Art for AIDS International at the ISU World Figure Skating Championship

prints

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.


Serena-Merucci_London-District-Christian-School
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.


The Great Moon Gathering


The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Robyn Bell.


Moosonee 2

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.


Windsor 6

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

windsor 8

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.


How to Make a Great Art for AIDS Collage in 5 Steps


The following post was written by Art for AIDS Marketing and Communications Intern Robyn Bell.


5 steps - intro

Throughout the year, we have the opportunity to exhibit some incredible artwork made by young people from around the world to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. There is one question that comes up frequently at our exhibits, however, that we thought we should address: How are they made? Since there are more people out there with the same question, we thought we would just show you.

Recently, we had the privilege of being welcomed into the Montessori Academy of London to host a series of workshops with grade seven and eight students. Art for AIDS International's Executive Director, Hendrikus Bervoets, led students through the creative collage-making process, encouraging independent and imaginative thinking, while discussing the impact of HIV and AIDS on communities around the world. Of course, the workshop also resulted in a new collection of artwork created entirely by the participating students. To show you how they did it, here is the 5 step process that students took to create some beautiful and powerful images:


1. Play

Students at the Montessori Academy started the collage making process by getting their hands dirty and playing with paint. These finger paintings are used as the background for their collages.

5 steps - play


2. Tell a Story

After flipping through photos and magazines, students ripped out some of their favourite pages to use as either background pieces or story telling pieces. Some chose images of scenery featuring hot deserts, blue skies, or calm oceans, while others chose images of people or animals to tell their tales.

5 steps - choose images


3. Tear it Up

Using inner artistic intuition, pieces were cut, torn, and ripped for the next layer of the collage. Background pieces could be torn or ripped, while story pieces were cut out using careful precision.  Whether the students chose colour, symmetry, shape, texture or juxtaposition in their art, they were always encouraged to follow their gut instincts of what looked most personally appealing. The creative process remained entirely in their hands.

5 steps - tear


4. Glue it Down

In the final step, students layered their pieces using the textured finger paintings as a base. Background images were layered next, with the carefully cut storytelling pieces placed last, giving the final punch of colour and expression. All pieces were then glued down.

5 steps - glue


5. Show it Off

Give us a smile, they look great! Every finished piece from Montessori Academy was utterly unique. The final pieces boasted bold colours, engaging story pieces and interesting uses of juxtaposing images. Each collage will be produced as original machine-made limited edition prints to be signed and numbered. After the portfolios are complete, the artwork is exhibited and sold in schools, and throughout the local and global community at special events, in galleries and museums, at concerts, and online.  Funds will then be used to support select initiatives directly that provide care and support for women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in some of the communities hardest hit by the pandemic throughout Africa.

These students all demonstrated a knack for the creative process and saw the beauty of being involved in the global response to HIV and AIDS. We had the fortune to be there while we watched each student beam at their artwork. Together, we were reminded the power of driving change through art.

5 steps - show it off


Art for AIDS International would like to thank the Montessori Academy of London, students, teachers, and supervisors for hosting us. We're excited to share the final prints with you, and the broader community over the coming months!


A Letter of Thanks from Moosonee Public School

This past spring, Art for AIDS' Executive Director, Hendrikus Bervoets, traveled to Moosonee and Moose Factory Ontario for the third time in two years to host workshops with young people covering a range of topics including HIV, discrimination, and social justice. Recently, we were honoured to receive a letter of thanks from one of the teachers involved, which, with her permission, we wanted to share. While we consistently work to ensure that our workshops are engaging, fun, and educational for everyone involved, letters like this affirm that we are on the right track and are a source of motivation for our whole team:

Although some of us may never travel the world, or even leave the little bubble that is Moosonee, I thought it was very educational for the students to meet Hendrkus; a world traveler with a humanitarian spirit.

Hendrkus relayed so many powerful and thought-provoking messages during his workshop; I know that many participants were touched by various things he said. For me, his comments of acceptance were very moving and encouraged me to be less judgmental and more open to the knowledge and experiences of those around me.

I have been racking my brain for months, trying to design a workshop that would prove to be a self-esteem builder while also teaching our students resiliency. As it turns out, all I had to do was have my students attend one of Hendrkus’ workshops! The empowerment, confidence and overall joy in the room throughout the two days was as infectious as it was incredible.

Words cannot express how grateful I feel for having had the opportunity to participate in the “Art for Aids” workshop. Being able to share it with the Grade 8 students of Moosonee Public School makes it that much better. I know that the messages of acceptance, social responsibility and self-worth that were communicated throughout the workshop will go a long way in aiding our students achieve lasting success in all of their endeavors.

A big thank you to our Supervisory Officer, Mr. Tom Steele, who had a vision of this workshop happening months ago and went to great lengths to ensure that it became a reality. And to Hendrkus, who spread a wonderful message of self-empowerment to all our Intermediate students while simultaneously taking them one step closer to becoming caring, informed citizens of the world. I look forward to when our paths cross again.

Emily Samuel
Grade 8 Teacher
Moosonee Public School

We would like to thank all of the students, teachers, and administrators from both the Moosonee Public School in Moosonee, Ontario, and the Ministik Public School in Moose Factory, Ontario, for their support, and the enthusiasm they've shown for our work. We are all touched and looking forward to our next opportunity to work in both communities.

Read about our previous trips to Moosonee and Moose Factory.


Art for AIDS selected as Finalist for Pillar Community Innovation Awards

Each year, the Pillar Nonprofit Network recognizes organizations and individuals that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and collaboration within the not-for-profit sector through the Pillar Community Innovation Awards. This year, we are proud to announce that Art for AIDS International has been recognized as a finalist for Community Innovation alongside two other London-based programs.

Previous Pillar Community Innovation Award recipients include Habitat for Humanity, the Boys' and Girls' Club of London, and Meals on Wheels. We would like to sincerely thank Pillar Nonprofit Network for recognizing our work, and to all other nominees for their commitment and dedication to the London and surrounding community.

The final award ceremony will take place on November 13, 2012 from 6:30-9:30 PM in the London Convention Centre. For more information on the event, or to view the full list of finalists under each category, please visit Pillar's Community Innovation Award website.


Art for AIDS Opens Online Gallery and Shop

All of us at Art for AIDS International are proud to announce that we have just launched our new online shop!

With this is a new and exciting feature we will be able to showcase and share the tremendous work that students produce during our workshops and make those works available to a broader global audience. Just like in our physical gallery, new prints will be regularly added and rotated through our online gallery, so stop by frequently to see and purchase new artwork.

Each print is part of a limited edition and has been hand-signed by the artist. The artwork is created during Art for AIDS International workshops with students from  various countries including Canada, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Netherlands and more that address the impact that HIV and AIDS is having on communities across Africa and around the world.

For just $30 you can purchase a piece of beautiful art as well as give back with proceeds supporting Art for AIDS parnter projects in sub-Saharan Africa working with women and children affected by HIV and AIDS.

Coupon Code

We are also pleased to announce that the first 100 orders will receive $10.00 off their total purchase. Just enter "NEWSHOP" as the coupon code in the shopping cart before you check-out.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Please let us know what you think of the new online gallery by leaving a comment below. We will continue to update it, and add new prints and features in the weeks to come.


Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Innovation: North Star and Art for AIDS Exhibit in Rome

Last week, Art for AIDS International opened a large exhibit in collaboration with North Star Alliance and the World Food Programme at the Second Annual Global Agriknowledge Share Fair in Rome - hosted at the headquarters of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a UN agency responsible for combating rural hunger and poverty in developing countries.

The exhibit, which featured the recently launched North Star Alliance / Art for AIDS International portfolio, presented a large selection of artwork produced by truck drivers, sex workers, and young people from Harare and Beitbridge Zimbabwe, made during a recent workshop series hosted by Hendrikus Bervoets, Founder and Executive Director of Art for AIDS International.

The goal of this exhibit was to raise awareness about the impact of HIV and STIs on mobile populations, and on their direct and indirect contacts across Africa. Further, the exhibit highlighted tremendous initiatives by North Star Alliance and the World Food Programme which address these issues.

"While Art for AIDS International has traditionally worked with young people, we realized it was important to recognize hidden links in the transmission of HIV in Africa", explained Hendrikus.

Truck drivers, and the communities surrounding transport hubs, have traditionally lacked access to health care and information, and as a result, have been disproportionately affected by HIV and other diseases.

"By teaming up with North Star Alliance, an international not-for-profit organization that provides health care to mobile populations and communities surrounding borders and truck stops, we were able to adapt the Art for AIDS workshop model to bring important information, and hopefully a fun experience, to two communities heavily affected by these issues".

The exhibit, which ran from 26-29 September, was well received with many people stopping by to purchase prints - the proceeds of which will support both Art for AIDS International and North Star Alliance projects in southern Africa.

We would like to thank IFAD, the World Food Programme, and North Star Alliance for their support.

Over the next few weeks Art for AIDS International, and North Star Alliance will scheduling a series of exhibits to further feature this exciting project. Stay tuned for more details.


Driving the AIDS Response through Art


The following post originally appeared on the North Star Alliance blog on August 10, 2011.

On 26-29 July, North Star Alliance teamed up with Art for AIDS International to pilot a series of innovative visual-arts-based HIV workshops with truck drivers and sex workers in the community of Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.

These workshops, led by Art for AIDS International Executive Director Hendrikus Bervoets, use a combination of fact-based knowledge sharing, experiential learning, peer-peer support, and art making to explore specific and sensitive aspects of risk and vulnerability, especially as they relate to HIV and STI infection.

“Although HIV awareness is high, fear and stigma prevent many from getting tested and seeking treatment. These innovative workshops show that the process of combining health information, storytelling and art-making can be informative, therapeutic and fun for everyone involved” says Robin Landis, Director of Communications for North Star Alliance.

What is perhaps most exciting about these workshops, however, is the resulting body of artwork.

During the workshops participants translate their insights into the production of original collage artwork. Each collage is produced as original machine-made limited edition prints that are signed and numbered.

These prints will create a unique portfolio which will be collaboratively exhibited by North Star Alliance and Art for AIDS International to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on mobile populations, and proceeds to support both organisations’ work in Southern Africa.  The portfolio will be officially released early this fall, so you'll have to wait until then to see it!

The workshops also provided North Star with an opportunity to collect mixed-method research on these key populations. “By interacting with truck drivers and sex workers outside of the clinic setting we were able to deepen our understanding of their health needs and tackle sensitive issues like HIV stigma" says Robin Landis.

North Star will use the participants’ feedback and in-depth interviews to improve our targeted services and programmes.