I have been involved with art for as long as I can remember. My two sisters chose art careers; I left art behind to invest myself wholeheartedly in volunteering for global peace work. Originally from Pennsylvania and now based in Northern Virginia, I traveled throughout the United States and abroad doing interfaith/peace based work. Because of my life choices, I now want to use my art to help others rather than have it solely be self-expression. I have also seen how art expands beyond the medium into our life, our relationships and our very being.
Developing the artist within us is about developing ever-increasing appreciation and gratitude for the beauty around us. Suzuki, a world-famous Japanese violin teacher, would ask his students to perform acts of kindness for their homework; he believed that this would enable their music to become more beautiful. Maria Montessori, the great Italian educator, encouraged her teachers (directoresses) to be gentle with each student, honoring the sacred soul within each child. She was living during the reign of Mussolini and Hitler. She believed that when children are confident that they have the truth within themselves -the ability to recognize right from wrong- then, even if madmen do emerge, no one will follow them. In the same vein, I believe that developing the artist within holds a key to world peace.
Developing the artist within us is about developing ever-increasing appreciation and gratitude for the beauty around us. Suzuki, a world-famous Japanese violin teacher, would ask his students to perform acts of kindness for their homework; he believed that this would enable their music to become more beautiful. Maria Montessori, the great Italian educator, encouraged her teachers (directoresses) to be gentle with each student, honoring the sacred soul within each child. She was living during the reign of Mussolini and Hitler. She believed that when children are confident that they have the truth within themselves -the ability to recognize right from wrong- then, even if madmen do emerge, no one will follow them. In the same vein, I believe that developing the artist within holds a key to world peace.
Recipients of my art |
Loudoun County Public Schools; CASA; Leesburg Transitional Family Housing; Norfolk Family Shelter (The Haven); Clean Water Action; Women’s Federation for World Peace; Afghanistan/US Alliance Reconstruction; Master Gardeners; Korean Folk Ballet (Little Angels) WWII Veterans Tour; Leisureworld Senior Living; Sterling Rehabilitation Center; Fairfax County Public Schools; Ambassadors for Peace, UPF; International Relief Friendship Foundation; Volunteers of America, Chesapeake; DC 9-11 Unity Walk.org; American Family Coalition of VA; Peace is the Children Project; Montessori School of McLean; United Airlines; Magic Pens/ United Vision; Ocean View Baptist Academy; AT&T Artists for Humanity; Ed Marc Cancer Hospice; La Leche League; People Helping People (Boston); A Spoon and a Fork Allergy Friendly Food Blog
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