Global Art Project


	Dolly Bolen, Alberta, Canada Regional Coordinator "I am editor of a youth newspaper. I am also an artist and I developed and facilitate an early literacy program that combines rhymes, songs, books, music and art to help children ages 0-5 learn different ways to communicate and have fun." "I would like to help spread the word about the Global Art Project. I enjoy all aspects of art and I believe all children (and people of all ages) should learn the joys of art! I believe that achieving peace by spreading the word through art is something everyone can do in their own way. We may not all agree on how peace can be achieved but we can all contribute in a positive way in our goal for world peace." Marjorie Werner Picchi, Italy Regional Coordinator Marjorie lives with her artist husband in Lucca, Italy where they paint, draw, design and create in the beautiful Tuscan landscape. "There's composition around every corner of the house or garden...little villages tucked away in the mountainside." She has been organizing groups to participate in the Global Art Project exchanges since 2000. Ghana Shyam Acharya , Nepal Regional Coordinator Ghana Shyam is a final year student in commerce and also works at the Historical Words Research Society in Kathmandu, Nepal. "It is my good fortune to work for peace in Nepal under the Global Art Project for Peace. I hope the Global Art Project will play an important curative role in restoring peace in our community as well as all over the world. So I would like to say to all people who want peace to support this Global Art Project and let's work for peace however we can." Geneva Haber, International Coordinator " I am very excited about the Global Art Project and happy to help in any way I can. Sharing a desire for peace in our hearts, homes, schools,...world through a handmade work of art is an amazing and affirming process. I feel joyfully called to be a part of expanding participation in this Project." MaryAnn Miller, New Jersey Regional Coordinator MaryAnn Miller is a painter, book artist and museum educator. Her work has been exhibited across the USA and in traveling shows from Lafayette College's Experimental Printmaking Institute and the Printmaking Council of New Jersey. Mary Gravelle, New Mexico Regional Coordinator Mary is an artist who offers workshops on spirituality and the arts through her business, Wisdom Painting and Art (www.wisdompainting.com). She believes in the power of creating art to further personal and world peace. "I fully support the Global Art Project. Meeting Katherine Josten and witnessing the GAP exhibition in Tucson cemented my commitment. Art, whether making it or gazing at it, touches and moves our soul in a deep way; thereby, changing our world. It is my pleasure to coordinate GAP in the Silver City area." Marja Wilska, Finland Regional Coordinator Marja teaches English at an elementary school near Helsinki. She has coordinated several international projects and is currently working on a fundraising project for UNICEF. John Lawrence, Arizona Regional Coordinator "Given the state of conflict in many parts of the world, I feel that every gesture made in the spirit of peace by individuals will build momentum toward harmony. The Global Art Project is an ideal venue for such expression." Karen Duperron, Alberta, Canada Regional Coordinator "I have been an art educator in public and private schools for over ten years. I have lived in Thailand, Brazil, Switzerland and Canada. I met Katherine Josten when I was working and living in Thailand. Her project, GAP, inspired me to seek other participants to help spread peace through art work. Working with children and GAP allows us to be examples of how we can make our world a better place by uniting people all over the world to create art for the sake of peace. I am very grateful for the project. I will continue to spread the word about the Global Art Project in any area in which I live." Douglas Striker, Ohio Regional Coordinator Douglas resides in Cincinnati, OH where he has participated in the GAP since 1996. "I love incorporating creativity into all aspects of my life, and expanding my awareness of the world. I haven’t had the chance to travel outside North America, but the GAP gives me the opportunity to connect with another part of the world in a way that is beyond comparison. Putting positive and creative energy out towards someone that you don't even know, and thinking that the same energy is coming towards you is a great feeling." Frances Clem, Connecticut Regional Coordinator "My favorite part of being an artist is teaching young artists from ages eight to eighteen from my home studio. They are an inspiration to me and my own art, which is mainly oil primitive portraits and watercolors. We can all make a difference in the world, sharing our gifts, reaching out in love through art. Peace is possible!" Marc Wasley, Tasmania, Australia, Regional Coordinator "I am A Baha'i from Tasmania, Australia, who believes that world peace is not only possible, but inevitable." Laurina Bergqvist, Sweden Regional Coordinator Mother of 4 boys, teacher, and spiritual activist. "We live the life of adventure, traveling half the year to learn more through meeting creative, original people. We believe that 'When the student is ready, the teacher appears.'" Kleopas Nghikefelwa, Namibia Regional Coordinator "I'm a young African who would like to spend more time and energy in what could change the world to make it more peaceful. I believe the Global Art Project is one of the project that willing to make the earth a place of peace, joy, love and happiness. I am studying Diploma in theology, pastoral training certificate at United Theological Seminary-Paulinum in Windhoek. I hope my relationship with Global Art Project will become strong and stronger. Art is my life,I could not live without it." Nico Eilers , South Africa Regional Coordinator "I do Art Adventure (Training and Therapy) to empower potential artists and crafters using art and environmental education. I am a committee member of Bellville Art Gallery and will gladly distribute the GAP brochures to fellow artists and art lovers. South African Artists are experiencing an African Renaissance. I believe that GAP Global Art Project will help us to promote peace and prosperity - also to the rest of Africa." Irmina Savickiene, Lithuania Regional Coordinator "I'm 28. I'm painter. I also organized public exhibitions in Lithuania. I'm working as a design, technology, art teacher in the gymnasium. I and my children want to create a work of art expressing our vision of global unity, strike a friendship with other community, and bring Peace & Love to the World." Carrie Eley-Durbin, Coordinator for Montessori Schools "Montessori Education is based on peace, kindness, civility, and integrity. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice! She said 'Establishing a lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.' And Ghandi, 'If we are to have real peace in this world, we must begin with the children.' After years in higher education, I found I was drawn to little children, who are, in their own essence, love, and who yearn for a peace they do not know. Hopefully we can have great Montessori School participation in the Global Art Project this year!" Krystal Kiran Garib, Ontario, Canada Regional Coordinator "Being able to be a part of the Global Art Project is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with other artists, of all disciplines, around the world. Art is an intellectual, emotional and physical process, and when someone is able to create something that is considered 'intangible' into something 'tangible' or physically present, that is a beautiful thing. To see this process of creation come from different people in different parts of the world, different walks of life, and with different ideas, perceptions and experiences of life, the world, and 'reality', we unite the individual beings on this giant entity called the earth, into one. I am very proud to be able to help spread the word, which in essence, brings people together in peace." Lisa Fam, Australia Regional Coordinator Lisa is currently studying Transpersonal Art Therapy. She is passionate about the potential of art to heal the body, mind and spirit, and is excited to be contributing to the Project for a second time. The Peace House that Lisa created with the Daylesford Kids' Dharma Club for the last exchange can be seen in the 2006 Global Art Project Gallery.