Thank you to everyone who came to Mixx 96.1 during Arts Walk last weekend! And extra thanks to everyone who contributed a few dollars to the collection for Thor to attend the SAMA conference. I raised $75 toward my goal!
But, after talking with Thor a bit more and re-thinking the practicality of my idea, I think I am going to use the money a bit differently. While Thor was at my show, he asked a lot of questions about how to get his hands on materials, and how he could accomplish certain projects, like making a concrete form in the shape of a pumpkin. Bill from Mansion Glass took Thor next door to show him his free scrap glass, so that is a good resource, but Thor needs more tools and materials to continue to practice.
In the meantime, Thor is only 4 days away from losing his current housing situation and is desperately searching for another place to live. While he is concerned about having a roof over his head, it seems almost silly to raise money for the SAMA conference. I realized that it might not be of enough benefit to him to make it worthwhile. I had to recognize that the whole idea was mine, and Thor is just good-naturedly going along with it.
So, I asked if he would prefer that I use the money to get him more supplies, tools, and maybe a book of mosaic techniques? He was enthusiastic about that idea, so I hope no one will mind if I shift gears at this point. I've already given him a small crate with nippers, glass, some adhesive and wedi. He would love toyo cutters, groziers and running pliers, so I'll put the money toward those things, and maybe The Mosaic Book, which has some basic starter projects.
I do want to send a special thank you to Toni at Mixx 96 for contributing 1/3 of the money raised. It was very generous! If I lived closer to Olympia, I would create a program to provide art opportunities for people without access to them. Piece by Piece in Los Angeles is an organization that I admire, providing mosaic instruction for homeless folks. It gives people a safe place to be where they can express themselves and learn a new skill. They sell the mosaic artwork to support the organization and continue to do outreach. Yes people need food and housing, but creative work gives people hope and helps them to feel human in the midst of struggle. It can be a healing and motivating factor in their lives.
Thanks everyone! As Thor completes projects, I'll post photos.
But, after talking with Thor a bit more and re-thinking the practicality of my idea, I think I am going to use the money a bit differently. While Thor was at my show, he asked a lot of questions about how to get his hands on materials, and how he could accomplish certain projects, like making a concrete form in the shape of a pumpkin. Bill from Mansion Glass took Thor next door to show him his free scrap glass, so that is a good resource, but Thor needs more tools and materials to continue to practice.
In the meantime, Thor is only 4 days away from losing his current housing situation and is desperately searching for another place to live. While he is concerned about having a roof over his head, it seems almost silly to raise money for the SAMA conference. I realized that it might not be of enough benefit to him to make it worthwhile. I had to recognize that the whole idea was mine, and Thor is just good-naturedly going along with it.
So, I asked if he would prefer that I use the money to get him more supplies, tools, and maybe a book of mosaic techniques? He was enthusiastic about that idea, so I hope no one will mind if I shift gears at this point. I've already given him a small crate with nippers, glass, some adhesive and wedi. He would love toyo cutters, groziers and running pliers, so I'll put the money toward those things, and maybe The Mosaic Book, which has some basic starter projects.
I do want to send a special thank you to Toni at Mixx 96 for contributing 1/3 of the money raised. It was very generous! If I lived closer to Olympia, I would create a program to provide art opportunities for people without access to them. Piece by Piece in Los Angeles is an organization that I admire, providing mosaic instruction for homeless folks. It gives people a safe place to be where they can express themselves and learn a new skill. They sell the mosaic artwork to support the organization and continue to do outreach. Yes people need food and housing, but creative work gives people hope and helps them to feel human in the midst of struggle. It can be a healing and motivating factor in their lives.
Thanks everyone! As Thor completes projects, I'll post photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment