Project Launch:

This project provided the unique opportunity for poor Salvadoran students to explore their love of art and the environment. It brought together 20 kids from two different communities to experience integrated art and environmental lessons. The four main art sessions were recycled art, drawing and painting, native seed jewelry and tie-dye. In the recycled art session the kids learned about the trash problem in El Salvador. As examples of how to reuse commonly wasted materials, they were taught how to make candleholders from soda cans and how to use two-liter plastic bottles as hanging planters. The jewelry art session focused on teaching the kids about native plants and using the seeds to make natural jewelry. And each kid went home after the tie-dye activity with a t-shirt so that they could share their art experience with others. The camp inspired kids to be interested in art and sent the message that, no matter where you come from or how much money you have, anyone can make beauty through art.