the dirt

As many of you know, I’ve made multiple trips to post-earthquake Haiti to work with artists, children and communities. In my time spent there, I’ve developed friendships and been honored to meet people who are doing an amazing job of being on the ground resources to help renew Haiti. The earthquake happened over six years ago and these people and organizations are still there making progress, everyday.

As I type, Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on the island and bound to leave disaster in its path. Many of these on the ground organizations have done what they can to help the people prepare for the storm, but the fact is that most of the residents don’t live in homes that can hold up to a storm like this and aid relief will be needed for thousands by the time this storm has passed.

If you are inclined to help, please consider donating to Haiti Communitere. I have worked with them and seen them in action, your dollars are very well spent here.

This classroom is at a school in one of the most impoverished areas of Port au Prince and run by one of the most inspiring people I’ve met Winter Luc. The other photo is at Haiti Communitere’s base in Port au Prince where my good buddy Caleb is explaining to me what he’s learning in school and how he’s going to be a doctor someday.

For all of you locals, I can’t wait to see you at my new studio when we launch in October for Open Studios! For all of you non-locals who can’t make it to the studio, I wanted to share a few photos of the new space and some of the installations that I’m working on. This photo shows my main exhibition area which will also double as a work area when the table spaces are cleared off and the bags of clay come out after Open Studios. I love having the high ceiling and huge walls to display all my work on.

Here is the new classroom space for Earth Art Studio, the big table made it’s way all the way across the county and was reassembled here ready to go. Reclaimed kitchen cabinets and handmade small drawers create storage areas for tools. Project examples and Art Hearts add lots of color and creativity to this area of the studio. I’m looking forward to classes starting next week at the studio!

I’ll be sharing new work from my Bone Series as well as recent work from the Lichen and Tide Pool Series. Works in progress and pieces from older series will also be on display. Join me October 8, 9 , 15 & 16 from 11 – 5 at the studio.