Jade Floyd, a local DC area art activist, philanthropist and a young public relations professional has made a personal pledge to volunteer for three weeks in December at the Canvas Art Program for Cultural Canvas Thailand.
The Canvas Art Program is an artistic outreach organization that works with a variety of social groups, orphanages and humanitarian organizations in Chiang Mai. Jade will develop lesson plans for the children she’ll work with while there and will bring a donation of art supplies with her from the U.S. to use. I sat down with Jade to talk to her about her goals and inspirations:
Jade, no doubt, art education is dear to your heart and, perhaps, played a big role in your upbringing...
Yes, From a young age, my parents showered me with arts experiences. I was fortunate enough to attend private school my whole life so trips to the opera and museums and abroad with my parents were pretty customary. I had seen the Louvre Museum by the age of 10 and sadly didn't really appreciate it as much I do now.
Why do you strongly believe in art education in early age?
The arts are a powerful tool and encourage the development of well-rounded children and I believe that all kids should have access to quality arts education opportunities - whether this be in dance, music, theatre or visual arts. Where would society be today without our architects, artists and musicians?
This donation of art supplies to Cultural Canvas Thailand that I will take with me when I travel to Thailand will ensure that the volunteers and teachers there have the access to the tools they need to enrich the children in their programs.
Why did you choose a program in Thailand?.jpg)
I chose this Thai program at the recommendation of a colleague in the arts and learning about the lasting impression that the program has on the children's creativity truly blows my mind. And I really treasure the opportunity to meet new people, go to different places and learn about the complexities of the lives of people I encounter on a daily basis.
There was a specific video I watched about the program at http://vimeo.com/7585627 that made me so emotional when I viewed it and very proud that I was donating my time and fundraising efforts to this program.
I am committed to ensuring that today's children have the same opportunities as I did in the art community so we can inspire more young artists and musicians to paint, play and build their way into the 22nd Century.
To date, Jade has raised over $500 for art supplies. She will continue to accept donations of art supplies until her departure.
To DONATE (click on Canvas Projects and add in the name of Jade Floyd Art Project) or contact Jade Floyd directly at dcthisweek@gmail.com.
More photos from one of the Baan Vieng Ping Orphanage,
To learn more about the program visit http://www.artrelief.net.
Comments