COVID-19 UPDATE January 2021
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 for our families who are experiencing food insecurity.
As of January 1 we have 140 families on our list (over 350 children and 430 adults).
We give food pantries—With the help of Fundacion Cozumel we have transitioned to coupon despensas; we give coupons to a local grocery store that allows the families to purchase what they need. The coupons are restricted to exclude alcohol and tobacco, so it’s a wonderful solution to let families retain dignity while getting help.
We cook meals—We hire 8 different home cooks (chosen from our families) in 6 different neighborhoods to cook a meal once a month to give to our families and others in the neighborhoods.
We distributed 894 food baskets and gave 5,428 cooked meals to the families of Cozumel in 2020.
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 10-18 family members living together, as 3-4 nuclear families have moved in together as an emergency measure. 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. The island will experience additional setbacks in the little tourism we have gained with the travel restrictions from Canada prohibiting any travel between there and the Caribbean (including Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera) through April 2021
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 January 1 we have 140 families on our list (over 350 children and 430 adults).
We give food pantries—With the help of Fundacion Cozumel we have transitioned to coupon despensas; we give coupons to a local grocery store that allows the families to purchase what they need. The coupons are restricted to exclude alcohol and tobacco, so it’s a wonderful solution to let families retain dignity while getting help.
We cook meals—We hire 8 different home cooks (chosen from our families) in 6 different neighborhoods to cook a meal once a month to give to our families and others in the neighborhoods.
We distributed 894 food baskets and gave 5,428 cooked meals to the families of Cozumel in 2020.
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 10-18 family members living together, as 3-4 nuclear families have moved in together as an emergency measure. 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. The island will experience additional setbacks in the little tourism we have gained with the travel restrictions from Canada prohibiting any travel between there and the Caribbean (including Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera) through April 2021
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. January 2020- The studio was busy and saw 130 attendees per week in just 16 hours that we were 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. |
