HTAC Information

Help the Afghan Children Mission and Information

The last few HTAC club meetings,we have focused primarily on learning more about the organization we will be funding, as well as discussing our personal mission.
This is what we came up with:
We all believe that education is extremely important, but sadly a part of our lives that is often taken for granted. Becoming involved with Help the Afghan Children has helped shape our view of how valuable education truly is. As a club we hope to raise 3,000 dollars this year. We see this contribution as a way to give back. We are planning a local event of music, poetry and art that will hopefully not only raise money, but also raise awareness of the beauty behind helping others. Though endless statistics show how the world is unjust, the personal relationships we may form with these children will leave an unshakable affect. This experience was initially our simple mission to help change the lives of those less fortunate, but as we progress, we see how this process will change the lives of everyone involved.

Making Progress

Crazy how much time has gone by! Even though this fact was initially overwhelming, I feel like I am at a good place with my project (although I do admit I should blog more). I have a meeting with Jenny (who is in charge of arts at Gimmie) on Thursday. This is exciting! I will finally be able to talk about what I am doing with someone who is going to display my work. I have a lot of questions to ask her, and I'm so curious to see how she envisions my display. She says there are two places that I could display my work, and depending on their size (and I'm sure significance) she will inform me where in the Cafe she believes my work would fit best.
I am half way done with my portraits. I need to start thinking about the border. Mrs. Spence reminded me that we are going to be doing a workshop at the Ink Shop downtown. I think this would be an interesting way to mix media, and come up with an interesting solution for a border. Just an idea!
Can't wait to find out more about my displayed work!

SUCCESS!

YES! I am able to show my work at Gimmie on State Street. SO SO SO happy. The display will be (most likely) in June. This is exciting, seeing that June is my last month in High School. This will be an AWESOME way to end my Senior year.
I just hope that I am able to make money from my pieces. I would like that to be reflected in my final project.
But still, I am just HAPPY!!!

Gimme Display?

Yesterday I went to Gimme, to ask the director of art displays about my work. Cayuga street Gimme is booked until August. Although this was disappointing, I learned that State street Gimme often hires two artists a month to display work because of the large space.
I have contacted the women in charge, she is on vacation till the 19th so I will have to wait patiently to see if she likes my work, or if there is even availability to show it.
Crossing my fingers.

Wednesday 14th

I am on my 5th piece! Which means I'm ALMOST half way done! This is great because now I have a good idea of what I will be showing. This alsomeans that I feel confident going down to Gimmie and asking them about displaying my work. I have also been working on our upcoming event (May 6th) for HTAC. We have changed our focus from being a music event, to a day tea. I have asked my good friend Ben if he would be willing to do some standup poetry, and he has agreed.
Maybe it would be nice to make a few extra works to sell at the silent action at this event!
My dad also had the great idea that I should make a website that shows my works, and have a sign at local eateries that directs customers to my website. This would help publicize me work, and because laptops are so common, people may be more willing to take the time to look at my work.

JR.

Accomplishment

Sharing what I love felt so good. Terrifying but great. I don't know what else to say. It was very successful. I can say that I already have stepped out of my comfort zone. I wouldn't usually speak in front of so many people. But then I realized that they were there to hear me speak. So I just had to do what I already know.
I think I got a good reaction. Even if people don't join Help the Afghan Children at least I know they know it is an option. Maybe it's just about everyone seeing that they shouldn't be embarrassed to speak and share what is truly important.
I thought I wouldn't want to do it. But now, I am so happy that I did.
Proud.

Public Speaking

I love talking. I've always been a people-person. But public speaking scares me. This friday I am doing a lecture about my High School experience, WISE class and my involvement with HTAC.
I have been preparing a slide show and notes, but I am still terrified. I know how hard it can be to listen to people lecture. I really want my presentation to be interesting and personal. Even though this is a huge challenge I'm really excited. This will be an awesome opportunity for me to practice public speaking while at the same time reflect upon my experiences.
As of now I am going to focus on the images. I believe in the commonly used saying "a picture is a thousand words." I hope that what I share not only presents my intentions well, but also inspires people to pursue their own dreams.
I am just learning. I will try to have fun.

A short Lecture

I continue work on my 12 pieces. I am struggling because as I work I can't help but look at the results and think: "Nobody would ever want to buy this." My dad reminds me that selling my work (although my ultimate goal) should not be my sole objective. I must focus on what I have now, I cannot be absorbed by the end product yet.
As I work, I realize that these pieces are merely the concrete results of a far more conceptual project. I ultimately want to promote women's education in Afghanistan, it is (hopefully) through my art that this goal may be accomplished.
Art may not be my only utility. I have been given the great opportunity to promote women's education through the lecture series that is held annually at Ithaca High School. I will be given the chance to not only promote my work, but also the work of others, making this a far more universal effort.

I urge anyone to observe the work of the artist JR, who captures the beauty and character behind the human face, in an unexpected and bold way.

JR Artist
The link above displays the work of JR who has given me great inspiration in starting this project.