Leaving the town of Agua Azul Sierra, Honduras, several years ago I was gifted with drawings by many of the children whom I had met. About 8 days before, in the hope of bringing a bit of "joy," into the lives of children I would be meeting I arrived with simple gifts; fresh packets of crayons and untouched colored contruction paper. The gifts I received in turn were yet another gesture of the hospitality and warmth I experienced in a community tucked between a lake and rolling hills of wild ginger, coconut and banana trees. During the second visit the level of interest in art intensified as children came in groups to sit on the front porch and draw, then inside on the floor at night. Also, a woman expressed a desire to "try," and the strong forms of a Mayan heritage were there, "on the page." Other adults joined in. After walking on the land, visiting homes and several school sessions it became clear what I could offer would be received and benefit this community and countless others in Central America and the Caribbean.

So, GLOW, is in the beginning stages. We will be creating projects directed towards integrating the arts and environmental awareness through mixed media and murals. We will walk through the hills with groups, see the music of nature and individually create collages, prints, paintings and drawings. Families will be brought together to tell a story of their lives and these will be transformed into murals. Plastics on the land will be collected and public art woven in order to communicate to others about the community of Agua Azul Sierra. There is a piece of land which has been offered to build an ARTS CENTER.

Below are photographs of the community.

As the founder of this initiative I bring experience to these projects having worked as a VISITING ARTIST with the Annenberg Foundation, Carnegie Hall-Link UP program, Santa Fe Art institute, Arts Connection, LEAP-LearningThrough the Expanded Arts Program, Cooper Union. As a mentor I have worked with students from the University of Chicago, UC Santa Barbara, Bethel University, and Cooper Union.

To make a donation on behalf of GLOW. Contact Fractured Atlas where this project is Fiscally Sponsored, www.fracturedatlas.org