rural Rwanda and teach art for a month each summer. And, closer to home, I’ve begun the Paint It Forward project where I am doing the same for teen girls (and boys) living at a local homeless shelter.
Thanks for asking Sarah and allowing me to post about these projects. If anyone is interested in more information http://www.LisaRico.com