COVID-19 UPDATE November 2020
During the pandemic response in Cozumel, the studio has been closed to our young artists since March 16, the same time the schools closed. Although it is not our primary mission to provide basic needs, Art Power has been responding compassionately to the needs of our community in Mexico by providing food depensas (pantries) and cooked meals to our families. As of July 1, we have 68 families on our list (133 children and 190 adults). New families call me every week asking for help with food.
As of November 1 we have 140 families on our list (over 338 children and 414 adults).
Despensas—Our volunteers in Mexico, with Micah Wheeler as the lead, order the groceries, sort into despensas (food baskets) and the families come to get the food over 2 days and we use 1 day for delivery. We do this once a month
Meals—We hire 8 different home cooks in 6 different neighborhoods to cook a meal once a month to give to our families and others in the neighborhoods.
Art Power also supports a local community kitchen in the CTM neighborhood of the studio that gives free meals to other families 5 days a week.
Don’t be fooled by the “opening of tourism” in Cozumel. Our families are still in dire need. Many have moved in with other family (voluntarily or financially forced) to save expenses. We have several families that identify as having 10-13 family members, then we find out it is actually 2-3 nuclear families living together. Many are trying new skills to survive; one young girl’s father is a taxi driver, but there is no work, so he is trying to work as a carpenter. I believe our families are resilient and strong, but could use assistance so they can focus on their new or temporary direction to support their families.
We can only assist them with your donations. If you can, please donate. Your donation has a lot of strength in Mexico. Need has no race or political affiliation; A hungry child, is a hungry child no matter where they live.
As of November 1 we have 140 families on our list (over 338 children and 414 adults).
Despensas—Our volunteers in Mexico, with Micah Wheeler as the lead, order the groceries, sort into despensas (food baskets) and the families come to get the food over 2 days and we use 1 day for delivery. We do this once a month
Meals—We hire 8 different home cooks in 6 different neighborhoods to cook a meal once a month to give to our families and others in the neighborhoods.
Art Power also supports a local community kitchen in the CTM neighborhood of the studio that gives free meals to other families 5 days a week.
Don’t be fooled by the “opening of tourism” in Cozumel. Our families are still in dire need. Many have moved in with other family (voluntarily or financially forced) to save expenses. We have several families that identify as having 10-13 family members, then we find out it is actually 2-3 nuclear families living together. Many are trying new skills to survive; one young girl’s father is a taxi driver, but there is no work, so he is trying to work as a carpenter. I believe our families are resilient and strong, but could use assistance so they can focus on their new or temporary direction to support their families.
We can only assist them with your donations. If you can, please donate. Your donation has a lot of strength in Mexico. Need has no race or political affiliation; A hungry child, is a hungry child no matter where they live.
Art Power is a 501(c)3 organization on a mission to improve the lives of children and adults using the transforming power of creating art. We create free or low cost choice-based art studios for all ages that build skills, nurture expression, and inspire self confidence in children and adults facing formidable circumstances such as homelessness, poverty, abuse, and illiteracy.
We plant the seeds of positive change that improves lives and communities.Art Power believes that creativity and expression are like a sword that cuts through the grinding tragedy of poverty and other hardships and its effects on the human spirit and intellect. Art challenges the mind and loosens the binding ties of oppression, depression, and sexism. Making art is relaxing, soothing and renewing. Art offers a new viewpoint. Art challenges the creator and creates opportunity for personal success, builds self confidence and grows self esteem. Art creates learners and learners become doers.
We believe that everybody, children and adults, deserves to experience joy and have the opportunity to grow and experience success.
We plant the seeds of positive change that improves lives and communities.Art Power believes that creativity and expression are like a sword that cuts through the grinding tragedy of poverty and other hardships and its effects on the human spirit and intellect. Art challenges the mind and loosens the binding ties of oppression, depression, and sexism. Making art is relaxing, soothing and renewing. Art offers a new viewpoint. Art challenges the creator and creates opportunity for personal success, builds self confidence and grows self esteem. Art creates learners and learners become doers.
We believe that everybody, children and adults, deserves to experience joy and have the opportunity to grow and experience success.
This is Art Power!
RHYTHM AND DRUMMING
Rhythm and drumming sessions give the kids opportunity to explore another way of communication, develop motor skills, eye hand coordination, and body awareness. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun and they get their ya ya‘ s out! |
THE STUDIO
The studio is Casa de la Creatividad (House of Creativity) We have an art studio and a metal studio, and drumming workshops. We are located in Colonia CTM in the town of San Miguel, Cozumel, Mexico. The studio is busy and seeing 130 attendees per week in just 16 hours that we are open! |
THE KIDS
Kids like Karla, Cristina, and Sergio come to Casa de la Creatividad for the opportunity to create art, relax, and socialize. We focus on children from 4 to 18 years old, but we welcome all-ages. Art is beneficial for everyone! |
our Goal
Create Art
empower people
change lives
It's up to us to
offer CHANGE
In a place where the necessities of life are often the only things people can afford, the studio is a refuge from every day stresses of poverty and a place of opportunity. Lasting change comes slowly and happens over time, and is offered not forced. With no message of wrong or fault, opportunity is just offered. |
The undeniable benefits of
ART
Do you remember how it feels to be creative and make something? It feels good doesn't it? ART has the POWER to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate. Art reduces stress and anxiety while increasing positive feelings. Art encourages creative thinking and enhances problem solving skills. Art provides a sense of accomplishment and naturally boosts self esteem. Art encourages people to step out of their comfort zone and take safe risks. Art makes people better learners. Art creates connection, empathy, tolerance among people, and increases loving feelings. Now let's imagine the world with more art! |
Casa de la Creatividad
OUR STUDIO
Our choice-based studio, Casa de la Creatividad (House of Creativity), is a safe place where we can nurture creativity and encourage growth and exploration. Art that is created and inspired by the artist's own experiences enhances authenticity and growth as an individual. The artists direct their own work and learning; they ask questions and see the possibilities in the world around them. Choice-based art making decreases comparisons to others, and a nurturing community evolves; the artists coach each other, encourage each other, discuss, share, and celebrate themselves and each other. |
