Lisa and Lindsey Noble, WA, United States Regional Coordinator
"I would be honored to help by being a Regional Coordinator. (My husband got excited about the Project and he wants to help too!) I'm a Seattle area artist. I also teach art to seniors and run a poetry venue in Burien (and I work a full time day-job with a non-profit organization). I hope that my local contacts can help contribute to the great work that you do with the Global Art Project. My husband and I have worked together in the arts for many years. We love the magic that is the creative force of art that brings people together and are delighted to help with the GAP art exchange." Lisa Noble

Marja Wilska, Finland Regional Coordinator
"I am a retired elementary school teacher. I am now a grandmother and a caregiver to the elderly. I am also an activist in The Feminist association/ Unioni. GAP continues to be a source of inspiration for building a better world for future generations."

Mohammad Sahranavard, Iran Regional Coordinator
Mohammad is an artist, researcher and university teacher in Metalworking Arts. He holds a B.S. degree in Business Economics and two Artistic Degrees in Metalworking. His artifacts are in museums and private collections and his papers on metal works are published in books and magazines in and out of Iran. Mohammad has focused on peace in his art and studies since 2007. "I joined the GAP in 2012 for its forward-looking and practical method. I knew the idea of exchanging art pieces around the world would be amazing. And believe the idea of the Project Katherine developed, is developing kindness and human values around the globe, where our hands and hearts are involved to extend our compassion. Appreciating that, I will try to introduce the GAP to Iranian artists and also my contacts in other countries and try to pave the way for expanding it."

Jyoti Thomas, ID, Australia Regional Coordinator
"I just love the whole idea of the GAP. Having participated in this wonderful project last year I am keen to promote it around my area of rural Victoria and get others to also enjoy this wonderful exchange of goodwill, creativity and promotion of peace. I am a practising artist myself and work as an art therapist with many different groups over the years. I think this project is wonderful and we so need this type of energy in our world, so would like to help out if I can."

Rossella Baldecchi, Italy Regional Coordinator
Rossella Baldecchi is an Italian artist and teacher of Design at the Art Lyceum in Pistoia, Italy. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. "Since I was able to draw with pencils and colors in my childhood, I knew what would be the passion of my life, an artistic research that I carried out in my early studies. My artistic growth brings me to use, in addition to traditional techniques (oil painting and engraving), new forms of expression, digital technology and video installations. In the last period of time, my art work is strongly influenced by the female condition and Human Rights, peace, social injustice, political, sexist and racial discrimination. I think that today it is no longer possible to be indifferent to human tragedies and my reaction takes place in the only way I know, through my artistic sensibility. Now in Italy I am considered a Peace Ambassador and now, turning my attention to children, I want to help the Global Art Project for Peace to build a better world for future generations."

Mariam Tamborenea, FL, United States Regional Coordinator
"It's an honor and a privilege to be part of GAP. I will expand the concept of GAP through Minervas. Women changing the World http://minervas.org." Mariam is an Argentine woman living in Florida. She has organized women through Minervas to participate in the 2014 and 2016 exchanges. Their art created for the 2014 exchange is included in the 2014 Global Art Project for Peace Gallery.

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!"

Zhen Wei, China Mainland Regional Coordinator
Zhen Wei is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Design at Beijing Normal University. He is also a painter and researcher. He has worked on art education affairs in Inner-Mongolia and on art exchanges between China and the US. Through the efforts of Zhen Wei, the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Education at Beijing Normal University organized 21 schools in mainland China, including schools in Inner Mongolia, to create art for the 2012 GAP exchange. A Global Art Project exhibition was held at the University.

Geneva Haber, AZ, United States Regional 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."

Adina Ispas, Romania Regional Coordinator
Adina studied Visual Communication in New Zealand and has a passion for travel and intersectional activism. She believes we must each take responsibility for the messages we craft everyday, paying attention to which ideas and attitudes these messages generate and send rippling outwards...and inwards. "After a long while feeling alienated by the professional art world, I have recovered my sense of what we artists can contribute to the world in general, and it is a vision I am delighted to find I share with GAP. I have always looked with wonder at the strange connections between cultures separated in time and space, and now I understand them to be an expression of our deeper humanity and relationship with the Earth. Peace for me has a mystical key, which I hope will continue to refine my art and touch others' lives in positive ways."

Bridget Rowe, CO, United States Regional Coordinator
Bridget is currently serving as an Americorps member in Boulder, Colorado, USA. She grew up near Seattle, WA, and then attended college in Iowa. After graduating from Dordt College with degrees in Social Work and Art, Bridget spent time working as a preschool teacher, summer camp counselor, and nanny. She loves the mission of Global Art Project for Peace and is excited to support it.

Christine Scholz, Germany Regional Coordinator
"I participate in the Global Art Project for Peace because I love our wonderful earth with all living beings, plants, animals and human cultures. And I wish so much deep in my heart that we humans understand how we have to change our way of life so that the diverse life on earth is preserved. I hope for PEACE!" Christine's art that she created for the 2020 exchange was selected for a 2022 Global Art Project for Peace poster.

Eleni Kotziamani, Cyprus Regional Coordinator
"I'm a teacher in a primary public school in Cyprus. I'm also involved in several youth initiatives which bring together youth from the two major communities of Cyprus (Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots), who have lived apart since they were born. The youth initiatives, organized and implemented by the Doves Olympic Movement, use Olympism, the blend of sports, cultural and educational activities to promote personal and social change. Being part of the Global Art Project is a stimulating experience which provides the youth of Cyprus the opportunity to interact and exchange artwork with people outside the small island of Cyprus"

Gwyn Helverson, Japan Regional Coordinator
Gwyn is an American who has been living in Japan for decades, teaching EFL, gender studies, and feminist art history at university. "I remember the first time I saw an article about GAP, and thought how it was such a beautiful, hopeful way to literally 'exchange peace,' and thereby, to amplify peace around the world. Thank you, Katherine, for your vision of GAP which enables all of us to focus our artistic expression upon the creation of global harmony."

Jan Buley, NF, Canada Regional Coordinator
"I'm a professor of elementary literacy in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland. I believe that art can change the world. When people of all ages are invited to play creatively and imaginatively, new communities emerge--and often, new friendships as well. That is really the spine of the Global Art Project, and in my experience, the surprise of sending and receiving art from partners around the globe is truly energizing. When we take time to notice the beauty around us, our circle of influence also changes. We see through more positive eyes, we connect with more loving hearts and we reach out with more integrity and purpose. Similarly, when we hold an origami crane gifted from a 7 year old in Yokohama, Japan or admire a pastel drawing of some magical fish from a teenager in Coastal Ecuador, our sense of the planet also shifts. We realize that we are truly connected through beauty and creativity with another human being. Surely, those connections are the seeds for peace all over the planet."

Laurina Bergvist, 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.'"

Nina Tsoneva, Bulgaria Regional Coordinator
"My name's Nina Tsoneva, an English teacher from Bulgaria. I'm very proud to be part of this unique project. The reason I volunteer to be a project coordinator in my country is because I find the cause really worthy. Fighting for peace can never be more effective than this way, through the peaceful and beautiful means of art; a way that can make all people believe we are one, and that we share one home that should be kept in peace in order to exist."

Jaquith Travis, ID, United States Regional Coordinator
"I feel that this is a time of political and environmental turmoil. So many words have been tossed back and forth, and so much of the time no one is listening to the other. Art is a way to reach out without words to strangers, as a smile so often does, in a peaceful manner. My husband is helping too. It has become a joint family project. He likes being included in something as worthwhile as this project is. Participation in the exchange and helping others to get involved gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude."

Syed Imon Rizvi, Pakistan Regional Coordinator
"We need to create awareness about peace and education through out this world. If saving one person is saving all humanity, then conveying message of peace to one person means conveying it to whole humanity. Helping those who are helping others would be considered a good act as well so thats why I am helping Global Art Project. May God help us in achieving peace, love and unity in this world." - Syed Imon Rizvi

Amy Svec, PA, United States Regional Coordinator
"Each and every one of us, no matter how large or small we think we are, CAN make a difference. The simple act of creating a piece of art with one's own personal vision of world peace can institute change for as it is viewed by others the artist's positive message creates a ripple effect and inspires so many people to join in the movement."

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.

Douglas Striker, OH, United States Regional Coordinator
Douglas lives in Cincinnati, Ohio where he works in education with the deaf and hearing impaired community. "I love incorporating creativity into all aspects of my life, and expanding my awareness of the world."

XI Lin, China Regional Coordinator
"I had been loving drawing pictures since I was a child, then learned art and graduated from Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. Currently I work at my own art company in Shenzhen China. Global Art Project (GAP) makes the people from different countries linked together through art. The excitements when the participants received their partners' exchange artworks from different parts of the world, the childrens' seriousness and enjoyment when they were reading the artworks ... all really moved me. I would like to give my great thanks to Global Art Project. It is a joyful and meaningful job to help China participants exchange art with the world. I am happy to let more Chinese people know about GAP, love and culture from different countries."

Francoise Moulin Durham, BC, Canada Regional Coordinator
Francoise is the Francophone Integration Coordinator/Art Coordinator for the Cowichen Intercultural Society/Immigrant Welcome Centre of Cowichen. Francoise has been coordinating the participation of the Cowichen Intercultural Society since 2012. “We are so happy to continue to support you and this project is fabulous and universal, and you are giving all your heart! I am looking forward to receive your brochures. I will bring some to the schools too. It is so much fun to express our community and love this way. I love your project!"

Seema Paul, China, Peoples Republic of Regional Coordinator
Seema Paul is the International Baccalaureate Director at Suzhou Science and Technology Town Foreign Language School in China. "I get very excited to encourage students to take part in the Global Peace Project because I think the idea to spread the message of peace through Art, is the best way to express yourself. Also, the art exchange between schools, based on the criteria Peace, helps students collaborate, not only in their own community but also globally. It is a joyful moment to open the parcel with messages from another school, and to have those messages on peace reflected, as a reminder in your own school."

Frances Clem, CT, United States 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!"

Karen Riley, CA, United States Regional Coordinator
Karen is the Executive Director and a founder of the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery (Student Creative Recycle Art Program), the environmental arts education program. Since 1997, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery has been addressing two of today’s most urgent issues – the environment and youth education throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Riley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from California State University Long Beach and her Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from Fairfax University. She was selected to participate in the 2019 NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Planet Steward program, which supports educators in developing hands-on action-based student projects. She is also the author of Landfill Lunch Box, Argollas Plasticas y Otras Cosas/Plastic Rings and Other Things, Don’t Trash My Planet, The Eco Deck, and Recycle Road Trip.    Karen Riley believes it is up to us to make the world a better place for people, animals, and the environment through creative solutions involving art and recycling.

Miraida Santiago Matos, Puerto Rico Regional Coordinator
"A little about me: I love to paint. I'm married and work with my husband, have a girl and a boy, both in college. I work at my church in the Visual Arts Ministry. The Global Art Project is meaningful to me because it impacts the individual that makes art with the purpose of sending a message of peace. It can involve a group and therefore impacts that community or town. When you give, a little of you goes with it. The receiver gets to know a little more about you and your country knowing that we want the same thing for humanity, PEACE. I'm looking forward to working with the Project.  Puerto Rico needs to heal a lot and art is therapy."

Claudia Zamora, NC, United States Regional Coordinator
Claudia is a Spiritual Life Coach and author. "I am part of the Minervas Movement working from North Carolina. I have been distributing the Global Art Project for Peace brochures and we are so excited to participate in the exchange. We would love to invite and gather women into this amazing Project. Art is emotion, impulse, feeling and sensation. Nothing is immobile, everything moves, everything vibrates. Connecting my thoughts to the rhythm of art has empowered the awareness of my inner self, zooming into the depths of consciousness and understanding the undertones of my own perception. It makes me happy as an author to be able to communicate these vibes through my creative work and help others in their spiritual journey."

Dan Oprea, Romania Regional Coordinator
Dan is the Founder/Director of the Depoul de Arta Urbana/Urban Art Depot in Brasov, Romania.
“I very much like your project and I hope that it will become a very popular one in Romania. I will promote it and hope to make more people interested in being part of it. Best from Brasov!”

Denise Luna Potensky, PA, United States Regional Coordinator
"I am a teacher, healer and artist who resides in Western Pennsylvania. I have devoted my work to making and teaching art for spiritual expression and healing. This project speaks to me deeply. The powerful, creative act of making art for healing, creating bridges and moving in oneness is a beautiful thing to tap into. I am honored to be a part of it."

Denise Lagrosa, Philippines Regional Coordinator
Denise is a Singer-Songwriter-Thespian-Arts Manager-Artspreneur. She holds a BS in Environmental Planning and Management and a Masters in Environmental Management. “After becoming an official Philippine delegate of Stars of the Albion Eurotalent Festival Arts for Peace and International Understanding, I wanted to serve and work in the field of arts, culture, heritage, environment in promoting peace and international understanding. I was looking for opportunities, communities, projects to work on, groups to collaborate with, training to deepen my experience. Gratefully I found Global Art Project for Peace.”

Brain Bytes, Malaysia Regional Coordinator
Brain Bytes is a team of 10 enthusiastic, high energy young adults in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. "We have watched your videos and are excited to be part of this noble mission. We could really connect with your initiative as Malaysia is a multi-racial country with Malays, Indians and Chinese living peacefully together. We sincerely hope that via the new collaboration, we could contribute to encouraging more young minds to drive and deliver peace in the nation and the world. Personally thanks much, and also our team express thank you very much for appointing us as an RC for Malaysia - awesome!"

Dolly Bolen, AB, Canada Regional Coordinator
"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."