A Response to a TED Talk by Kristen Ashburn
The following post was written by Marie-France Roche, student intern at Art for AIDS International.
“When I first arrived in beautiful Zimbabwe, it was difficult to understand that 35 percent of the population is HIV positive. It really wasn’t until I was invited to the homes of people that I started to understand the human toll of the epidemic.”-Kristen Ashburn
In this inspiring TED talk, Kristen Ashburn, a talented documentary photographer, shares her experiences of her visit to Zimbabwe. Ashburn met and photographed several people affected by the HIV and AIDS, many of whom had little hope of survival. Her most devastating photographs depict young people affected by AIDS. One boy, named Herbert, is pictured with his grandmother, so frail that he is hardly able to hold himself up. Herbert lost both his parents to AIDS, and eventually lost his own life to the disease. Ashburn’s photographs capture the too-often traumatizing reality of AIDS in the most heavily affected region of the world.
At Art for AIDS International, students participating in workshops translate their insights into the production of unique collage artwork. Although these pieces do not always directly reflect the effects of the AIDS epidemic, they inspire students to engage in the cause by responding to what they've learned in the workshop. Ashburn’s work brings individuals closer with those facing adversity. Our workshops do not only create awareness about the prominence of AIDS in Africa, but also bring the students closer to the cause through participatory involvement in producing this artwork.
Art can serve as a powerful medium to depict the effects of AIDS, and to engage young people in an important cause. At Art for AIDS International, our work is directly connected to passionate individuals who are involved in AIDS prevention and awareness, and can act as an agent of change by connecting people around the world to the organization.
You can see more of Ashburn’s work here.
Art for AIDS International has a New Home
In 2009, Art for AIDS International opened the doors of its first public gallery and Head Office, in the lower level of a Dundas Street building in London, Ontario's downtown core. It was a space that for four years saw many exciting events and exhibits, hosted thousands of members from the local and international community, and held inventory for international exhibits and AIDS awareness campaigns hosted at the Apartheid Museum, UN Agencies like the World Food Programme and IFAD, and countless galleries, universities, colleges, and secondary schools. Most importantly, with our growing team of volunteers, it was the space where we planned workshops that reached over 10,000 young people in 13 countries with important information about health and community involvement.
Since 2009, we've worked to grow our reach, and our team of volunteers has grown with it. While our gallery and office at 242 Dundas Street was for many people home, we decided in late 2012 that it was one we had outgrown; and so the search began. Thankfully, with tremendous support from our board and members of the local community, the search was a short one and by December 2012, we had found and moved into our beautiful, spacious new location, just around the corner, in One London Place.
Today, we're happy to share some of the first photos from our new space with you. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, our board, and the fantastic staff at One London Place and Sifton for their hard work and support in helping us prepare the space, set it up, and get settled.
New Gallery Photos
Our new HQ and Gallery is located at One London Place, 255 Queens Ave, Suite 250 in London, Ontario. Please come by to visit. We have public viewing hours from 11 AM - 5 PM Tuesday to Friday, or by appointment.
Some Thoughts on We Were Here
The following post was written by Marie-France Roche, student intern at Art for AIDS International.
I recently watched the film We Were Here, a 2011 documentary directed by David Weissman. The film explores the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco in the early eighties. Weissman's piece follows five individuals affected by the AIDS. To me, the most powerful testimony was one by an artist named Daniel Goldstein. He struggled with AIDS throughout his life, losing two of his beloved partners to the disease. He founded Under One Roof, a gift shop where all profits go to educational, medical and support services. In the film, Goldstein explains that volunteers at the shop would often be AIDS patients, and come in once a week to volunteer. Their work at the gift shop, as Goldstein explains, served as the patients’ social life.
Goldstein's initiative reminded me of what we do at Art for AIDS International: Individuals can bond over artwork, and share their stories and experiences with AIDS. At our workshops or in our gallery, there are always people who have dealt with AIDS to some degree, even if we are not aware of it. By creating a common place dedicated to creating art for a wonderful cause, we can also support those close to us who may have had difficult, life-changing experiences with AIDS.
Goldstein’s artwork has also been hugely successful. "Medicine Man II" is the second project by Goldstein for Make Art Stop AIDS. Using the medication bottles of South African individuals living with HIV, the sculpture also incorporates dozens of brightly colored, hand beaded spindles, created by the craftspeople of the UMCEBO Trust.
You can check out more of his art at: http://www.danielgoldsteinstudio.comand here is the trailer for We Were Here.
Art for AIDS at APK: A Huge Success
The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Marie-France Roche.
We were delighted to host our event Art for AIDS at APK on Saturday, March 9th. Three interns, Francine Navarro, Robyn Bell and myself, along with Hendrikus and the rest of our hard-working team coordinated this event. The APK was nearly at capacity and we were thrilled with the turnout. Everyone enjoyed good food, lively conversation, and some wonderful live music. Our friends, family, and regular APK-ers attended to support. Each guest was invited to choose one of a selection of prints to take home with them. Having the support of the community keeps our dream of defeating the AIDS pandemic alive, and every small donation counts towards this ultimate goal. We hope to have more events as successful as these, and your continued enthusiasm is an integral part of our organization.
One of our volunteers, Georgia Hinton, took some wonderful photos at the event. Take a look:
We had some talented performers who were very eager to support the cause, and provided some wonderful entertainment for our guests. A great big thank you goes to Kevin Murphy, Lauren and Katie Channer-Elfman, Justin Maki, Elivia and Anita Cazzola, Scott Brunelle, Laika and Benjamin Kehoe, Ben Young-Steinberg, Randy Komi, and The APK. We would also like to thank our guests: with your continued support, we are keeping the hope to ultimately abolish the AIDS epidemic.
Thank you again, and stay tuned for more Art for AIDS events. We'd love to see you out again soon.
Reflections from South Africa
The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Robyn Bell.
At Art for AIDS International, it is always our intention to have an impact on young people that extends far beyond our two-day workshops. Last year and the year before, we travelled to South Africa to host workshops in Soweto, a township outside of Johannesburg. At every workshop, we hope to educate about the impact of HIV, but also to build confidence for participating young people. We seek to educate, inspire and motivate them. Our hope is that after these workshops have ended students can continue to make a difference in their communities.
From our workshops in Soweto in 2012, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It was wonderful to hear how confident each student felt after the workshop, and about their desires to continue with community involvement around HIV awareness after the workshop had ended.
Here are some of our favourite comments from participating students:
“This workshop was a blessing to me. It taught us how to be determined to get what we want in life. They taught us to love our community and to love ourselves, and to engage in the community.”
“What I found most valuable is that keeping something to yourself is not a good thing, you must learn to express it and that a collage can tell a really good story.”
“It taught us about what we never knew was real. It encouraged us to realize that anything is possible. It brings hope to those who never thought they could make it in life.”
“We were able to be open and we were given a chance to speak about anything we wanted to.”
“I really appreciated the help and idea that we got from Hendrikus. We were made to recognize things we didn’t know we could do.”
“The workshop was brilliant, it took our minds off a lot of problems that we have as teenagers. Participating in it was therapeutic and helped me to distress.”
“The workshop opened my eyes and made me realize that art is more like your daily routine, meaning that art is what you eat, sleep and walk. It really made my day.”
“The workshop really taught me to believe in myself and not to think about what people say behind my back. From today I will stand up for myself and achieve my goals as a young woman.”
To these students, we reciprocate the thank you, and say keep up the great work in your communities.
Art for AIDS International at the ISU World Figure Skating Championship
As part of our dedication to connecting young people with their global community, a large part of Art for AIDS International’s work highlights the importance of being an active local citizen. That is why we are proud to participate in the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, taking place this week in our base city, London, Ontario, Canada.
This is the first time the City of London is playing host to the World Figure Skating Championships, and the tenth time a Canadian city has been chosen to host the competition since 1896. From March 11 to March 17, the 200 best athletes in figure skating representing 50 countries will compete in London’s Budweiser Gardens not only for world titles in four disciplines but also for spots in the Sochi Winter Olympic Games held in Russia in 2014.
To commemorate the 2013 World Championship, Art for AIDS International, in partnership with Tourism London, is giving each participating athlete a limited edition print created by First Nations students from the Northern Ontario communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory. In February 2013, Art for AIDS hosted workshops at schools in both communities, and the result was truly Canadian works of art that demonstrate the passion and potential of Canadian youth.
We are extremely grateful to the City of London and Tourism London for inviting Art for AIDS International to partner with them on such a momentous occasion. This collaboration represents our commitment to forging partnerships at the local, national, and international level, and gives us the opportunity to share our message with a global audience.
It also represents an exciting achievement for the young students of Moosonee and Moose Factory, whose talent will be the centre of attention when their work is put in the hands of some of the most famous figure skaters in the world. Without a doubt, the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships is a pivotal moment for everyone involved, and we are honoured to be a part of it.
Growing Up With Art for AIDS International
This post was written by Art for AIDS Workshop participant, and long-time volunteer Serena Merucci.
My journey with Art for AIDS International began when I was a fourteen-year-old grade eight student from Strathroy Community Christian School in 2006. Our art teacher contacted Art for AIDS in order to do a workshop for one of our art assignments. Our teacher told us about this organization the week before our workshop was scheduled and we were all quite intrigued as my classmates and I were never fully aware of the AIDS pandemic and how awful it truly is. I clearly remember coming in from recess the day of the scheduled workshop, sitting down at my desk and seeing this strange white-haired man standing at the front of our classroom with our art teacher. When we all quieted down, he introduced himself as Hendrikus Bervoets and began snapping his fingers in a steady rhythm.
“Every time I snap my fingers, someone, somewhere in the world dies from AIDS,” he said in a solemn voice.
We were shocked; there was a dead silence throughout the classroom for a good thirty seconds before Hendrikus starting talking again. He then proceeded to tell us about the AIDS pandemic in Africa and how Art for AIDS International’s mission was to help those affected by HIV and AIDS. After his short speech he told us about how we could help the cause by making collages and selling them in order to raise money for those who needed it most. We were all thrilled that we could actually help and the mood in the classroom changed significantly. Everyone became increasingly engaged. For the next two art classes, we had a great time making collages.
Pieces were then selected from our class’ work to be printed and then sold. We organized a small fundraiser in our school gym after the collages were printed so family members could come out and buy their children’s artwork.
At that point in time I was aspiring to be an artist, and for the first time in my life someone was buying my art. I was so thrilled by the idea that I was an actual artist now, as well as I was able to help people affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa by raising money for organizations that provided them with care and support.
Two years then past from my first encounter with Art for AIDS and I never forgot about them. When I was in grade ten at the London District Christian Secondary School, an announcement was made that Art for AIDS was coming to do a workshop at the high school and all who wanted to participate had to sign up. I was sick on the day of the announcement and when I got back to school a friend of mine, who was in the same grade eight class as me, told me about the workshop and I was thrilled. I asked my teacher if I could leave class to go sign up in for the workshop and I was devastated to learn that it was already full. I rushed to the office and begged to be allowed to participate. Luckily, our kind secretary somehow managed to squeeze me in and I am still forever grateful to her. I was able to participate in the workshop and I made new collages that were printed and sold in the new gallery space that Art for AIDS had recently opened. This was another boost for my artistic aspirations.
It was after this workshop in 2008 that I began volunteering for Art for AIDS. For the next two years, I volunteered regularly at the gallery on a weekly basis and helped run Art for AIDS booths at events and festivals.
I am now in my second year at Western University where I am completing my undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Theory and Criticism.
The influence Art for AIDS has had on my life over the past seven years has been dramatic and profound.
Through this organization I have become more confident, not only as an artist, but as an individual as well. I credit Art for AIDS for helping me become the passionate and determined person I am today.
Special Offer: Get 20% Off All Prints Until March 1st!
This week we're excited to announce that we've added 50 new prints to our online store, and to celebrate, we're offering a 20% discount on all purchases from today until March 1st!
Our student-made collages are exhibited around the world, from secondary schools and university campuses to global conferences and recognized museums and galleries. With close to 100 different images available online, now is a great time to purchase hand-signed limited edition prints to hang on your wall or give to your family and friends.
How to claim the coupon:
- Visit our online store.
- Browse our collection of limited edition prints and add your favourites to the shopping cart.
- When you check out, make sure to type "NEWPRINTS" into the coupon box.
- Check out.
By purchasing a print, you'll be sharing Art for AIDS International's message and supporting the programmes we fund in Africa.
We'll add another 50 prints to the store in the coming weeks, so check our blog regularly for more updates. Until then, here's a peak at a few of the new additions to our online shop!
Thanks for your support!
The Great Moon Gathering
The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Robyn Bell.
This month, we were honoured to exhibit at the Great Moon Gathering in Moosonee, Ontario; an annual conference hosted by the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and Omushkego Education to promote life-long learning opportunities for the Cree community and support cross-community collaboration. The conference brought together educators from the eight Omushkego Education Authorities and the surrounding communities to engage in professional development, and to share resources and ideas with one another. This year's theme was The Spirit Voice... Lessons from the Land.
Over the last few years, Art for AIDS has had the opportunity to host workshops with students in Moosonee and neighbouring Moose Factory, Ontario, which has resulted growing community dialogue about HIV and AIDS, as well as broader related issues, and in the creation of powerful works of art. At the Great Moon Gathering, we had the opportunity to share some of this work with the broader community and engage with other educators about the importance art plays in education. We also hosted new workshops with Delores D Echum Composite School in Moose Factory.
We are extremely grateful to have been invited to participate in the conference and share our work with others. Thank you to Irene Tomatuk, the Director Of Education at the Mushkegowuk Council, and Vic Linklater, the Great Moon Gathering Coordinator, for inviting us to attend the event. Thank you also to the students, teachers, and administrators at Delores D Echum Composite School for their support and fantastic participation. We'll be sharing their artwork online in the coming few weeks!
For more information on the Mushkegowuk Council, please visit: http://www.mushkegowuk.com/
Teacher Candidates Reflect On Their Art for AIDS Workshop
The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Robyn Bell.
On February 1st, Art for AIDS International hosted a workshop with teacher candidates as part of the Professional Learning Series at the University of Windsor, held during the Faculty of Education's 6th Annual Social Justice in Education Conference. The annual conference seeks to encourage students to reflect on the importance of social justice and equity in education. At the end of the workshop, participants had an opportunity to provide feedback on their experience. While we had a fantastic time hosting the workshop, the responses we received were truly heartwarming for our team to read.
This is what they had to say:
"Immensely Enjoyable workshop. I very much enjoyed the hands-on aspect of this workshop and Mr. Bervoets is visibly passionate about what he does. The explanation of the motive behind the workshops/organization was also presented well. It was a very encouraging environment and it doesn't matter if you're an 'artist' or not--I was very impressed by the caliber of work produced! I would definitely bring this workshop to future classes I may teach. Not only does it raise awareness of AIDS/Social Justice issues, it's also hella fun! A++, Would workshop again!"
- Brian Laine
"This Workshop was very useful and fun. Its nice to do an activity rather than just listen. The concept of using our art for a cause is great. I'm glad I came to this."
- Jenn Ducroix
"This workshop surprised me--I'm not sure if I read the description or not, but it is not what I expected. The Surprise was pleasant. I particularly enjoyed the message about turning your passion or talent into a tool for betterment and hope. The activity was great; A wonderful de-stressor after a hectic week! Thank you for coming and sharing your passion with us."
- Tia Papa
"I very much enjoyed this workshop because it was not just a lecture but a hands on experience. I will be taking and using this within my own classroom. Thank you."
- Anonymous
"Thank you very much, Hendrikus, for your dedication and the transmission of your passion. We learned a lot and we learned how to put our heart and compassion into the learning process. Keep up the good work. Good luck!"
- Alia Khalaf
Thank you to all of the participants, the Faculty of Education at University of Windsor for hosting the workshop, and Lisa Staley for all the great photos.