Proyectongo o-o –o-o-o-o !!
This year, I changed things up a wee bit and instead of my typical March/April visit, I returned in January to Havana after opening a solo exhibition at La Moderna Gallery in Centro Havana on December 21st. In addition to activities at the gallery, I cannot go to Havana without spending time with the artists and children in the community art project known as Proyectongo!
Exciting things have happened for this hardworking group this past year. In addition to the current Proyectongo workshop centre, they have acquired an old cinema building that is smack dab in the middle of their neighbourhood. As can be expected in Cuba, the building needs some tender loving care but these are the people to do it! Their future looks brighter and brighter every year!
I spent a lovely Saturday with the children conducting two back to back collage workshops. And joining me this year was Bonnie Martin from Ontario, Canada. I met Bonnie a number of years ago on my first trip to Havana and we have managed to stay connected. She was delighted to be introduced to Proyectongo and to join me for the workshops. The theme of this year’s workshops was “ a garden of peace”! The kids were asked to think about what peace means to them and what a garden of peace might include….as usual their creativity and eagerness to participate was outstanding! Kids of all ages participated from the very young to late teens.
I brought bags and bags of assorted papers, glue and scissors, and the rest was up to them. They did not disappoint!! Looking forward to working with everyone again on my next visit.
