tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32167995064785180602024-03-13T10:56:16.277-07:00MuralArte GuateCommunity Murals in Guatemala and BeyondCarin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-82246754968423426822024-02-19T08:19:00.000-08:002024-02-19T08:19:00.328-08:00Social Inclusion in Guatemala Part 2<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_5ngyiD8r_wwzEsd1U5SHRm8lrw3fVyyGEAtCt70ylUkgpfK7u30yztf8JTpm7VzpljelBu2fpFzXtolEbwhPkac5LjOJ4G5IOMc4CceNaUV3bQlXB6SoGGGgDTyv-S-QqTsXcpidmjKW9I3uTE0NIFZTQ1VVke7KQcXUT_Ho88bgxhsbWrvFwS1zs2y/s4032/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_5ngyiD8r_wwzEsd1U5SHRm8lrw3fVyyGEAtCt70ylUkgpfK7u30yztf8JTpm7VzpljelBu2fpFzXtolEbwhPkac5LjOJ4G5IOMc4CceNaUV3bQlXB6SoGGGgDTyv-S-QqTsXcpidmjKW9I3uTE0NIFZTQ1VVke7KQcXUT_Ho88bgxhsbWrvFwS1zs2y/w300-h400/1.JPG" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Up before dawn
and on the road at 5am. The things we do for the arts! Also to beat the blazing
sun later on, as well as the traffic. Although, driving in the pre-dawn dark
wasn’t much fun. Plenty of traffic already with many cars outfitted like
Christmas trees. In Guatemala there is no middle way: people drive without any
lights at all, or they pimp their vehicles till they look like the tandem bicycle
in Men in Black II.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We made it to
San Martín Jilotepeque and at 6.30am on the dot we were at work. As soon as we
got out of the car, we were warmly greeted by two street dogs who stuck with us
during the day. Despite of their heartwarming hugs, it was COLD! Something like 12°C. But we knew it wouldn’t last for long. An
indeed, as soon as the sun made it over the mountain tops and then over the buildings
in our street, it was HOT. From 12°C to 28°C in two hours’ time, WOW!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXY7bGKrYOWH8ZaArqoPIP1A3qHBln6HmFyV6V783A40RAqchd-xu__aPybJZx87aEmxuCyr9E9SLHrEfbHliL2P7ebS5Bm7sZdCW599tqbZ_vDrWBc7EJVdiUaKw8H3NGn-oPYeC4z5SRvj0yh7lJ785FowehEVzEJhP7pQj-jGZMfz5ND9LvHuSnk_R/s4032/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXY7bGKrYOWH8ZaArqoPIP1A3qHBln6HmFyV6V783A40RAqchd-xu__aPybJZx87aEmxuCyr9E9SLHrEfbHliL2P7ebS5Bm7sZdCW599tqbZ_vDrWBc7EJVdiUaKw8H3NGn-oPYeC4z5SRvj0yh7lJ785FowehEVzEJhP7pQj-jGZMfz5ND9LvHuSnk_R/w400-h300/9.JPG" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We were back in
San Martín Jilotepeque to finish the mural we had started last month. It wasn’t
an awful lot of work, but the details that were pending were important ones. Such
as the name of the school and the symbols that represent different special needs.
Now it’s all done and finally the mural, with social inclusion as a theme, makes sense!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTmsR8Z4wYd1pJjlb89L9q0JQ_tHiVo6X9Cg0c45_1ufse4Gnp0oiMtTtXt3PQ9W5U4XiaVgQTgyrPynblRK6BjQ6oUXuprg3jKDx2k99R_gMzxsVOLKrN38FIebGTzNaYAaV5lccdDsCSKO1kS0A4yV0lueb4HYkH_6rex_T8z2Uuu1Wdo4GoeqKUWiH/s4032/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTmsR8Z4wYd1pJjlb89L9q0JQ_tHiVo6X9Cg0c45_1ufse4Gnp0oiMtTtXt3PQ9W5U4XiaVgQTgyrPynblRK6BjQ6oUXuprg3jKDx2k99R_gMzxsVOLKrN38FIebGTzNaYAaV5lccdDsCSKO1kS0A4yV0lueb4HYkH_6rex_T8z2Uuu1Wdo4GoeqKUWiH/w300-h400/12.JPG" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It won’t be our
last time in San Martín Jilotepeque. With the Dutch F</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">oundation Co</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">lour4Kids we’re
still raising funds for the construction of a second level for this school for
children with special needs. Another level means more walls, so hopefully more
paint projects in the future!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This mural is
sponsored by <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a>. Many thanks to Catherine Corry for driving (again!)
as well as doing a terrific paint job. And thanks to our friend Cristy Velasco
who brought us coffee and her delicious carrot cake. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lh1iwQfXUtrlF4IvXK7ZhcjQJCGaDsYynART_mQUhGzoLQ7YJ_hSu4eE_2e76KWNGUCm2Et0aOhoA8h931-HMTay6hhZgM6cGBQF3Al0j75J2gHx9U4EX1iU_rCtcbKrbvOC5MUs7ogfskIteErR_fxhGhSU3ETVqEfguzkwgnf5sV4AyJZnZqem3vPQ/s4032/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Lh1iwQfXUtrlF4IvXK7ZhcjQJCGaDsYynART_mQUhGzoLQ7YJ_hSu4eE_2e76KWNGUCm2Et0aOhoA8h931-HMTay6hhZgM6cGBQF3Al0j75J2gHx9U4EX1iU_rCtcbKrbvOC5MUs7ogfskIteErR_fxhGhSU3ETVqEfguzkwgnf5sV4AyJZnZqem3vPQ/w300-h400/4.JPG" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9Fg2mXbXCCvWKaq_2w7P1dhQeA2qDMaI83XkqeXsD0agoM3pPwqh4xItALRdEFf4Ss8quEQXHsxE0T4pjElXtdV9XOpiax8DZHScqDinv1_304focLtZcXAJxibT61F7hP4mDMcgTvaVYjmBYq-BFZ7iTNL2y1MSA5zel_9wl61aKFVnQyEmzEMo-Dv/s4032/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p9Fg2mXbXCCvWKaq_2w7P1dhQeA2qDMaI83XkqeXsD0agoM3pPwqh4xItALRdEFf4Ss8quEQXHsxE0T4pjElXtdV9XOpiax8DZHScqDinv1_304focLtZcXAJxibT61F7hP4mDMcgTvaVYjmBYq-BFZ7iTNL2y1MSA5zel_9wl61aKFVnQyEmzEMo-Dv/w300-h400/5.JPG" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9ArlL62zC5pJ5OlNR8yft0EMBWCQQiB16ZIjKluFGJNYbhGiUzGIs85MSlFPG7s2KdocOJwEZXKhhmzr50g6QsdupiJYNR4BHrsrpaz8BHa8DKSC_AdiPmypKMsnp3SBPdhMfxZr9NmPZq7Jyh72nwYY8h8juB7wGKhhWhSuNZoEyb4K4KCQNpnaS5Dr/s3264/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural by Carin Steen" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9ArlL62zC5pJ5OlNR8yft0EMBWCQQiB16ZIjKluFGJNYbhGiUzGIs85MSlFPG7s2KdocOJwEZXKhhmzr50g6QsdupiJYNR4BHrsrpaz8BHa8DKSC_AdiPmypKMsnp3SBPdhMfxZr9NmPZq7Jyh72nwYY8h8juB7wGKhhWhSuNZoEyb4K4KCQNpnaS5Dr/w400-h300/7.jpg" title="Mural by Carin Steen" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-38312960267627868012024-01-12T09:46:00.000-08:002024-01-12T10:17:24.612-08:00Social Inclusion in Guatemala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4JAlXcGzMnxrKH1e6dmSaabVJlcbHH8H0jIzRpxC89l-NCtF8OoYvImwFppbJkq7I19Yi_sFQsXXkX9NImlC-jAgIawnk7tKLFeJkP8ybhyphenhyphen_M9klqHqv9fun7KduqnUGUPyjA4tFA51Fi4IBN8KK4GiVJyBhZEZKH7tit_2Yvp015BB06CifiG-oxgko/s4032/6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4JAlXcGzMnxrKH1e6dmSaabVJlcbHH8H0jIzRpxC89l-NCtF8OoYvImwFppbJkq7I19Yi_sFQsXXkX9NImlC-jAgIawnk7tKLFeJkP8ybhyphenhyphen_M9klqHqv9fun7KduqnUGUPyjA4tFA51Fi4IBN8KK4GiVJyBhZEZKH7tit_2Yvp015BB06CifiG-oxgko/w400-h300/6.JPG" title="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><p>It was
cold, that chilly kind of cold before the sun announces its appearance with bleak
streaks of light. Dressed in sweaters and scarves, our all-girl team of four
set out for San Martín Jilotepeque. We left this early to beat the traffic and
to have an early start because we knew we had a long day ahead of us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The wall at
<i>the Escuela de Educación Especial</i> (School for children with special
needs) was ready for us. The cinder block wall was neatly stuccoed and ready
for some colour. In accordance with the director of the school, I had made a design
about social inclusion with a focus on respect and acceptance, something that persons
with special needs still struggle with in rural Guatemala. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It was a
tough job! Despite January being the coldest month of the year, the heat was
relentless. The white wall reflected the fierce sunlight and heavy traffic was
thundering along, right behind our backs. The cones that the friendly traffic
police had placed on the road helped a bit to keep us safe but didn’t do much
for the exhaustion fumes. It was so bad, we all opted for a facemask, despite the
heat! And to top it off, some workmen started opening the road right next to
our wall. The noise, the heat, the dust and dirt made it a tough day’s work. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiI4nLdIRbmAyNXSDUeWPb1_1bdieu0UBwfwiEuQsUYFjsGIcc430dGyaEEnCCtncRz6GMBckX1rH6rHHUhreDaoqbnzq2-WPSVlKj5X4tY1O1-OA5GxVqLtSH_EFAdW2YJgkD1gh8ol-V8tXu4c6KQwixpJhXAD6VSVNAg39jRoWEfHfjPyb19Z7Cn1A/s4032/IMG_1030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiI4nLdIRbmAyNXSDUeWPb1_1bdieu0UBwfwiEuQsUYFjsGIcc430dGyaEEnCCtncRz6GMBckX1rH6rHHUhreDaoqbnzq2-WPSVlKj5X4tY1O1-OA5GxVqLtSH_EFAdW2YJgkD1gh8ol-V8tXu4c6KQwixpJhXAD6VSVNAg39jRoWEfHfjPyb19Z7Cn1A/w400-h300/IMG_1030.JPG" title="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div>The next
day we left even earlier. Sunrise over the mountains of San Martín Jilotepeque
was a treat. It felt as if the temperature had slightly dropped and even the traffic
seemed to have slowed down a bit. Ten more hours of painting and the wall was
completely covered in paint. But alas, we couldn’t finish it completely. Some very
important details still need to be painted, such as the name of the school and
the symbols for the different abilities that go on the blue squares at the top.
I also want to paint the small part at the very right of the wall. So, I’ll
have to go back.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Going back
to San Martín Jilotepeque was in the planning anyway, because with the Dutch
foundation Colour4Kids we’re fundraising towards the construction of a much
needed second level at the school. As soon as we’ll have raised the needed
funds (donations are very welcome!), the construction can get started. The
first thing to be built is a ramp leading to the first floor. In order to do
so, the outside wall will be raised a bit and this part needs to be painted
too, so I’m going back no matter what. Hopefully sooner rather than later!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYBK_gAKqZS4v3I2Eh_VxyjqklCCtlre3t2t-Yl7suAUAhsNeabXafNpmi6gYFI6KfGf2tS9AC3edoOVKYr3orsP1KZLPm4yrAIjXWsPP5atybeOwSTKs1A0E79N75xeZyHl8P_hmOlA3bzAtad4FOgD4KOZHSXEabQddW-OrXJ3eyP8Xk2ZTzaguYecR/s4608/IMG_20240110_161537_893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYBK_gAKqZS4v3I2Eh_VxyjqklCCtlre3t2t-Yl7suAUAhsNeabXafNpmi6gYFI6KfGf2tS9AC3edoOVKYr3orsP1KZLPm4yrAIjXWsPP5atybeOwSTKs1A0E79N75xeZyHl8P_hmOlA3bzAtad4FOgD4KOZHSXEabQddW-OrXJ3eyP8Xk2ZTzaguYecR/w400-h300/IMG_20240110_161537_893.jpg" title="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div>This mural
would not have been possible without the help of Catherine Corry, Gaby Rodriguez
and Diana Hernández, my fantastic painting crew. Thanks also to Elmer Hernández
Lara, director of the school for helping with the logistics and the parents who
volunteered to stucco the wall. Thanks to Cristy Velasco for the delicious lunch and snacks. And of course, a big shout-out to Colour4Kids for
sponsoring this mural.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To be
continued!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKYC0zPFAAtqqOdNcxOfqXIw3N67cr_gAJyZ6y97ltQ3MfRj0i-NPuAhXKOBHgSW4kDOhY-eJwQ3zcpSyv4m400840ehiSBpKz8nxPy27tI93So7cp8LaM3RViewSOSvmVtWl6KLQSRywJeQQP6Nq-lIWJdCJRJtcdF9lW3uxP40F3kh3gTk3ayt8Q8dv/s4608/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKYC0zPFAAtqqOdNcxOfqXIw3N67cr_gAJyZ6y97ltQ3MfRj0i-NPuAhXKOBHgSW4kDOhY-eJwQ3zcpSyv4m400840ehiSBpKz8nxPy27tI93So7cp8LaM3RViewSOSvmVtWl6KLQSRywJeQQP6Nq-lIWJdCJRJtcdF9lW3uxP40F3kh3gTk3ayt8Q8dv/w240-h320/21.jpg" title="Mural in San Martin Jilotepeque, Guatemala" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O4NWRYPcslo" width="320" youtube-src-id="O4NWRYPcslo"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-10463614173980640252023-03-17T09:17:00.005-07:002023-03-17T09:58:37.499-07:00You can’t have enough colour on a wall!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ux2NgNJey-ZwCs6e5vwT179rLjOO7-QEEEWRzVk3tQfenhcGkZjA0RX9K8xsdX2pRnDwaFLPYq1lDTTTBL00IHIy1t834BNOJ-UBH1meakYJgmy-rxav0_5AKPFsFM4IEM8k0xoks2GnEBvlbxWmgwUcPqmIVikdOv_Dut3EWg8QPvv9niC8EbjGtQ/s2560/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ux2NgNJey-ZwCs6e5vwT179rLjOO7-QEEEWRzVk3tQfenhcGkZjA0RX9K8xsdX2pRnDwaFLPYq1lDTTTBL00IHIy1t834BNOJ-UBH1meakYJgmy-rxav0_5AKPFsFM4IEM8k0xoks2GnEBvlbxWmgwUcPqmIVikdOv_Dut3EWg8QPvv9niC8EbjGtQ/w400-h300/6.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Blazing sun, tuc-tucs, school kids, roaring
motorbikes, street vendors, debt collectors, drunkards, goats, housewives,
workmen, more kids, fire truck, stray dogs in all shapes and sizes… To say the
street leading to the Vista Hermosa neighbourhood is busy, is an understatement…
This was community mural painting at its best, with children who gave a willing
helping hand, lots of appreciative feedback from neighbours, drinks being
offered and happy teachers at the school we were painting at.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zzFz-6oa4QmWb1gKbdGIRQp5JtljXu15NQn0A1vr-_dQcRmCSo-08nW2uSSpv8VzDYX8w4Uhkq1k2aVHtfPOBeoOaV9Uf9zAtxTgxOCCVgPGamea8cWrwUbc_YBojjDV2tCZ9kWYdWRIfuWddImXWjDZoxAdQ4dwytvVZiLFxDD3PeuOW_LG5Vv9sQ/s2560/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zzFz-6oa4QmWb1gKbdGIRQp5JtljXu15NQn0A1vr-_dQcRmCSo-08nW2uSSpv8VzDYX8w4Uhkq1k2aVHtfPOBeoOaV9Uf9zAtxTgxOCCVgPGamea8cWrwUbc_YBojjDV2tCZ9kWYdWRIfuWddImXWjDZoxAdQ4dwytvVZiLFxDD3PeuOW_LG5Vv9sQ/w400-h300/8.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Little by little Vista Hermosa in
Jocotenango, Guatemala, is being transformed from a dangerous and ugly <i>barrio</i>
into a colourful, much cleaner and liveable community. Thanks to the <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/urban-heart" target="_blank">UrbanHeART</a> collective, an initiative from young people from this community, murals
keep popping up. In November 2021 we painted a 12-meter-long mural at the
public wash basin at the entrance of the neighbourhood. This year we continued
the collaboration with Urban HeART with a workshop for a group of young painters
and two murals, one at the side wall of the public wash basin, the other one at
the wall of the kindergarten, along the street that leads into Vista Hermosa. The
surface was a bit rough, but the dimensions nice and big (26 meter long!) and also
very public. It was a pleasure to work with Denilson Larios and Gustavo Illescas of
Urban HeART!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN-paeQVHmVRRNWGkS6ZYQqDkCeLvOCKMTM5Y0fMDLvXzaWxOKKyEV1Q9bFZ4afgXlmZbFUnC1nnVKgqFKL0Nn2g6hlSlEaiPtSsGWcOMR0nTcZ3l29oSilBGI6Awy2T8tQg83cy18RI7wvuMwfa-OXjNNJEZBvnJ1iH80De91sP-Kz5-TBUYnPsrYA/s13819/0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="6496" data-original-width="13819" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN-paeQVHmVRRNWGkS6ZYQqDkCeLvOCKMTM5Y0fMDLvXzaWxOKKyEV1Q9bFZ4afgXlmZbFUnC1nnVKgqFKL0Nn2g6hlSlEaiPtSsGWcOMR0nTcZ3l29oSilBGI6Awy2T8tQg83cy18RI7wvuMwfa-OXjNNJEZBvnJ1iH80De91sP-Kz5-TBUYnPsrYA/w400-h188/0.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">This project (the two murals and the
workshop) was sponsored by the Dutch Foundation <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFYRkD_ENKbhW6qylGbinJYQpwVHTsJdFQxrmlcY4C1SZyiyrtLx6rv5GiAZw0hc_9vmYJ1t5vB9oYoyrTMjc09pvWV8cigk3xzD5HrUF2xP-BXh-iLHXZp-AbtFRPkBK-S9fgBseTrxDdv2xDAKa3QgnhtstTGKyNiFo8Vhqtiab6gDjwcP-R29kbw/s2400/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="2400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFYRkD_ENKbhW6qylGbinJYQpwVHTsJdFQxrmlcY4C1SZyiyrtLx6rv5GiAZw0hc_9vmYJ1t5vB9oYoyrTMjc09pvWV8cigk3xzD5HrUF2xP-BXh-iLHXZp-AbtFRPkBK-S9fgBseTrxDdv2xDAKa3QgnhtstTGKyNiFo8Vhqtiab6gDjwcP-R29kbw/w400-h200/1.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVKCePvyku1x80gMIPAFkJ05eSxr5dwlOJNscZggkBUYkEwMO42SmfITQA6j7J6mKmVyCh5OGpixSQkdD0wSvvrBNpgFxz8leLb_gW11TBsxpDf7Z2BQh2gKbQ-QStn21Qjj1hUgtKCwwhC5cHHItU0vqfpXVraGBapcpZAdjQN8MNAEr_LcXaQHtLQ/s2560/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVKCePvyku1x80gMIPAFkJ05eSxr5dwlOJNscZggkBUYkEwMO42SmfITQA6j7J6mKmVyCh5OGpixSQkdD0wSvvrBNpgFxz8leLb_gW11TBsxpDf7Z2BQh2gKbQ-QStn21Qjj1hUgtKCwwhC5cHHItU0vqfpXVraGBapcpZAdjQN8MNAEr_LcXaQHtLQ/w400-h300/7.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFhpw0gbE9sqwQf8ohsJMU0p9YxIh2pF6Won_W_-DAY0UKPrrlTYh3OzebbJ0-2Nj6Ta_8G-VnadbgU2CnWEau1enfa5rZp0tUKHCTZRa57OwGQtxqrxWpOz92uQ3H6xG9iPaQXaSHGSuBxp2o9o2YQaxeYFyw0-iLxVunmNOpJfpHk2yS_BLJnyVAw/s1600/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFhpw0gbE9sqwQf8ohsJMU0p9YxIh2pF6Won_W_-DAY0UKPrrlTYh3OzebbJ0-2Nj6Ta_8G-VnadbgU2CnWEau1enfa5rZp0tUKHCTZRa57OwGQtxqrxWpOz92uQ3H6xG9iPaQXaSHGSuBxp2o9o2YQaxeYFyw0-iLxVunmNOpJfpHk2yS_BLJnyVAw/w400-h300/11.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DzUX2FH-E_ENpvbtQzS5Ea8q4MEFt6viXW8JexbJRE23lX2r5H8VJYwqmjl4VDlKI8LjFGqtUiHi6L--4z9qiC8I5j1UfAXLJr5Dp6TIAz2EWfNIpg4_uhgqGp_LQ7RWmyzLzoZehrKyH2GbiGye9Deho4vS6gFmwQPthAnuUEFo7tSFGKn171Le2w/s2560/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DzUX2FH-E_ENpvbtQzS5Ea8q4MEFt6viXW8JexbJRE23lX2r5H8VJYwqmjl4VDlKI8LjFGqtUiHi6L--4z9qiC8I5j1UfAXLJr5Dp6TIAz2EWfNIpg4_uhgqGp_LQ7RWmyzLzoZehrKyH2GbiGye9Deho4vS6gFmwQPthAnuUEFo7tSFGKn171Le2w/w400-h300/12.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKlW8TeZEwOZ-P-7H9WAnsA7O3kwAlsPmKWpdvHgBwkJdmscKobvTpGrFLKN8_ygyv8ZYndzfTE0NPYrZRLuVTrLKFF_RcIk0wq8s2jokDxwC_OYHDTGmkDqqGgWTU0Ewc7Kwd1akvp5Hjttf7qCdM6WEojRXCXvFAM_ZU8J--DN79F4FcwOYwsVbwA/s2560/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKlW8TeZEwOZ-P-7H9WAnsA7O3kwAlsPmKWpdvHgBwkJdmscKobvTpGrFLKN8_ygyv8ZYndzfTE0NPYrZRLuVTrLKFF_RcIk0wq8s2jokDxwC_OYHDTGmkDqqGgWTU0Ewc7Kwd1akvp5Hjttf7qCdM6WEojRXCXvFAM_ZU8J--DN79F4FcwOYwsVbwA/w400-h300/14.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-50565746034718903122023-03-08T07:01:00.005-08:002023-03-08T07:01:54.491-08:00After School Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE606umSWJ1JsfkMx0CO9FqVRo0F1QrwFPsR-gi2MlG59HKZz9sahvnERr6rpv7eNCWMDhzVkvk0AcgxkYAwgW1Np2mJysZzQ6J9EElIouq4WMveZLSMQT5G5UAixdW4MZxf8D3A8lhBjCrJkIT3rCtEPpDrSew__kTtxIpzi-Nh3kfBXkOb_9TUTTFQ/s1024/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE606umSWJ1JsfkMx0CO9FqVRo0F1QrwFPsR-gi2MlG59HKZz9sahvnERr6rpv7eNCWMDhzVkvk0AcgxkYAwgW1Np2mJysZzQ6J9EElIouq4WMveZLSMQT5G5UAixdW4MZxf8D3A8lhBjCrJkIT3rCtEPpDrSew__kTtxIpzi-Nh3kfBXkOb_9TUTTFQ/w400-h300/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%204.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><p>I like nothing better than when you meet someone on Friday to discuss a possible mural and the very next Monday the mural is up on the wall already! That happened when I met Lynn who is setting up an after school literacy program in San Lorenzo El Cubo, a small town not too far from Antigua Guatemala. We quickly agreed on the design and I happened to have time to go paint the next Monday, so here it is!</p><p>The program (ALAS, in collaboration with FFF Finding Freedom Through Friendship) officially starts today, so the timing was perfect. Congratulations and good luck with the project!</p><p>Mural 6.75 x 2.75m</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUkiDVnXeritQAgsCAMxySA8s9YqkD7ezN9lVM_5lzUuNkS4mPF1DOKsNLpRhdybc8wfKz0XOHhDFwSep1vdvLa70LW9DD7-akGcQeex2k4a-0O6q8PFUVs_MejLQZFY6OLK1Im0PzDP4M5-KfGhOuZhf3Vt2toLcqqW4ndYTndxEmwe7zZfDdjL76w/s2560/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUkiDVnXeritQAgsCAMxySA8s9YqkD7ezN9lVM_5lzUuNkS4mPF1DOKsNLpRhdybc8wfKz0XOHhDFwSep1vdvLa70LW9DD7-akGcQeex2k4a-0O6q8PFUVs_MejLQZFY6OLK1Im0PzDP4M5-KfGhOuZhf3Vt2toLcqqW4ndYTndxEmwe7zZfDdjL76w/w400-h300/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%202.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoduYDjFiTQFB5tNE9Y3s-94OMTQQ1icbLd3vIPD8w8JVFXczaCzvo8RAdcptLaY6qYSgLAbk20cR6LYjN_eX_eXrBeAVtDonbGD0faeeC2Z6BRsPFNWcgQ77j3TgTRXMFzrMAVwGuyZRVHJwtX6AuG_GTdYMeklt0gyFHc8kqio4M7TwUTA332kamBQ/s2560/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoduYDjFiTQFB5tNE9Y3s-94OMTQQ1icbLd3vIPD8w8JVFXczaCzvo8RAdcptLaY6qYSgLAbk20cR6LYjN_eX_eXrBeAVtDonbGD0faeeC2Z6BRsPFNWcgQ77j3TgTRXMFzrMAVwGuyZRVHJwtX6AuG_GTdYMeklt0gyFHc8kqio4M7TwUTA332kamBQ/w300-h400/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%203.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Oh88EysyUMTaDwZSHuy4mf7jwKSiAv8kvczp0Nwq871oCZGortulrOuzlXFX8DavQEqPHbxLnpI50V34VEdtxU09ViHo7heSyZYU45U2YeS0NeDr36nChjyy2QIr48x5CxqHliF5yDx-mY87NlNQqBZaixgEL6Bao8g2FOv35a_TOtmnYs8kmqoX6g/s2560/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Oh88EysyUMTaDwZSHuy4mf7jwKSiAv8kvczp0Nwq871oCZGortulrOuzlXFX8DavQEqPHbxLnpI50V34VEdtxU09ViHo7heSyZYU45U2YeS0NeDr36nChjyy2QIr48x5CxqHliF5yDx-mY87NlNQqBZaixgEL6Bao8g2FOv35a_TOtmnYs8kmqoX6g/w400-h300/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%205.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWwGgSC_7BYhJ0kZfOcIBvdBILcyA8AHgn7ZFr4763jAS0ZMLbOSrgxpl66wh8CYs3yV1ct_xPlpYXaSXCxceirBYF71tpNsaZRM4O4fAHZLWta_a6WGiSOQWSz8nv0w3gLdCslgMnKiJboN4DvbSDJOht6kzLXBEjLFG8A4Ujuh6BkMx0pcCqyoZyA/s2560/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWwGgSC_7BYhJ0kZfOcIBvdBILcyA8AHgn7ZFr4763jAS0ZMLbOSrgxpl66wh8CYs3yV1ct_xPlpYXaSXCxceirBYF71tpNsaZRM4O4fAHZLWta_a6WGiSOQWSz8nv0w3gLdCslgMnKiJboN4DvbSDJOht6kzLXBEjLFG8A4Ujuh6BkMx0pcCqyoZyA/w400-h300/3-23%20San%20Lornzo%20El%20Cubo%206.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-4143691770174959222023-02-26T09:31:00.004-08:002023-02-26T09:58:10.701-08:00Agua es vida, Water is Life… <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lAIMNi3uWUw21NQvmQxm0AmzLLD-idoLoytRXArOPFoDse2cpy0jgFJaY2cwf6No3loi1W6V8x2G7FY8J3IN91t0gstpvlCH-2xiHVXzdrB4xjBhgE3Gq8NyI-Y3FuwAiKlwOrQXglF8PtZRFTGS-P0fCHWPsE8XBZvcI99ksNsCIsDMo93oBirNyw/s1288/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(45).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1288" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lAIMNi3uWUw21NQvmQxm0AmzLLD-idoLoytRXArOPFoDse2cpy0jgFJaY2cwf6No3loi1W6V8x2G7FY8J3IN91t0gstpvlCH-2xiHVXzdrB4xjBhgE3Gq8NyI-Y3FuwAiKlwOrQXglF8PtZRFTGS-P0fCHWPsE8XBZvcI99ksNsCIsDMo93oBirNyw/w400-h300/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(45).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">In
November 2021, I painted water in many of its facets on a 12-meter-long wall
along the public wash basin in Vista Hermosa, a neighbourhood in the town of
Jocotenango, Guatemala. The young people who set it up and helped paint, are
members of Urban HeART, a grassroots initiative to make their neighbourhood
more liveable through cultural activities. The transformation is clearly
visible after two years and the area has become considerably nicer and safer,
not only because the neighbourhood looks more cheerful, but also because people
are more united, are now proud of their community and keep the streets much
cleaner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooee9GjAJm99_xdcjfvIpoaEhKlJkiubaCFdneVc0SsYpVin1r9Ei3g7_RgRHXPVkKM9vwma7Z54oi_YyWuPaYy9y6AMRnH-go7ooKuKoecpqZ7ep74LsihwAHfbuCNv9-xOaDgO-HmqLgl08yb6waBPZ6hia-JFY2PmOv4YaB6KriND8LOv8bIgRfQ/s2560/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooee9GjAJm99_xdcjfvIpoaEhKlJkiubaCFdneVc0SsYpVin1r9Ei3g7_RgRHXPVkKM9vwma7Z54oi_YyWuPaYy9y6AMRnH-go7ooKuKoecpqZ7ep74LsihwAHfbuCNv9-xOaDgO-HmqLgl08yb6waBPZ6hia-JFY2PmOv4YaB6KriND8LOv8bIgRfQ/w300-h400/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(9).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="300" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Nevertheless,
the living situation is still difficult and sometimes even dangerous. A second
mural had to be postponed. First because of COVID, then because of serious death
threats towards people in the community. Tragically, the brother of one of the
Urban HeART leaders was killed and a week later another (ex) member. The night
before we started painting, two brothers aged 14 and 18 were shot dead when
leaving the local cinema. (These deaths are unrelated to the mural initiative. But
unfortunately, this is the reality children and adolescents in this community have
to face every day.)</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42UXocZWPPEJYb9b2XJjSki0qPl9DJHvBzLC_uiVYtCyMvpFIsBuIBKo0HDBq96VgAt4ic83iZ4kA-IP9ZQNMkQn6Uuerp0DlBYLUz_EKNwctgsNxHR_QlDobUD8B1yfwRggZd9W5LiJ9midTHZMe3S_O4eHGBtz6j-sW11om6uf5E3BemlzSXoTxVw/s2560/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42UXocZWPPEJYb9b2XJjSki0qPl9DJHvBzLC_uiVYtCyMvpFIsBuIBKo0HDBq96VgAt4ic83iZ4kA-IP9ZQNMkQn6Uuerp0DlBYLUz_EKNwctgsNxHR_QlDobUD8B1yfwRggZd9W5LiJ9midTHZMe3S_O4eHGBtz6j-sW11om6uf5E3BemlzSXoTxVw/w400-h300/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(12).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">But
the kids from Urban HeART don't give up and still believe in art as an
alternative to a future full of drugs, gangs and violence. And that's why we
just keep painting!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">This
time around, we painted the side wall of the pila or public washing area. Although
not very big (4 x 5 meter), It was a tough wall to deal with, made of adobe, quite
deteriorated and with lots of damage. It had to plastered first, then primed,
to be followed by a base colour. I painted two giant water birds (egrets), based
on ancient illustrations from ancient Maya codices. My colleagues painted the
background, combining spray paint with brush work. I varnished the birds, but
not the background, so the difference between shiny and matte background helps
the optical solution of seeing reflection on the water. (Unfortunately, hard to
see on the photos.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMjCd6GsMD5Lx9DbdRogVc3H10h8hOcjoXctVVrqNiKH9bk7EqgLvijMSJiAZnJrJA7D2e_TFGeIzwwwAPE9ov6S4YhX0Sa_bt6DdvlE8b1AE5kN-_B65GiT6HU_KLy8SArQTPPhaBGxp_JnH3zccLx4tEE9-x_cLpO9Qi8Q0X5NGG0PPCMnl7GrW_w/s2560/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(29).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMjCd6GsMD5Lx9DbdRogVc3H10h8hOcjoXctVVrqNiKH9bk7EqgLvijMSJiAZnJrJA7D2e_TFGeIzwwwAPE9ov6S4YhX0Sa_bt6DdvlE8b1AE5kN-_B65GiT6HU_KLy8SArQTPPhaBGxp_JnH3zccLx4tEE9-x_cLpO9Qi8Q0X5NGG0PPCMnl7GrW_w/w400-h300/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(29).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">And
while prepping the wall, I touched up the big mural there where it was somewhat
damaged by moisture. Now everything looks like new again, just in time for the
opening of the new soccer field right across the street. A little bit of colour
can make a big difference!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DMlb0ZPebETh_Khx-22eFntNTq2n6XTvvlw6KZ1QLaSj4F3F9vkrC9QIpEsHW2cDlwgEDGbh5tT9Igda448Mvy5ER6PjlpeH89wAxjV7ED9PsRjxdscILjWioYlioUr2KoVg4ISiXMjXbirIfsBwtVRQ7WsoVnqIUFqHdoa9ARJ_DYLHXGYmFRl5mA/s2560/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(35).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DMlb0ZPebETh_Khx-22eFntNTq2n6XTvvlw6KZ1QLaSj4F3F9vkrC9QIpEsHW2cDlwgEDGbh5tT9Igda448Mvy5ER6PjlpeH89wAxjV7ED9PsRjxdscILjWioYlioUr2KoVg4ISiXMjXbirIfsBwtVRQ7WsoVnqIUFqHdoa9ARJ_DYLHXGYmFRl5mA/w400-h300/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(35).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">This
mural was made in collaboration with <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/urban-heart" target="_blank">Urban HeART</a> and sponsored by Dutch Foundation
<a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYHdvNJuFy1wLmlq9IQnh7APagxhrgT3JAghoANKNvGrqdNJajxnPslgf_BxCRnEEabHkL9dQ2m-tTfvzD51ZFpBCnLlhGQjRwDa6jpBb8xOUvUXnYv-31UHBESCrVQ1oGyOdfdS7UBhalZrnUcdrC3ulIVUP06FIqyi2Grthpx65lpAm4f7xsJ8Gcw/s1600/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(41).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYHdvNJuFy1wLmlq9IQnh7APagxhrgT3JAghoANKNvGrqdNJajxnPslgf_BxCRnEEabHkL9dQ2m-tTfvzD51ZFpBCnLlhGQjRwDa6jpBb8xOUvUXnYv-31UHBESCrVQ1oGyOdfdS7UBhalZrnUcdrC3ulIVUP06FIqyi2Grthpx65lpAm4f7xsJ8Gcw/w400-h300/2-23%20Ahua%20Buena%20Vista%20Jocotyenango%20(41).jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-41838141028528085332022-12-22T09:15:00.001-08:002022-12-22T09:15:28.176-08:00A Mural with Volcano View<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MZ8HUBI4OWvBkRKQkNj3Y-3TobyKdbinowCcLPCCI0s3FpVPFDbkTEicnIsJPAnpxd6DU-4LBn4JAdhYDUXlKkZBzO55lyYVj1xaAV2i0Cf8PTRehqMNHKrKhEGyrRynzKti5d0X8y70uY_vX2NsdplWz9NfJMiC6t0j8T7sHO4zjuUYLLTHqTyvcQ/s2560/El%20Hato%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community mural in El Hato" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MZ8HUBI4OWvBkRKQkNj3Y-3TobyKdbinowCcLPCCI0s3FpVPFDbkTEicnIsJPAnpxd6DU-4LBn4JAdhYDUXlKkZBzO55lyYVj1xaAV2i0Cf8PTRehqMNHKrKhEGyrRynzKti5d0X8y70uY_vX2NsdplWz9NfJMiC6t0j8T7sHO4zjuUYLLTHqTyvcQ/w400-h300/El%20Hato%208.jpg" title="Community mural in El Hato" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I can’t complain about my “office”! This time I
was working high up in the mountains above Antigua Guatemala, with a terrific
view of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. The village of El Hato is a far cry
from the prosperous colonial town of Antigua. In El Hato, most people live in humble
circumstances. Many of them grow flowers (mostly cala lilies, agapanthus and carnations)
which they sell at the market of Antigua. The village just got a much-needed
brand-new school building with plenty of blank walls. A perfect spot for a
mural!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkMO4tDY7KGgA0DA36ef3GDn4cqlxvZrtrITMnH4rP6sQ9tlWYqcvzZ07bpBpF9I2hiN_OkGgfxJ9BGfjCZPWISNHiwMfG7-LoNWTnNgrb4etx14-q1ek07rkezrTE9DgHIhT9ANwykougXs61KrZabw6RSdTZi_MzfraWtb5JzZdIjJwHRarAr5p8Q/s2560/El%20Hato%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkMO4tDY7KGgA0DA36ef3GDn4cqlxvZrtrITMnH4rP6sQ9tlWYqcvzZ07bpBpF9I2hiN_OkGgfxJ9BGfjCZPWISNHiwMfG7-LoNWTnNgrb4etx14-q1ek07rkezrTE9DgHIhT9ANwykougXs61KrZabw6RSdTZi_MzfraWtb5JzZdIjJwHRarAr5p8Q/w400-h300/El%20Hato%203.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">About two weeks ago I went up to meet the director
Patricia Toledo to hear about her ideas and have a look at walls. Initially her
idea was to have a mural painted around the sports court, but unfortunately that
wall was in a rough shape (lots of humidity) and would need lots of repairing
without the guarantee it would hold up a mural. In the end we decided on a
wall next to the director’s office, at the entrance of the school, quite visible
from the road. A perfect spot! The wall is 7 meters long and 3 meters high, a
nice size to work at. Theme? Something positive, something colourful and with
the flowers they grow in the community. And, as a special request, could we paint
the school’s emblem on the wall too? Well, why not.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0kCzNuEuokE_tzyngsQt6DYLbynZcK7zIsg6XppedlyX9HvxCCX2-rCgywVoW1G2HmsFsHQTkndkjOZhKyyMtxxnIzqQNAWrF7eh67TbBvl8h5yNDaIeDPvS3903Z_kLbaBsAwuisOVAYDZ9O8m8SXBEuYllf37QJeeUlkOS_oxB4T0EfkXqKOmIAA/s2560/El%20Hato%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0kCzNuEuokE_tzyngsQt6DYLbynZcK7zIsg6XppedlyX9HvxCCX2-rCgywVoW1G2HmsFsHQTkndkjOZhKyyMtxxnIzqQNAWrF7eh67TbBvl8h5yNDaIeDPvS3903Z_kLbaBsAwuisOVAYDZ9O8m8SXBEuYllf37QJeeUlkOS_oxB4T0EfkXqKOmIAA/w300-h400/El%20Hato%204.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The whole project got delayed a bit because
Covid finally caught up with me, but once recovered, Elio (AKA Henry) and I
went up the hill and up the ladder. We didn’t involve any kids this time
because of possible lingering Covid. The teachers had just started their
holiday, so we had the place to ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The painting took a little longer than I had
expected. Elio worked on the emblem, just needed me for the letters, that was
all. Then he helped me with the background of geometric shapes that just take
an awful long time to paint. Although the wall was brand new with a fresh coat
of paint, it required no less than three layers to nicely cover up. Oh, and it
was HOT! Freezing cold in the mornings, but as soon as the sun started peeking
over the mountain, it was just blazingly hot with a blinding reflection on the
white wall. But, a few days of hard work in and the mural was done…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX456wE3Ak8qPZgaSorPwTCJQEln6Wycz4r2qV2yhTZq3WPo1z6G5UP9iHiZnfF4ToocW5nid6SMIolh9rRurbvTYal8cvo6xaZDLZ6sN8X4aJeCKLwbVG0zXv1viiUHY_SbLkAYNkeJ489qhS70v5b3rkd-bNySRH-brSB5Mvy_Q6CW874-p32xQEg/s1280/El%20Hato%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX456wE3Ak8qPZgaSorPwTCJQEln6Wycz4r2qV2yhTZq3WPo1z6G5UP9iHiZnfF4ToocW5nid6SMIolh9rRurbvTYal8cvo6xaZDLZ6sN8X4aJeCKLwbVG0zXv1viiUHY_SbLkAYNkeJ489qhS70v5b3rkd-bNySRH-brSB5Mvy_Q6CW874-p32xQEg/w400-h300/El%20Hato%201.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I sent pictures of the result to the
director, she said she loved the mural, but when would I finish the school’s
crest? I was like: Excuse me? It’s already finished!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No, she said, it’s missing the school’s name!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXwKfYLVR8sT5Qflkk7-nQv82WR13apw5WoteyNttgbvEY6eR-z2tTxFOoaqVmVRJwcACqWw_7H4BiXbWj9gPxYWDMjVsmhKM33ut0g5tCjnCksPlm3D2Igs05j0F-pTX-akqrCIROMjGyEcrKPlEIEoBX2qpG-7wUFRGg7VORxnfBgIbBcYn28tH6A/s2560/El%20Hato%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXwKfYLVR8sT5Qflkk7-nQv82WR13apw5WoteyNttgbvEY6eR-z2tTxFOoaqVmVRJwcACqWw_7H4BiXbWj9gPxYWDMjVsmhKM33ut0g5tCjnCksPlm3D2Igs05j0F-pTX-akqrCIROMjGyEcrKPlEIEoBX2qpG-7wUFRGg7VORxnfBgIbBcYn28tH6A/w300-h400/El%20Hato%205.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="300" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of those facepalm moments. No one to blame but
me… So soon I’ll make another trip up the hill… But, for now the work is done.
I hope the kids like it too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This mural was generously sponsored by Dutch
Foundation Colour4Kids. (Thank you, Jos Ruijs!) Many thanks to Catherine for the
ride and to David Dean for the contacts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzEaSR8zhAPy-b6WP2KwRY6Pck4Vp2JnOSjXPTLZBK9ftm4KQZvPunm1KvnvHOb-N4tcYUXwb2Am7oRdsn4tYPUfzPpuZyZnnK9-Za5w6ZLuTHM0S3qu5mmUDcWgO_JXESFfs2YPM1ujicrO8YwNfiZL00bBCSA_blh09kWyHemZRR8J9uKWMRH1bGg/s2560/El%20Hato%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzEaSR8zhAPy-b6WP2KwRY6Pck4Vp2JnOSjXPTLZBK9ftm4KQZvPunm1KvnvHOb-N4tcYUXwb2Am7oRdsn4tYPUfzPpuZyZnnK9-Za5w6ZLuTHM0S3qu5mmUDcWgO_JXESFfs2YPM1ujicrO8YwNfiZL00bBCSA_blh09kWyHemZRR8J9uKWMRH1bGg/w400-h300/El%20Hato%206.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRWK-dFyc5acpG7wcO72uaQk-8uqsbNJ8tXV-2ZGiGC_xyfzFwktTnXfkiBtY8Sise_0vNLwDMJXKxopSEcyQMiwLaFSVeNXs4Ls23tAq_0qqoX0E-wGGadS_lmwlQ0FQatqk1dSTu928QSWqJqVlAMRxJ9xFaxzTpeLlAlsZZEM7bcMMG_aVv-LSpw/s1812/El%20Hato%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1812" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRWK-dFyc5acpG7wcO72uaQk-8uqsbNJ8tXV-2ZGiGC_xyfzFwktTnXfkiBtY8Sise_0vNLwDMJXKxopSEcyQMiwLaFSVeNXs4Ls23tAq_0qqoX0E-wGGadS_lmwlQ0FQatqk1dSTu928QSWqJqVlAMRxJ9xFaxzTpeLlAlsZZEM7bcMMG_aVv-LSpw/w400-h311/El%20Hato%207.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZecbXzgF4FD5_yN61gwUb2GM6fUiUYU3uqEQKOqNXpA0pFFYWQgRJb1En_wMiaXZ9q9eCcC7Asr-xepGcGPxjL2nC_g7eOiRMXAIwZWHiHz2HU8Ir8jZkK93FUBFX6Ejm0iDuJt32hVtuJoIt7-lfKNUQNo8Bx5zwMrZ8gTlNB73C9Q0PiVlkdzJNJA/s1280/El%20Hato%200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZecbXzgF4FD5_yN61gwUb2GM6fUiUYU3uqEQKOqNXpA0pFFYWQgRJb1En_wMiaXZ9q9eCcC7Asr-xepGcGPxjL2nC_g7eOiRMXAIwZWHiHz2HU8Ir8jZkK93FUBFX6Ejm0iDuJt32hVtuJoIt7-lfKNUQNo8Bx5zwMrZ8gTlNB73C9Q0PiVlkdzJNJA/w400-h300/El%20Hato%200.jpg" title="Community Mural in El Hato, Antigua Guatemala" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-44081614377376593092022-12-05T05:50:00.002-08:002022-12-05T05:53:41.040-08:00A Jungle for Special Children<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXeCFJxOw9zlfWxENwvZkN2UVMkdA079Zzv1b1mlqMhe8aSpSuHe0d55j3-PrpI7iSgNEpS8fnv99jHi0YLQzq7GJ1nJxcMdzN5O11N6Bojw0nQJgK3N9np0ni-2WXIR0sL3_OPbvO0sUA4YQJ6aVVHObVIdF4hdsKaNk1Zu2fvchnkEX1w9bpJVusg/s2560/IMG_20221202_154716_004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXeCFJxOw9zlfWxENwvZkN2UVMkdA079Zzv1b1mlqMhe8aSpSuHe0d55j3-PrpI7iSgNEpS8fnv99jHi0YLQzq7GJ1nJxcMdzN5O11N6Bojw0nQJgK3N9np0ni-2WXIR0sL3_OPbvO0sUA4YQJ6aVVHObVIdF4hdsKaNk1Zu2fvchnkEX1w9bpJVusg/w400-h300/IMG_20221202_154716_004.jpg" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tepezcuintle (detail)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">Sixty
square meters, thirty children, twenty litres of paint, five long days and lots
of jungle. That basically sums up the mural project in San Martín Jilotepeque. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">It
has been almost a year since I visited this school for children with special
needs for the first time and met director Telma Calan. It’s thanks to her that
children with all kinds of special needs receive education at a place where
they are treated with love and respect. Not an easy feat because all her
students have very different needs and range in age from four to twenty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">The
school is located in the centre of the buzzling town of San Martín de
Jilotepeque. It’s a bit of a concrete jungle there, with lots of traffic, stray
dogs, dirt and noise. The children are from the town itself and its surrounding
villages, many of them from low-income families. They’ll likely never go on a
trip and are rarely surrounded by soothing nature. That’s why I decided to
paint them a jungle in their schoolyard. To have a bit of green in their yard,
even if it’s just paint, and of course plenty of animals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORL_oVtMufg9QAWlO0JtB1AwGTWnJ3BE14LKY1SXyM9iKxGXymwtjKe6iz-0VSn4A_ExJszcRDSYv5wvVIpcnWYY9BbHwAi4Vwn8_hPM9ynNh9qhFQMlbjh3kboBd6iH0K8bCyNe3XGuvu76wN9ygh3nRdR-9knYSgRr0HYAas_x9jOEJNlFKjx9NA/s4032/IMG_0911.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ORL_oVtMufg9QAWlO0JtB1AwGTWnJ3BE14LKY1SXyM9iKxGXymwtjKe6iz-0VSn4A_ExJszcRDSYv5wvVIpcnWYY9BbHwAi4Vwn8_hPM9ynNh9qhFQMlbjh3kboBd6iH0K8bCyNe3XGuvu76wN9ygh3nRdR-9knYSgRr0HYAas_x9jOEJNlFKjx9NA/w400-h300/IMG_0911.JPG" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Of
course, the children were going to be involved in the process. The problem was
that I didn’t know them, so I had no idea about their abilities. With that in
mind I made a design in which they could help paint the background on which we
would add details later on.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">
The teachers had arranged for the children to come in small groups which worked
out quite well. Dressed in old T-shirts we had brought for the occasion, the
children happily grabbed brushes and rollers. Minutes later everything was pale
blue, yellow and green, including the floor and the children’s faces. It was a
lovely mess and the kids clearly had a lot of fun. <br />
The next group of kids was a bit older and quickly finished the rest of the
wall, even the highest parts. We could barely stop them from painting the rest
of the wall which we need to keep blank for the children who’d come the next
day. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIEW50SCLaz8ZdXsctDQ0BkPWLoflT-i3on3Fa0DdCcMobc1aiGaiVBPcq0eH_hUPvO1-cax8tIa8ifAwYWah7T9X9AFaNAhdli6ZF_T2pEY7raaQVKYTdi4fKpTNiVgY4_4F2X9XBnBYJYxr4A3vIG6Nl8ITcFnGcFgINQEL-C5SABecu_BAUSixjw/s4032/IMG_0903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIEW50SCLaz8ZdXsctDQ0BkPWLoflT-i3on3Fa0DdCcMobc1aiGaiVBPcq0eH_hUPvO1-cax8tIa8ifAwYWah7T9X9AFaNAhdli6ZF_T2pEY7raaQVKYTdi4fKpTNiVgY4_4F2X9XBnBYJYxr4A3vIG6Nl8ITcFnGcFgINQEL-C5SABecu_BAUSixjw/w300-h400/IMG_0903.JPG" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="300" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">While
the children painted their hearts out under Catherine’s supervision (some parts
of the wall received no less than three generous layers of paint!), Elio (aka
Henry) and I worked on plants and animals. I had planned to work from left to
right, but upon arrival, the director told us they were having a graduation on
Friday and planned to do it in front of the right side of the wall. So that’s
where we started in order to have it ready for the grand finale.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCajipW6ZOAafUjl-CcbUfMVAUbK6iTyxdvcxIVxH130Ae4yn5E_9jPR_T2RMEnhqQTDt5cw1ERGR6YFKTnrI29cH8TRE-HVmrzZxN35LwiFxynDLCVAU7-BxStzMFTU_dlC-EoNRGyky2BgJWv1cgcMfDNIj12iW6vpFgc8to8NkiQ85O4pC9jIzkwg/s4032/IMG_0943.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCajipW6ZOAafUjl-CcbUfMVAUbK6iTyxdvcxIVxH130Ae4yn5E_9jPR_T2RMEnhqQTDt5cw1ERGR6YFKTnrI29cH8TRE-HVmrzZxN35LwiFxynDLCVAU7-BxStzMFTU_dlC-EoNRGyky2BgJWv1cgcMfDNIj12iW6vpFgc8to8NkiQ85O4pC9jIzkwg/w400-h300/IMG_0943.JPG" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I
made the mistake of cramming too many things in the first section of the wall which
left us with barely enough time for the rest of the wall. It turned out that
with this kind of design, five long days of painting were scarcely enough. To
be honest, I would have liked to have painted more animals and specific plants,
but alas, we could only stay so long. But since we are already making plans to
paint the outside wall next year, I might be able to add a few critters then.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmy3qcOxjyif6NIKJ1oxjq2pS9nhhdZmLFDKIhOZhcBBtKWdOTsKUXH7dR3VpTne1F1S0wFuXxoiBIGKGSC9utAH7ZDIXRdwEOBd-0cMO9t8z9X6JkhtONPGgMjotfzCs5iMgZ2vQU9ddaHrw1WECRePWAuGFiEf2Zx55GUqU6tB-B_BV-K6vRp596w/s4032/IMG_1121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmy3qcOxjyif6NIKJ1oxjq2pS9nhhdZmLFDKIhOZhcBBtKWdOTsKUXH7dR3VpTne1F1S0wFuXxoiBIGKGSC9utAH7ZDIXRdwEOBd-0cMO9t8z9X6JkhtONPGgMjotfzCs5iMgZ2vQU9ddaHrw1WECRePWAuGFiEf2Zx55GUqU6tB-B_BV-K6vRp596w/w320-h240/IMG_1121.JPG" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;">The
last day was a big one! It was the celebration of the end of the school year,
the graduation of kindergarten and sixth grade students as well as the
inauguration of the mural. The ceremony included the usual prayer, oath to the
flag, national anthem and the official entrance of honour roll students. Very
cute but a little bittersweet for the sixth graders who will now leave this
special place in order to continue their education at a regular middle school.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">I
have never officially opened any of my murals in such a festive way! It was fun
to cut the ribbon in front of all the students and their parents. Then it was
time for a delicious lunch and afterwards a few more hours of painting for us.
Night was falling when we packed up and headed back home to Antigua. Exhausted,
stained, stinky and dirty, but quite happy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKs2pSU-VaZEb557-CLzrq3M3YHvzw8LDGLg_XoaalYtZf9EDqkdpQKVEpm3DYZfVtAauOV3UCcbSeAd4DUnPa0eFGKWGBOhb30ks9DrQo2Xx-NthlBw8XMAmc-5egzH_vOgclDlvVVJY8BTFUT5edGn4xG7X7xPCnbYQRTYFDqt17YtpgYINNfYOOg/s4032/IMG_1043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKs2pSU-VaZEb557-CLzrq3M3YHvzw8LDGLg_XoaalYtZf9EDqkdpQKVEpm3DYZfVtAauOV3UCcbSeAd4DUnPa0eFGKWGBOhb30ks9DrQo2Xx-NthlBw8XMAmc-5egzH_vOgclDlvVVJY8BTFUT5edGn4xG7X7xPCnbYQRTYFDqt17YtpgYINNfYOOg/w400-h300/IMG_1043.JPG" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">This
mural is a true community project. Not just because it was designed for all the
students, their parents and teachers of the school, but also because it would
not have been possible without the help of a LOT of people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">In
the first place, thanks to Elio Navarijo and Catherine Corry for joining me on
this venture and working their butts off! Many thanks to director Telma Calan
and staff of the school for receiving us so warmly and for providing labour for
plastering the wall. Of course, may thanks too to all the students who helped
paint. So much fun! A special thank-you to Cristy Velasco, our friend in San
Martín Jilotepeque who introduced us to the school and who kept on spoiling us
with delicious snacks. And many, many thanks to all the people who helped
sponsoring this mural! The list is long and for privacy reasons I’ll just
mention first names: <br />
Peter, Fredy, Argi, Wendy, Katie, Pilar, Ria, Casey, Jeroen, Linda, Bonnie,
Tamra, Indara, David, Cathy, Dana, Frank, Maureen, Kimberly, Ana María,
Patricia, Judith, Jeff, Chris, Maite, Debra, Buddy, Christine, Shoshi, Suzanne,
Rokus, Paulina, Judy, Liza and Catherine. Thank you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ri1mGytJ7Rw" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ri1mGytJ7Rw"></iframe></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">But
it doesn’t end here!!! We have been asked to come back to paint the outside of
the school… The wall already has a mural, quite cute in its own way, but my fingers
are itching… I’m thinking social inclusion as a theme… Can’t wait till next
year!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1AwYLsP07yrwCqJphuUijDoIbj5UJJk4oXtsmzhBztQJ3KDAgEZSD5wRE1Ps8duhxdAVwBi7lBofpRrQSv7srhMlHDjBr0gazqlvHz5cxQ_oxEQ-rW4VHyTeHG2rjnxA595bFHxPnqJPkYey9usRmqdcGuL8RlfVdVoAlI2pmmZNaK7VHkEcMW3twg/s2560/IMG_20221201_074228_842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1AwYLsP07yrwCqJphuUijDoIbj5UJJk4oXtsmzhBztQJ3KDAgEZSD5wRE1Ps8duhxdAVwBi7lBofpRrQSv7srhMlHDjBr0gazqlvHz5cxQ_oxEQ-rW4VHyTeHG2rjnxA595bFHxPnqJPkYey9usRmqdcGuL8RlfVdVoAlI2pmmZNaK7VHkEcMW3twg/w400-h300/IMG_20221201_074228_842.jpg" title="Community Mural San Martín Jilotepeque" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-53075004235552636052022-11-26T06:59:00.001-08:002022-11-26T06:59:08.920-08:00Community Mural Workshop<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72s54FLKAnGcmkurrXjE-LgwGwYAIGBJeXRvvEy19I47yEgB89w8Qs0M5CH9f4PrqErXe_hGx_K6xPqsoN6EUA5vQ16pW5xUuWbPo29m0w31DnFIWq4qhfK9AxHtqglKvWo7NWFGorY50jFwvhGIob-zUNh7vdR_y3dDSn_MqJ52zoOUE0zL6lUSlkQ/s2560/IMG_20221125_121438_142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72s54FLKAnGcmkurrXjE-LgwGwYAIGBJeXRvvEy19I47yEgB89w8Qs0M5CH9f4PrqErXe_hGx_K6xPqsoN6EUA5vQ16pW5xUuWbPo29m0w31DnFIWq4qhfK9AxHtqglKvWo7NWFGorY50jFwvhGIob-zUNh7vdR_y3dDSn_MqJ52zoOUE0zL6lUSlkQ/w400-h300/IMG_20221125_121438_142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It’s certainly the
most perfect spot for a workshop, the new Lead-up base in Finca la Azotea
(Jocotenango, Guatemala). It’s an oasis of peace and soothing greens,
especially after cycling through heavy traffic on the busy streets of Antigua.
Fourteen adolescents got together for my workshop on how to create a community mural.
Some are high-school students from Los Patojos with an interest in the arts, there
were a few Lead-up champions and some who are already established artists
themselves, such as Samuel, Chiripa and Denilson of Urban HeArT.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Although the workshop
was on how to create a community mural, we left the artistic part aside and focused
on what is maybe the hardest part: how to turn your mural project into a true collaborative
work of art. We started with strategies to define the people who benefit from
the project and their interests and/or issues within their community. Once the
target group and their wishes are established, we can focus on the theme. A lot
of the issues that will come up during this phase will be negative ones, such
as violence, contamination, poverty, corruption or domestic abuse. If such an
issue will be the theme of the mural, the challenge will be to turn it into a constructive
and positive message, and translate that into a striking visual. Not an easy
task!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nQJm373gh-Wj8V9h1cI30g8Z8hJ6g2khsJm9PAl2IIOy3661tlQVqVf3A9LrYjkqxqYoU-keOcF-9bjJLZiHnWXv5kRnTYGqTFqYvnnwyML77LZbaNxX90cX3tEkuXbffEeeVUdzlVyv7vqwLX-iTiLcALBqt0QoKS6P3RoM7nDf3z52ncfWOv7rBg/s2560/IMG_20221125_114441_516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nQJm373gh-Wj8V9h1cI30g8Z8hJ6g2khsJm9PAl2IIOy3661tlQVqVf3A9LrYjkqxqYoU-keOcF-9bjJLZiHnWXv5kRnTYGqTFqYvnnwyML77LZbaNxX90cX3tEkuXbffEeeVUdzlVyv7vqwLX-iTiLcALBqt0QoKS6P3RoM7nDf3z52ncfWOv7rBg/w400-h300/IMG_20221125_114441_516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next on the agenda was
to talk about how to deal with volunteer painters. As the leader of a mural
project, you’re not only responsible for the creative process, but also in
charge of coordinating the volunteers in a way that will make them feel
involved and appreciated. We talked about what language (not) to use, how to be
conscious of our body language and how to be inclusive. We specifically talked about
how to work with children and how to secure their safety and wellbeing wile in
our charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The last theme was on
how to make a design that is of a high artistic quality but easy to implement with
a large number of unexperienced volunteers. I shared some techniques I have
used in the past that might be helpful to someone someday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The workshop wasn’t al
talk. In between each topic we did a little painting. The first assignment was
to paint something beautiful (non-figuartive) on small pieces of paper. Quickly,
so as not to over-think it. The next step was to repeat the same, but trying to
paint something UGLY! This is much more difficult because we all have this natural
tendency to create something beautiful. <br />
Step three was to compare the “pretty” pictures with the “ugly” ones. It was
quite obvious that the “pretty” pictures contained bright colours and clearly
defined shapes. The “ugly” ones were much darker, no white coming through. More
abstract and less figurative. There were definitely differences between the two
piles of paintings, which, we might conclude, means there are some universal preferences,
despite our different tastes and styles. Interestingly, the “ugly” paintings
were done in a much freer style. Some were crumpled up, in some the paint was
scratched with the back of a brush, others stamped, smudged or folded.<br />
The last part was to divide the group in two and make a quick collage, using
both the “pretty” and “ugly” paintings. The goal was to show how something “ugly”
can be transformed into something beautiful and how to make a collective work
of art making equal use of everybody’s input in a very short time with limited
supplies. The final results were very different, but equally beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2ir9YoExH2zsR86XTGlyH59Vy3bNMcSLbDH3CdRcCB2LjBKsiPl3tj3ZENqOBmfd1PbSiNbqjEHkC2BYufOQDB5fwjCbFfVO8KGpNg4PH20k_C1rEHtgPibEgdMI1RYFPOq6Jy-iat66xi0pZBD5Usx1g5sczvRFLYPBV-aGT1gPcNtZctAEcXn_ew/s2560/IMG_20221125_130043_363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2ir9YoExH2zsR86XTGlyH59Vy3bNMcSLbDH3CdRcCB2LjBKsiPl3tj3ZENqOBmfd1PbSiNbqjEHkC2BYufOQDB5fwjCbFfVO8KGpNg4PH20k_C1rEHtgPibEgdMI1RYFPOq6Jy-iat66xi0pZBD5Usx1g5sczvRFLYPBV-aGT1gPcNtZctAEcXn_ew/w300-h400/IMG_20221125_130043_363.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Next step is to do
some real mural painting! In December I’ll paint no less than three murals with
the youth of Urban HeArt in their neighbourhood Vista Hermosa, where we painted
a mural at the entrance of the <i>barrio, </i>just a year ago. Looking forward
for it!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A big thanks to all
the participants of this workshop for their input; to Katie and <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/lead-up-guatemala" target="_blank">Lead-up</a> for the
use of their wonderful space, to Denilson & Co of <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/urban-heart" target="_blank">Urban HeART </a>and of course to Dutch foundation <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a> for
sponsoring this workshop and the upcoming murals. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIQ_P3NFR9261txyVTfizhdpEEgpMrPoQFZyWLi0tzBWauERhaT1iczkYLH-AKcwjTzFyBmEUGNMOUIdN9eOdJMrAp2H4P2tx7nG60LXKsB106pCuTctGEeTjo7FREZ9UOPiQhX08dpajKLmxSwNqr7IHSdGuzHtxqS8ogGBZ01sHF8sLTTbxPB7qGA/s2560/IMG_20221125_132521_129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIQ_P3NFR9261txyVTfizhdpEEgpMrPoQFZyWLi0tzBWauERhaT1iczkYLH-AKcwjTzFyBmEUGNMOUIdN9eOdJMrAp2H4P2tx7nG60LXKsB106pCuTctGEeTjo7FREZ9UOPiQhX08dpajKLmxSwNqr7IHSdGuzHtxqS8ogGBZ01sHF8sLTTbxPB7qGA/w400-h300/IMG_20221125_132521_129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-42802879903935135172022-11-07T11:37:00.004-08:002022-11-07T11:37:55.838-08:00A Happy Hospital<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYKfWtSkEH_JzKu9mxDOC4quR0zJdenh9-cLRnc_2d6KraAu4pRL2fjqLnoex1V8o5IoGiDebjK1VQWj1dScl3jXewSAj6Z66tTGBfyfquxdn4pCIHR_YD6FfaQ7hiEUvVPbUbNK4R9IAUPnYBEdjCpOXw2DPMO4bRQ2iCl-NuoDBV9iUWiV501_U3A/s1280/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-11-04%20at%2010.49.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYKfWtSkEH_JzKu9mxDOC4quR0zJdenh9-cLRnc_2d6KraAu4pRL2fjqLnoex1V8o5IoGiDebjK1VQWj1dScl3jXewSAj6Z66tTGBfyfquxdn4pCIHR_YD6FfaQ7hiEUvVPbUbNK4R9IAUPnYBEdjCpOXw2DPMO4bRQ2iCl-NuoDBV9iUWiV501_U3A/w110-h194/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-11-04%20at%2010.49.30.jpg" width="110" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tessa de Goede</i></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>You don’t normally think of a hospital as a
“happy place” but this one sure is. Clínica Los Tulipanes is located on the
outskirts of Antigua Guatemala and caters solely to children with cleft lip or
palate. Tessa de Goede, founder of the NGO <a href="https://tessunlimited.nl/en/" target="_blank">Tess Unlimited</a> that runs the clinic,
made her dream come true by now having her own place where children receive the
best care they can get. For years, Tessa brought in medical teams to do the
surgeries on location, which was always complicated and rarely comfortable. Now
the children receive surgery in a top of the bill location, as well as any
other care they might need. Think a special milk program for new-borns, psychological
consultations for the parents, speech therapy and dental care for the older children.
Tessa managed to turn a clinical space into a warm home with lots of details
that will most definitely bring a smile to anyone’s face.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">I feel honoured to have been involved in the
art design part of this project. The opening of the hospital was much delayed
due to the pandemic, but that gave me all the time to paint cute animals (al
with cleft lips!) in the recovery rooms. Earlier this year I painted some animals in the
dental clinic, including an installation that hangs from the ceiling, depicting
a hole in the ceiling that opens up to the sky. That and the butterflies that hang
from it give the children something to look for while in the dentist chair.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo5qqLM_Iw7JHTaL1wkMFgVlF8SfXBOf2FwUScTcEVihwVbSx3MVprr1TPHZNH4CITkG0TF_i_Q4wfEyl1n-BcVjz98tEGE2RPJ-GHHiz0izSb10cN_8w2FLeqWBAMG5bVKi3mVwXHaWO78l_yEzq3UwqZZkN0hZVefx7jJfZB--6z2O3WRkt6feYIg/s1280/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-11-04%20at%2010.49.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo5qqLM_Iw7JHTaL1wkMFgVlF8SfXBOf2FwUScTcEVihwVbSx3MVprr1TPHZNH4CITkG0TF_i_Q4wfEyl1n-BcVjz98tEGE2RPJ-GHHiz0izSb10cN_8w2FLeqWBAMG5bVKi3mVwXHaWO78l_yEzq3UwqZZkN0hZVefx7jJfZB--6z2O3WRkt6feYIg/w220-h165/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-11-04%20at%2010.49.21.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Just last week I painted, on Tessa’s
request and kindly sponsored by the Dutch foundation</span> Podia4People, a large map
of Guatemala. It’s actually a cork-board that will be used to pin down the
hometown of each patient. Next to it a quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala.
A perfect spot for selfies, of course!</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It’s wonderful to have seen the clinic transform
from a construction site into an buzzling beehive of activities. Dozens of
children have already benefited from this happy place, and dozens more are on
the waiting list.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mAt-0V22wJgFwd3IavKKJ5266JPYQXNO6QRNkzaoBLMReKvxEx44EzrP-hRZX7n6YWn_SIMeXUGHG96F3Ry6nS33ChsKEsQ3iay16Mc1OmjPE9XGlAByZY8NkZQDQ1GPn29SqVZsKtbU19u4Wa4KtXxlBkdnDHo6J4KKxycMiJYB1Y8VsXdPbq6iw/s2560/11-22%20Tess%20Unlimited%20Dentist%20Ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mAt-0V22wJgFwd3IavKKJ5266JPYQXNO6QRNkzaoBLMReKvxEx44EzrP-hRZX7n6YWn_SIMeXUGHG96F3Ry6nS33ChsKEsQ3iay16Mc1OmjPE9XGlAByZY8NkZQDQ1GPn29SqVZsKtbU19u4Wa4KtXxlBkdnDHo6J4KKxycMiJYB1Y8VsXdPbq6iw/w150-h199/11-22%20Tess%20Unlimited%20Dentist%20Ceiling.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw_BLHB7626vZVWuqSmu_agkF226YIqfDBA-lxXAjT6AKgC54nK-vxz8TlRNYMwRfI6uXxPGz6biFasvvJ2mkIP9YD7O6n-EsiKojgUv_vH3Xf8ZLZCphKycvpCPy2TMhqx1SzsEg_BEv0w4kxi3l74Py3Jw9Ynjt5vsaXo-jznAlnSC5qwlqmDd9VQ/s2560/11-22%20Tess%20Unlimited%20Dentist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw_BLHB7626vZVWuqSmu_agkF226YIqfDBA-lxXAjT6AKgC54nK-vxz8TlRNYMwRfI6uXxPGz6biFasvvJ2mkIP9YD7O6n-EsiKojgUv_vH3Xf8ZLZCphKycvpCPy2TMhqx1SzsEg_BEv0w4kxi3l74Py3Jw9Ynjt5vsaXo-jznAlnSC5qwlqmDd9VQ/w152-h202/11-22%20Tess%20Unlimited%20Dentist.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div></div>Does that mean that my work is over? Thank
goodness no! The next step is to build a temporary home for patients’ family.
Tessa and team laid the first brick last week, so the work has begun. And
contrary to the clinic, there are not so many healthy and safety regulations to
take in account, so we can go as crazy as we want. Looking forward to it!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Many thanks to <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/">Colour4Kids</a> and People4Podia
for sponsoring!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NhFvNV7-5VDcySadtnmUSGzgmf38U0wKYR8EUwTvtf8QNzoiPb-9tO5h9dv9ZJS1YxDxfBs5b0C1VRv0hKr2nygtn2TQ8ZVcrp8OWzb3memGsneG-c754EF3TITBOt3Bir5oR2XlIpDnD_xOcDTUEaERmLxKaBDO0Ws8yFJG5TNE7llDiV1AatG43A/s2560/IMG_20221104_101332_831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NhFvNV7-5VDcySadtnmUSGzgmf38U0wKYR8EUwTvtf8QNzoiPb-9tO5h9dv9ZJS1YxDxfBs5b0C1VRv0hKr2nygtn2TQ8ZVcrp8OWzb3memGsneG-c754EF3TITBOt3Bir5oR2XlIpDnD_xOcDTUEaERmLxKaBDO0Ws8yFJG5TNE7llDiV1AatG43A/w281-h374/IMG_20221104_101332_831.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mSz5ed-OZ0ap1T1TDQlCE4X0t3mDfR_IN84CcR598HkB4YygG-t1hMy3qbAZEM1qnPTfGkGxQ7TwzsY9RA5xtXcqIHb159D9l5eT1BeaH9UAy41o6JIjGvtsu_CABx7WueDqKG1CyTWBUFDsTrwMYGsIZn6l7w0e1yDBrVPbjXpGu_fqL-8iJhK3Zg/s1698/Map%20Guatemala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="1698" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mSz5ed-OZ0ap1T1TDQlCE4X0t3mDfR_IN84CcR598HkB4YygG-t1hMy3qbAZEM1qnPTfGkGxQ7TwzsY9RA5xtXcqIHb159D9l5eT1BeaH9UAy41o6JIjGvtsu_CABx7WueDqKG1CyTWBUFDsTrwMYGsIZn6l7w0e1yDBrVPbjXpGu_fqL-8iJhK3Zg/s320/Map%20Guatemala.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-30593529028572368152022-09-15T07:55:00.004-07:002022-09-15T07:59:24.611-07:00A Jungle in the Making<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJtP8eeI5ytXVffp6P9knzl17sdtEcgb_xFOpmII2qhCxHyRwdqfvNnkjcg7fzPRvezofTcot-zgX9KVpNcLp3cA-FWs5_pEQyLTnxdRMVDwI7HJJd4Dv3z5hZYCcpzAAu19p7rQzRySIWJDAbS032ErQasLYMT8ukiRAZQ3uFtX6CWr5N-_zkAn5xg/s1949/Fund%20raiser%20ad%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MuralArte Guate" border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1949" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJtP8eeI5ytXVffp6P9knzl17sdtEcgb_xFOpmII2qhCxHyRwdqfvNnkjcg7fzPRvezofTcot-zgX9KVpNcLp3cA-FWs5_pEQyLTnxdRMVDwI7HJJd4Dv3z5hZYCcpzAAu19p7rQzRySIWJDAbS032ErQasLYMT8ukiRAZQ3uFtX6CWr5N-_zkAn5xg/w640-h368/Fund%20raiser%20ad%202.jpg" title="MuralArte Guate" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're half way there!!! The jungle scene for kids with special needs is in the making! But we still need to cover the cost of about 30 square meters! You can help out my sponsoring 1 square meter (approximately 10 square feet) for only <span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">€</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">/18! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">You can donate through the <a href="https://gofund.me/b8c9686c" target="_blank">Go Fund Me</a> page, or through Paypal (see the Donate button on this page). For more information, please see the previous post. Next update from Guatemala, I hope!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Or watch my sill video, with special effects and all:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c3JRkflNRFQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="c3JRkflNRFQ"></iframe></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-33021386183447412042022-08-08T08:04:00.004-07:002022-09-15T07:48:50.730-07:00Walls in Guatemala Looking for Sponsors<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6nH5JTNpZpf0fPlmclzed25MhN9pCUjmEquKnEIhNCkg2U9MB5C_jlU3ZSAvx5COKQrIz27wKQoYng1fK4Lsh2abiutfBiq-p-XwTbYJJQkAlg0lMy33YRZaoBeBX9QuhuMLkOp5QBG4480Ef8vCxBDrmpGC42kv6Q7KtACEWtIhwttGPxBMZFauGg/s1152/14715004_339020719766617_8155122493236608352_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6nH5JTNpZpf0fPlmclzed25MhN9pCUjmEquKnEIhNCkg2U9MB5C_jlU3ZSAvx5COKQrIz27wKQoYng1fK4Lsh2abiutfBiq-p-XwTbYJJQkAlg0lMy33YRZaoBeBX9QuhuMLkOp5QBG4480Ef8vCxBDrmpGC42kv6Q7KtACEWtIhwttGPxBMZFauGg/s320/14715004_339020719766617_8155122493236608352_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's
that time of the year again! <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">Although
it's still summer in my current part of the world and raining there where the
other half of my heart belongs (Guatemala), I'm already planning for my
upcoming trip to the Land of Eternal Spring. I’ll be there for a couple of
months from November on and of course painting a few murals is on top of my
list of things ro do. I have a few requests for community murals and while I'm willing to put
in my time and expertise, I'm still looking for sponsors help cover the
costs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">One
of the projects still looking for $$$ is this one…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgY_IXf9sVbo73QPFVyLx3o7fLJhc8U2r-xdZIoGbYM09Li_maSBuXcX_FMa2gXziElAgZ-CsmfsAmPEutACqnzOXJ8BdZfqEuHv4ZP5f_YhufC7KaZf6r4EDqjK32PLkIi_2Ex-lvu1MF_lutnOlzkhjjZtfCsKL8ReO1puCktQaBJSvfUEymuqGEw/s1152/14612395_339020756433280_3730810251948827780_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgY_IXf9sVbo73QPFVyLx3o7fLJhc8U2r-xdZIoGbYM09Li_maSBuXcX_FMa2gXziElAgZ-CsmfsAmPEutACqnzOXJ8BdZfqEuHv4ZP5f_YhufC7KaZf6r4EDqjK32PLkIi_2Ex-lvu1MF_lutnOlzkhjjZtfCsKL8ReO1puCktQaBJSvfUEymuqGEw/s320/14612395_339020756433280_3730810251948827780_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When
you think of Maya people, it is usually in the context of remote villages high
in the<br /> mountains or deep in the jungles of Guatemala. But most Maya nowadays
live in cities. And not only in the capital, but in countless smaller towns,
rarely visited by tourists. San Martín Jilotepeque is such a town and if you
don't have a special reason to visit, you won't get easily get there. I've been
there often enough because a friend of mine, Cristy Velasquez, runs a dog
shelter there and I bring some donations whenever I can. (Or paint her some
dogs, as you can see <a href="https://www.muralarteguate.org/2020/12/four-pups-and-kitty-in-san-martin.html" target="_blank">here</a>…) Cristy takes care of hundreds of dogs on her own and
it's a real uphill battle. As often as possible, she organizes a spay clinic to
combat the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats. She runs these clinics from a
nearby school building, which is how I learned about the existence of <i>Escuelita
de Educación Especial</i>…<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi2h1HEykszohgmvDcmEvcz6dgI0o_3xBOn8Agi7hb9fIc3Higen8dOxRkgSKgj0GMUD-0AE6-sJDaFDVZSwV5sWvFcaReHUXgvSqYzvI_SMRD4WlZJ496ZlmfRYVTa_0oQLVdppNHo_TEzEZop7tjCUEjMuX4rMXtX5EDidjXPvGWsIJ5x51ncEVEA/s1152/14633336_339020849766604_1509420107439405587_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi2h1HEykszohgmvDcmEvcz6dgI0o_3xBOn8Agi7hb9fIc3Higen8dOxRkgSKgj0GMUD-0AE6-sJDaFDVZSwV5sWvFcaReHUXgvSqYzvI_SMRD4WlZJ496ZlmfRYVTa_0oQLVdppNHo_TEzEZop7tjCUEjMuX4rMXtX5EDidjXPvGWsIJ5x51ncEVEA/s320/14633336_339020849766604_1509420107439405587_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This
is a very special school. It currently has about 40 students who come here
daily for their lessons, activities and therapy. All students have disabilities
and require individual guidance. Ages range from 4 to 25, their disabilities
from autism, ADHD, deafness to paralysis.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">The
school itself has a spacious courtyard. Perfect for a bit of play, but the
walls are very bare. Because the students of this school rarely go out, let
alone venture out in nature, the plan is to paint a jungle scene with a lot of
fauna and flora on the entire wall (22 meters long and about 3 meters high).
The painting will make the room appear larger and the greenery will have a
calming effect on the students and will make them feel like they are no longer
trapped in a concrete jungle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">Any
donation towards this project goes towards:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">•
Materials (paint, brushes and other supplies)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">•
Material for plastering the wall (the plastering itself will be done by
volunteers from San Martín Jilotepeque)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">•
Compensation for (local) assistant<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">•
Travel costs to and from the destination, within Guatemala<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">•
Accommodation during the painting process</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD7oQqAqDBb5N3ERT2ZL92a5JuIDbL06IH2pEk5_zpqAk8bYMaOtKhkG6XF5Pi-XFW6chXjDPtsbO_Fdt_9F_JEOtROE-DEF9t0Y4UjPtwt51B2OUZX4iSqedlQn3DC8GEtSTcYMotmoWI2zJn9d5OasnYqrPUB1rMFe9q3bXiNbr7gYjLTKeQFrPfw/s4096/IMG_20211228_121042_670.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD7oQqAqDBb5N3ERT2ZL92a5JuIDbL06IH2pEk5_zpqAk8bYMaOtKhkG6XF5Pi-XFW6chXjDPtsbO_Fdt_9F_JEOtROE-DEF9t0Y4UjPtwt51B2OUZX4iSqedlQn3DC8GEtSTcYMotmoWI2zJn9d5OasnYqrPUB1rMFe9q3bXiNbr7gYjLTKeQFrPfw/s320/IMG_20211228_121042_670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">This
project is planned to be completed in November-December 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">If
you are interested in contributing or have any questions, please let me know by
email: <a href="mailto:info@carinsteen.com">info@carinsteen.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can also donate through Go Fund me, clicking <a href="https://gofund.me/b8c9686c" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">Stay
tuned for the next project in need of YOU, coming to you SOON!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-25163014684411475232021-12-12T13:15:00.003-08:002021-12-12T13:23:10.899-08:00Macaw Visits<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMdqTj3SOzZm-v31WnlL7khSeR954azLuOiqH9uyQV1y6tdAZTBLSRyCJcu-1w2BlcYc2q5OmiiL9kFwiGzWCyaZsGWRn2yRWoniTTg9jKE7vVNmPr9rJSeaBd-27jYMF7PONwuywReUtax4hFeeylcXiCJUQscpGMChvUfbDb4NoFb_iOfSB7n5ev-Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="2048" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMdqTj3SOzZm-v31WnlL7khSeR954azLuOiqH9uyQV1y6tdAZTBLSRyCJcu-1w2BlcYc2q5OmiiL9kFwiGzWCyaZsGWRn2yRWoniTTg9jKE7vVNmPr9rJSeaBd-27jYMF7PONwuywReUtax4hFeeylcXiCJUQscpGMChvUfbDb4NoFb_iOfSB7n5ev-Q=w640-h126" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Entering Honduras was somewhat strange:
instead of the expected tropical heat, the colour of the sky turned from a brilliant
blue into a drizzly grey as soon as we crossed the border. And then it started
to rain! Quite odd for the month of December. Fortunately, it was just that one
"cold" and wet day. Copán was otherwise nice and tropically hot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">And I know that heat all too well, because
I have lived in this village for seventeen years! My last visit was a six years
ago. Not much seemed to have changed. A few new businesses opened up, others
are gone. Friends still the same, though we all have a gained few extra pounds
and wrinkles. How nice to be "home" again!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">But there wasn't much time for visiting
friends and nostalgic musings, because there was work to be done! After all, I
came here to paint a mural. This time for<a href="https://www.casitacopan.org/" target="_blank"> Casita Copán</a>, a children's home and day-care
that I have seen grow and flourish over the years. Nearly forty children live
in small family units and meet at the shelter during the day for lunch, tutoring,
recreational activities or any other help they may need. I have always wanted
to create a mural for Casita Copán. When I heard a few months ago that their
dream had come true and they had been able to buy their own building, I knew
the time had come. I asked director Emily Monroe if she was interested and her
response was so positive that we immediately started making plans. Thanks to
the financial support of <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kid</a>s, it all worked out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz10GnTr_gwF9Dkn-ENrwfyN2HMvE4EKeig3UaqNB9sUUjYs7S6Hz4C173pUfCQ_0X0127Th6SRmh0vWrTTtfxvVbEdKyPJqvWpUkiMYQG3Jlbt8plUMLeeqaBii458oBu9hOL--g5afLQMORrdJXKWxQZb78121YkwbgXXkMG_2dQKUbM5r7wRSVkSw=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz10GnTr_gwF9Dkn-ENrwfyN2HMvE4EKeig3UaqNB9sUUjYs7S6Hz4C173pUfCQ_0X0127Th6SRmh0vWrTTtfxvVbEdKyPJqvWpUkiMYQG3Jlbt8plUMLeeqaBii458oBu9hOL--g5afLQMORrdJXKWxQZb78121YkwbgXXkMG_2dQKUbM5r7wRSVkSw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>Emily sent me pictures and ideas for
inspiration. Children having fun, nature, Copán, being together, playing,
Casita's dog Vishnu, lots of colour and joy. I got to work in Photoshop and
Emily, her staff and children all approved the design at once. The wall was of
unfinished concrete blocks, so it needed tobe plastered first, a task Emily's staff would take on, with the material
costs covered by Colour4Kids. A week ago it was time to get started.
What a lovely long, white wall! A 13.5 meters long blank canvas. Nothing makes
me happier!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiId8ib40kEhz2aqmp7_bvDV54z4Jj-emGaK0aTPTE3OjoAhfAkKK_Z3T2OLhxt6wjX9HRMLMKpLemCZKKdke3hX-Heffw1aKeouZeV7I06taYo0q8PsdUfO6TgA_ImN7fKxczi-YMV5J6VTCNngIgh0IPx4gWk9tdErPampSLItwQMgZEPKimYLWt1PQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiId8ib40kEhz2aqmp7_bvDV54z4Jj-emGaK0aTPTE3OjoAhfAkKK_Z3T2OLhxt6wjX9HRMLMKpLemCZKKdke3hX-Heffw1aKeouZeV7I06taYo0q8PsdUfO6TgA_ImN7fKxczi-YMV5J6VTCNngIgh0IPx4gWk9tdErPampSLItwQMgZEPKimYLWt1PQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">With the help of Catherine and
two adolescents from Casita Copán, Estrella and Naun, we started painting the
wall. It all went very well. Not a single setback and the working conditions
were fine too: not too hot, shade from the trees, water and a toilet nearby. We
were also offered lunch by Casita Copán every day. And very special was thescreeching of the scarlet macaws (<i>Ara macao</i>) that hung
around in the trees around the property and regularly flew over. These birds
were already flying around at the time when the ancient Mayans built their
temples and palaces in the valley of Copán. The scarlet macaw represented the
sun god and is considered sacred in Maya culture. Like many exotic birds, it
was threatened with extinction, but thanks to the Macaw Mountain bird park in
Copán Ruinas, some of their rescued birds began breeding. So many, that they
could be released a few years later.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaVselGkxgzYpetfGi4SnNubrE5Augv6QPu-IcPZ70utbldVptYHFAKEs3jFIKvk0V-ehMpbs-mNO2wRhbe73vwd6-d0XG9HFTZbSU9Nn2p-qbZO8i_7mqTiZ3gKg6cRGa1Yg_qRQDCcaEeIgdTCAlOrO9TQsV3eT1zNj13Arg5lXPN94gxdL0EHcRw=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqaVselGkxgzYpetfGi4SnNubrE5Augv6QPu-IcPZ70utbldVptYHFAKEs3jFIKvk0V-ehMpbs-mNO2wRhbe73vwd6-d0XG9HFTZbSU9Nn2p-qbZO8i_7mqTiZ3gKg6cRGa1Yg_qRQDCcaEeIgdTCAlOrO9TQsV3eT1zNj13Arg5lXPN94gxdL0EHcRw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>Macaw Mountain also began caring for the
birds in the archaeological park. These were traditionally fed only dough,
whereas the birds need lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. It wasn't
long before the skinny and bald birds (they picked their feathers out of
boredom) started flying around there too. To protect the birds, the people in
the valley need to be involved. So an educational program was set up, <i>Guaras
en Libertad</i>, to teach 10,000 school children in the valley about the
cultural importance of the scarlet macaw and how to protect the animal, in
collaboration with a number of local organizations. I was also involved in this
and it is heart-warming to see how now more than 80 macaws fly freely about the
village and archaeological park. They are the pride and joy of the village. A scarlet
macaw could not be missed on the wall!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu7lZa3SpktVMsrtnpNAjv2wrCHAxwv8g6a5TeZYyNA4HBuUthnjyP_d9J-rX-o22CTlkP7omQ4pFLbMJ85tOB5csCNMNyg6NhtYafHYv2hpi8Swu-xcaudztAVEuubz84yBnU8HtYcw3vCOk5HDFbP7kh268BhI5k0B2Ns5Du7xX0apfqXY9PyjSt9Q=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu7lZa3SpktVMsrtnpNAjv2wrCHAxwv8g6a5TeZYyNA4HBuUthnjyP_d9J-rX-o22CTlkP7omQ4pFLbMJ85tOB5csCNMNyg6NhtYafHYv2hpi8Swu-xcaudztAVEuubz84yBnU8HtYcw3vCOk5HDFbP7kh268BhI5k0B2Ns5Du7xX0apfqXY9PyjSt9Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Three days later, we were done. Emily came
with her staff and children from the home to see the result. We received
presents and said goodbye. What a pity that this project ended so soon!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJNqV6TLwMOYuRSHFIKanq9JogLDRBntxy9FPiX8Mll8TVgVcchs6FvaigLvzdNAMkcxT5puEbmNXgwE3vjlj5QrBEq_ErsrM0dTFR8loNUNEBcuzkdxLD6yrxwSfVFhcIRcEHuJVxKQv9ed-slviVP3tJbdRjLEbLelaQ5QSnM03pTrwB8pY_pjw-ZQ=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJNqV6TLwMOYuRSHFIKanq9JogLDRBntxy9FPiX8Mll8TVgVcchs6FvaigLvzdNAMkcxT5puEbmNXgwE3vjlj5QrBEq_ErsrM0dTFR8loNUNEBcuzkdxLD6yrxwSfVFhcIRcEHuJVxKQv9ed-slviVP3tJbdRjLEbLelaQ5QSnM03pTrwB8pY_pjw-ZQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Many, many thanks yet again to the Dutch
foundation Colour4Kids for sponsoring this Mural. Thanks to Emily, Zoila and
the rest of the staff of Casita Copán for taking such good care of us. To Naun
and Estrella for helping paint. To Catherine for her help all around. To the
scarlet macaws for accompanying and inspiring us. Ad to Copán for just being
Copán. Always!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyhnELfy0S-F2UxBl4X9aW0nyLgc1nu6urNp0gCWpyLagB4XJAU54D4E_r63a24LkQawiUZet_8xpSHZQiC-zrSyOyZ_9JKH2YKcAimoxvah-yMR1bEk0RjttRYJDzaqMGnNu8CK7z0tPTc998ojfuAMU1w06aAJBLdUiUPT_v7gqxzYH1L7A0LDJe1g=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyhnELfy0S-F2UxBl4X9aW0nyLgc1nu6urNp0gCWpyLagB4XJAU54D4E_r63a24LkQawiUZet_8xpSHZQiC-zrSyOyZ_9JKH2YKcAimoxvah-yMR1bEk0RjttRYJDzaqMGnNu8CK7z0tPTc998ojfuAMU1w06aAJBLdUiUPT_v7gqxzYH1L7A0LDJe1g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8iPP4ng6HrKfVEtCiyL8bqlCspB8ypK8HbpKkXQKVxWkKRMon0e7ViBJAhd7xo8HSRLmcX27CHBATtEttfqb2bUeNWcD0qU0--k2iTQj8m_dKPBZU7jjFEhROWeStAMTDoFovv3nP0qy3Cl_FTVEdVd_Qa39UfINzvqz7NbbTbC3703sAfwIMWwNFmA=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8iPP4ng6HrKfVEtCiyL8bqlCspB8ypK8HbpKkXQKVxWkKRMon0e7ViBJAhd7xo8HSRLmcX27CHBATtEttfqb2bUeNWcD0qU0--k2iTQj8m_dKPBZU7jjFEhROWeStAMTDoFovv3nP0qy3Cl_FTVEdVd_Qa39UfINzvqz7NbbTbC3703sAfwIMWwNFmA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZJGnDuKEflobrsKXFnC_IScAEnY3DYN7wvF1iSVjGkUEI3U-FD1vJTCQ-44YpeSDY3kyFFqgOUN7qlY74UEyh2lRo-1XIrLvwt-56Z2-Ta_GR_vcfvJDimxJAUnh4PYIo00DXTnQ_l2tALUZoeqKquYjK43WePL5hFjYDrHVQA8ttYgOjWnuBq1C3Q=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicZJGnDuKEflobrsKXFnC_IScAEnY3DYN7wvF1iSVjGkUEI3U-FD1vJTCQ-44YpeSDY3kyFFqgOUN7qlY74UEyh2lRo-1XIrLvwt-56Z2-Ta_GR_vcfvJDimxJAUnh4PYIo00DXTnQ_l2tALUZoeqKquYjK43WePL5hFjYDrHVQA8ttYgOjWnuBq1C3Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYW7S4Do9f95CKqZHeyrrM53ClBhzlbA-8PJd0xPHPnfXJwpSVv_elCAdbcUe3h_2PAu2iTKd-r1tNbp1ZikiY-7BYtc8Cc-g_mCqne40NEOmiHRltj0FdoASTysV8vS39vL0r3OIx65UUNBkaw_uomOgCbvi_whIitpeBWrNXvpp80Bmkgnxz1DM8hA=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYW7S4Do9f95CKqZHeyrrM53ClBhzlbA-8PJd0xPHPnfXJwpSVv_elCAdbcUe3h_2PAu2iTKd-r1tNbp1ZikiY-7BYtc8Cc-g_mCqne40NEOmiHRltj0FdoASTysV8vS39vL0r3OIx65UUNBkaw_uomOgCbvi_whIitpeBWrNXvpp80Bmkgnxz1DM8hA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-15965458945329746392021-11-10T12:52:00.003-08:002021-11-10T12:54:29.804-08:00Water on a Wall<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrHi5YBC9X_fZ9d10icrInvj3LrwIB27ObrgEWRmq9Vp5NxbT6MZuz26aGqWqAJHm9rRe61On6J-OhV8MHYMX0ynbnUnkrgz7b0lXVH2uyybjntCTmhS7gRYZdTLGdyUWx_sVMt0TdPQt/s640/254821349_1216693595520558_5287008475420146373_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrHi5YBC9X_fZ9d10icrInvj3LrwIB27ObrgEWRmq9Vp5NxbT6MZuz26aGqWqAJHm9rRe61On6J-OhV8MHYMX0ynbnUnkrgz7b0lXVH2uyybjntCTmhS7gRYZdTLGdyUWx_sVMt0TdPQt/w400-h300/254821349_1216693595520558_5287008475420146373_n.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The result!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>It all took a Little longer than planned,
but that’s nothing new in Guatemala. What matters is that the mural is up!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We started a couple of weeks ago with a
series of workshops for the members of Urban HeART (see previous post for more
information on this initiative). The kids learned a bit about murals throughout
the history of art which was fun and something the kids knew little about. Each
participant received a copy of the manual I wrote last year on how to create a community
mural from scratch. We discussed the theme and all agreed that water would be
it, since the mural was going to be the backdrop for the local <i>pila, </i>the
public washing place. Many households in this neighbourhood lack running water,
so a place to do laundry (think many kids, and even more dirty clothes!) is not
just a necessity, but a hub of activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaF42DixCJuh2xdfPBygtx24lnHJBFiwXbPPMJgKXoWFcLFJQl1ExJGEu42B_j621HZgq3fm2Cs-F5HZMJqHBXSJ3db2w1oFnNKWhjK78qlRufWr9COk91zJgo7jDAK_t_slm21flXORq/s1280/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-25+at+11.31.47+%25282%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1280" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaF42DixCJuh2xdfPBygtx24lnHJBFiwXbPPMJgKXoWFcLFJQl1ExJGEu42B_j621HZgq3fm2Cs-F5HZMJqHBXSJ3db2w1oFnNKWhjK78qlRufWr9COk91zJgo7jDAK_t_slm21flXORq/w400-h181/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-25+at+11.31.47+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Art workshop with the Urban HeART members</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The wall, cinderblock with many coats of
paint, was in pretty good shape, but since it is in such close proximity to the
audience, I decided to give it a smooth finish, in order to work in lots of
details in the design. We all got together to plaster the wall, something none
of us had done before. It turned out my talented assistant Henry was quite good
at it. Much better than me, but it turns out anybody would be better than me at
plastering.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokRqpClST420wK-bCH4xYfo9olVkaO1mbUX9f0g-7T5roZiG6gbkPsmQ4HfDBMK1MDhKVc8nbyZ9DH0jzeYH63bMhvNRpDGwpkYoeLKwaZxOz3PtLxn7MT6oGWlXMR-vfwspi6ug02KB9/s2048/Plastering+Vista+Hermosa+2-11-21+%252823%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokRqpClST420wK-bCH4xYfo9olVkaO1mbUX9f0g-7T5roZiG6gbkPsmQ4HfDBMK1MDhKVc8nbyZ9DH0jzeYH63bMhvNRpDGwpkYoeLKwaZxOz3PtLxn7MT6oGWlXMR-vfwspi6ug02KB9/w400-h300/Plastering+Vista+Hermosa+2-11-21+%252823%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plastering</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the product I tend to use (the marble dust in it results in the
most delightful of smooth surfaces!) was not available. I got something else, exactly
the same according to the vendor, except that it wasn’t. Not half as smooth,
and worse, it doesn’t dry as fast, so the actual painting was delayed with a
week. But on Monday the day was finally there…</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6naf3k4olZskcGZAN6nK2sgd3Jfnk65xZv_PSo1Yq2bEfPyviU0jMH49SkAbYZkyWzjlTVcP9i9qafUktbRa3u3g6TR3mORLgTohjaValYL26hWPOYgPqGjNJ97QRU6Hb7F2S7dvBykdQ/s2048/IMG_20211108_143530_936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6naf3k4olZskcGZAN6nK2sgd3Jfnk65xZv_PSo1Yq2bEfPyviU0jMH49SkAbYZkyWzjlTVcP9i9qafUktbRa3u3g6TR3mORLgTohjaValYL26hWPOYgPqGjNJ97QRU6Hb7F2S7dvBykdQ/w400-h300/IMG_20211108_143530_936.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Painting...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">It was quite cold when I arrived at 7.30am.
With temperatures falling during the night to a chilly 12°C, a cool breeze and the
sun still hiding behind the mountain range, it was a bit unpleasant, but as
soon as the sun peeked over the mountains, the temperature went up quickly. I started
out drawing a 1 x 1 meter grid. I had divided the design in vertical patches, which
would make it easier to work with a big group, side by side. About 10.30am I
was joined by Henry and 5 members of Urban HeART, plus a few kids from the
neighbourhood who also wanted to help out. We made great process and wrapped up
the work at 5pm, just when the sun disappeared behind the mountains in the West,
immediately cooling down the valley with its absence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eP1WOAgBQwtsP8SvO_2T2u0W2Q2j_0B3f928Sh94D_p3EuPiGbmvsKyI9E_ILw_BqYheaAXZYlQM9w2faMPxoc9gnA9wanlRLDZDPqsc9llWz3scGt9DXet69CS5TqpSnZFw_r8PI_b7/s2048/IMG_20211109_140115_294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eP1WOAgBQwtsP8SvO_2T2u0W2Q2j_0B3f928Sh94D_p3EuPiGbmvsKyI9E_ILw_BqYheaAXZYlQM9w2faMPxoc9gnA9wanlRLDZDPqsc9llWz3scGt9DXet69CS5TqpSnZFw_r8PI_b7/w400-h300/IMG_20211109_140115_294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Day two started pretty much the same. The
two small boys were back and couldn’t wait to get started. Would we be able to
finish the mural that day? It looked like we would, but it’s always hard to
tell. But we did! At 5pm we had the whole wall finished and varnished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQAvDZbv5UnY2cAXbmT6PzJqrzdvqqQgFU682fyx5-kRqfCkZ7Jej9JQgxga1KYNv6vFDHj6OnE0QwH6KxTbA0S5QGqsjwVmYgRSmbsPJmFGwDCb5Ev3HtOaF09AOpCRbSMB0hf4jzIfk/s2048/IMG_20211109_112559_726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQAvDZbv5UnY2cAXbmT6PzJqrzdvqqQgFU682fyx5-kRqfCkZ7Jej9JQgxga1KYNv6vFDHj6OnE0QwH6KxTbA0S5QGqsjwVmYgRSmbsPJmFGwDCb5Ev3HtOaF09AOpCRbSMB0hf4jzIfk/w300-h400/IMG_20211109_112559_726.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The mural depicts various appearances of
water, mixing modern day problems of pollution with ocean life and ancient Maya
imagery. On the left, next to the water drops, are three midwives performing a
purification ritual with water, as it appears in the Maya Madrid Codex. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UpGjimzBV8isqYB1kQQ8IX4e0cyS8i3IkZh5-PQSrOsRD8Bi0eaaxfIgh4jCO1cIPJgun7LopJjmwWgi770REaQ4EdCx13ROU6gdK6vvS0qH2LnXIUcdC0kCkOdan0iJ2qCoXjp0LhcI/s2048/IMG_20211109_165041_112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UpGjimzBV8isqYB1kQQ8IX4e0cyS8i3IkZh5-PQSrOsRD8Bi0eaaxfIgh4jCO1cIPJgun7LopJjmwWgi770REaQ4EdCx13ROU6gdK6vvS0qH2LnXIUcdC0kCkOdan0iJ2qCoXjp0LhcI/w300-h400/IMG_20211109_165041_112.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Next some
coral reef as found it this part of the world. To the right, a whale, also to
be spotted on the Pacific coast of Guatemala; a pelican; and a canoe with ancient
Maya spiritual beings, based on a finely carved bone found at Burial 116 in Tikal.
Two paddlers, the old Jaguar God who represents Night, and Stingray God (Day) manoeuvre
a canoe that represents the Milky Way towards the Underworld. In the middle of
the canoe sits the dead Corn God, accompanied by an iguana, howler monkey,
parrot and peccary, who represent the constellations, making the whole scene a
representation of the world as it tuns.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEETA8_YQZ1dDz2ioZW9fXop2VIt6riMHK6inSPCD233JZ0DHDQby4220dXJonW3mWNi-5Xx6j7hGDVD1KRggbR0HRKPX8jovsrr7QqaNgkmCemkr9xFulyrYkCWE0lNX2lc1DfoIabJB/s2048/IMG_20211109_165145_004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEETA8_YQZ1dDz2ioZW9fXop2VIt6riMHK6inSPCD233JZ0DHDQby4220dXJonW3mWNi-5Xx6j7hGDVD1KRggbR0HRKPX8jovsrr7QqaNgkmCemkr9xFulyrYkCWE0lNX2lc1DfoIabJB/w400-h300/IMG_20211109_165145_004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The pelican, native to Guatemala, can be seen as a symbol of freedom and eternity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo1gPLGNYPm1vACedm6mpiOfjqdN2o2eTOwErr4pNQgG35YHgvsDLGTD9cjY5StL40Q4czpJFI_CfHwvu8BKen3oojg5u-sn40pTqIIP-37hn7sCcOHqY3j1CC0sbIbN6n_p0KRgxsky0/s2048/IMG_20211109_165539_229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo1gPLGNYPm1vACedm6mpiOfjqdN2o2eTOwErr4pNQgG35YHgvsDLGTD9cjY5StL40Q4czpJFI_CfHwvu8BKen3oojg5u-sn40pTqIIP-37hn7sCcOHqY3j1CC0sbIbN6n_p0KRgxsky0/w300-h400/IMG_20211109_165539_229.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">It was a wonderful experience working with
the Urban HeART youth and get such positive feedback from the community. The
location couldn’t be more perfect, it’s THE place where people meet, wait for
tuc-tucs or gather together. It was a joy and an honour to leave this mural to
the community of Vista hermosa, Jocotenango.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAInHy-Vfh_nU5gAmtrgTuQVRpoxOeh-qJ_c3SqzbYusmacs6I8MI-FD-sAOOQ2mdDOPVX5pCUG8BfAhJpmowP_G2AXuxk8SPR0vNRvyGKNYMKOU8LL-Ohl8ASPqikvX4hepjXiHJQanD/s2048/IMG_20211109_165351_020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAInHy-Vfh_nU5gAmtrgTuQVRpoxOeh-qJ_c3SqzbYusmacs6I8MI-FD-sAOOQ2mdDOPVX5pCUG8BfAhJpmowP_G2AXuxk8SPR0vNRvyGKNYMKOU8LL-Ohl8ASPqikvX4hepjXiHJQanD/w400-h300/IMG_20211109_165351_020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Rests me to thank all those people without
whom this mural wouldn’t have been possible: the Dutch organisation Colour4Kids
and the people behind it, Erik, Jos and Hassan: thanks for sponsoring this project.
Thanks to all of Urban Heart’s members who participated in the project,
especially Denilson Larios and Katie Pokorny for setting it all up. Many thanks
to Henry Calel for always being there and to Catherine for lending equipment
and transportation. ¡Mil gracias!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDMX4Faf1wTOVIRGdtBzYW_E_prKfvhtpud12P0nmUDLUAxLfLKhhQVsw9nIU_DvHio4RVjhvpVvI6VohfNVHVaZyQZhV5lMQ9F3UtQD8qCPTCWolctDM9bhRjCum922U8khiLYJwG45O/s2048/IMG_20211109_165422_930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDMX4Faf1wTOVIRGdtBzYW_E_prKfvhtpud12P0nmUDLUAxLfLKhhQVsw9nIU_DvHio4RVjhvpVvI6VohfNVHVaZyQZhV5lMQ9F3UtQD8qCPTCWolctDM9bhRjCum922U8khiLYJwG45O/w400-h300/IMG_20211109_165422_930.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-25116533697921632432021-10-02T11:35:00.003-07:002021-10-02T13:28:11.542-07:00Urban heART<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9PaiiaRyTpeInPvHGbAe_ifS8KnvdbU5KPlCBfDVVt7Q_sZ2NbjR4vKDs1nS9H6WzVZQZ9SVW5x8De3blQEcIyEkm0VmsR8Ojux3P73p7pLEVlUcYceLn9lspanfijcNv2s5xNlAsAlM/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9PaiiaRyTpeInPvHGbAe_ifS8KnvdbU5KPlCBfDVVt7Q_sZ2NbjR4vKDs1nS9H6WzVZQZ9SVW5x8De3blQEcIyEkm0VmsR8Ojux3P73p7pLEVlUcYceLn9lspanfijcNv2s5xNlAsAlM/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mural by Urban heART artists and collaborators at the bus terminal in Jocotenango</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Visitors to Guatemala often name the
vibrant colours as one of the most striking features of this country. True, up
to certain extent. The typical dress of Maya women; bougainvillea in a shade of
pink that’s eye-blinding; tropical birds; a dozen shades of blue, purple and turquoise
at Lake Atitlan… But for most Guatemalans it is the dull grey of cinder blocks
that dominates their surroundings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ansi-language: #580A;">Barrio
Vista Hermosa in Jocotenango is no different. </span><span lang="EN-GB">This
neighbourhood on the outskirts of Jocotenango is located next to a dumping
ground. The neighbourhood is nicknamed El Papelillo (“Piece of Paper”) for the remains
of paper and plastic that whirl around when the wind stirs up the garbage.
Vista Hermosa (“Precious View”) it is, looking out over the valley, but that’s as
far as beauty goes. Houses are built against a mountain slope without much
thought for aesthetics or safety, just wherever there is an inch to spare. Poverty,
drugs, lack of water and electricity, limited access to school or health
facilities are the norm in this “typical” neighbourhood. Vista Hermosa is divided
in territories run by gang members and drug traffickers. Up until recently you couldn’t
just go anywhere nearby. Even the police wouldn’t enter the neighbourhood, unless
in a massive operation. You couldn’t even cross the football field. That corner
of the field was most definitely a red zone. Not the best of places to grow up
in. But things are changing…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPVCllh_647kSJCPJiVZ6Es0UcRG2LEZXk9Qrs_wMmj3WvHGSd3prKy7VDTISXPX5UkYyB9NhewvLwcFkKllCfQV0IrC7Qo0gsE1eZ8V5RilrdPFQJOLq0_3Yzm4g14w_ygkClo8NLvWT/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252811%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPVCllh_647kSJCPJiVZ6Es0UcRG2LEZXk9Qrs_wMmj3WvHGSd3prKy7VDTISXPX5UkYyB9NhewvLwcFkKllCfQV0IrC7Qo0gsE1eZ8V5RilrdPFQJOLq0_3Yzm4g14w_ygkClo8NLvWT/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252811%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denilson and Yorman</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Yesterday I had the pleasure to go on a
tour guided by Denilson Larios and Yorman Vega, two young men from this community who
have decided to make a difference. Their initiative, <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/urban-heart" target="_blank">Urban heART</a>, aims
to change the community through the arts. Yorman told me how he met Denilson
when they were small kids with nowhere to play. They hung out with the bigger
kids around the fountain on the main square. Most of those older guys had
little to look forward to and were involved in drugs and delinquency. Denilson
and Yorman might have followed the same path if they hadn’t enrolled in an
afterschool project that offered creative courses. And that’s how Denilson
became a mural painter and Yorman a break dancer. <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZijeuDS93gLIz3JCHynq160GMloF-HtIqufmLUD7-1hXalG_bZgazbPsKsNqEQTxxCXKYkO22kwPUT_3NOHqmG14hUV3EhTgGwbg1g2J9Z-slvbJlvNmjj_JNuy_rPv8EyfGepS5-IF5/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252814%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZijeuDS93gLIz3JCHynq160GMloF-HtIqufmLUD7-1hXalG_bZgazbPsKsNqEQTxxCXKYkO22kwPUT_3NOHqmG14hUV3EhTgGwbg1g2J9Z-slvbJlvNmjj_JNuy_rPv8EyfGepS5-IF5/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252814%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yorman and Denilson at the football field in Vista Hermosa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">In collaboration with <a href="https://lead-upinternational.org/lead-up-guatemala" target="_blank">Lead Up International</a>
and inspired by successful mural projects in Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, Urban
heART’s uses the arts (mural painting, paste-ups, break dancing etc.) to make a difference. And it is working!
Already many depressing grey walls have turned into an explosion of colour with
meaningful and positive messages. The football field looks much more cheerful
these days. The <i>pila</i>, the public laundry area, has been cleaned,
repaired, painted and provided with light and plants. The effects of Urban
heART’s efforts are already visible: the grassy area in front of one of the
murals used to be a dump. After a clean-up campaign organised by Urban heART,
the grass is still, surprisingly, neat and clean. During our tour we spotted a small
mural high up a wall. Denilson told us it was recently painted by a kid that
lives in the house, who painted the mural hanging upside down from the window!
A little later we saw another brand-new mural painted by the same kid, next to
his front door. Heart-warming.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR4o1BXGIH76buo6ePd1GPOwtfCvIyIT81Ztz2HL_rtbWPBsUrKB0tn2mT1oTpyeAFjdx-oHPJ8_Wmxbwqn7Wb-Mf_PGetbyZIpUC8xBuEbysMMDRgL__zrfHipnutZCnp__zruBNxkAk/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252830%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR4o1BXGIH76buo6ePd1GPOwtfCvIyIT81Ztz2HL_rtbWPBsUrKB0tn2mT1oTpyeAFjdx-oHPJ8_Wmxbwqn7Wb-Mf_PGetbyZIpUC8xBuEbysMMDRgL__zrfHipnutZCnp__zruBNxkAk/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252830%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spontaneous murals...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gRSGqTRQwlUri8X_irbPk6k89Hfpju365bjgAdicVZ5MsmpYjgmmSmU-Z7KSgIW1jN0OrffHKc5EF2iVjltv_CY14e5D3Stx9-jLf0qWgkoUzo-O4lpUQDJ6nHa5w7rbTV9OBCQqknlu/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252828%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gRSGqTRQwlUri8X_irbPk6k89Hfpju365bjgAdicVZ5MsmpYjgmmSmU-Z7KSgIW1jN0OrffHKc5EF2iVjltv_CY14e5D3Stx9-jLf0qWgkoUzo-O4lpUQDJ6nHa5w7rbTV9OBCQqknlu/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252828%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">
Yorman told us how a while ago at the central square of Jocotenango, he was
approached by some of the “bad” guys. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a moment he thought they were going to rob
him. But no. They asked him whether he was one of the people involved in the
mural project. When he confirmed it, they said that was cool. And if they could
paint the houses on their turf, on the “wrong” side of the football field too? Things
like that are priceless and means the project works.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtBUEv3eWQtOpOVWB8IHQcuU46FB68Mk-WgofcFAX-We89Z_XkNm8-MOEtGobXx6h0yW9bctw5CUK292ZFSn26xi4GAsFTlc-Eu-NrWLYDC7N86QjTU7HdM3-A7mkqJjXP3QcAeHxyWuW/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252820%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtBUEv3eWQtOpOVWB8IHQcuU46FB68Mk-WgofcFAX-We89Z_XkNm8-MOEtGobXx6h0yW9bctw5CUK292ZFSn26xi4GAsFTlc-Eu-NrWLYDC7N86QjTU7HdM3-A7mkqJjXP3QcAeHxyWuW/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252820%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walls awaiting future mural project at the "wrong" side of the football field.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Denilson and Yorman then led us to a small
building high up the hills. Soon this will be a Lead-Up Café, a place where
visitors can have a drink and members of the community participate in workshops
and other activities. The place is basic, pending its renovation, but even so,
the view is spectacular. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSA4Z5vSVzAHiSHh1TqZG_pV0UzaOJ4z6SqDWa914jVVjysY1ls6yzx_eXSWh0kOrnU0zpu7IRQujeAHuBHi609deXmoN57FQKMwlk2gA2AcnLFWCDKSeWaLKm6cyW5pixJTjXBjKXTvI/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252845%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSA4Z5vSVzAHiSHh1TqZG_pV0UzaOJ4z6SqDWa914jVVjysY1ls6yzx_eXSWh0kOrnU0zpu7IRQujeAHuBHi609deXmoN57FQKMwlk2gA2AcnLFWCDKSeWaLKm6cyW5pixJTjXBjKXTvI/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252845%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Future Lead-Up Café with paste-up art by one of the Urban heART artists.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPsahc-Y9mtJvEhdZMeVxbDGA8xXG7LVGVVuc1Xb1OhHuOztJRTIvmuGbMAsB3jRMygTo1Y3ukOnBjrDb1VP_4cSJ9nlwJAqyMBK3uEzk5EXe8iok1NIjRIXs_l8uNZKnfWYstxU5jhNG/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252836%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPsahc-Y9mtJvEhdZMeVxbDGA8xXG7LVGVVuc1Xb1OhHuOztJRTIvmuGbMAsB3jRMygTo1Y3ukOnBjrDb1VP_4cSJ9nlwJAqyMBK3uEzk5EXe8iok1NIjRIXs_l8uNZKnfWYstxU5jhNG/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252836%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After a breakdance performance by Yorman,
the tour ended at the <i>pila. </i>Then it was time to talk shop because next
week I’ll start a series of workshops for the young painters from this
neighbourhood and together we’ll paint the 11-meter-long wall behind the <i>pila</i>.
I’m very much looing forward getting started. Denilson and Yorman were
excellent guides and the whole project is incredibly inspiring. I feel humbled
to be able to collaborate!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN3iw1YbPfY6vrhp5_Nfx5DyYrerK1Jv2lkKaIfkCznUucF0j7cU5TXJrhQ66biasr6rfki6qvpHsnsV4ug7Zh8WZSNG5uzybJpsy37ybVkJfxMWcYYSwL4McOLOpsbU4_xHGjfEGX47I/s2048/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252873%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN3iw1YbPfY6vrhp5_Nfx5DyYrerK1Jv2lkKaIfkCznUucF0j7cU5TXJrhQ66biasr6rfki6qvpHsnsV4ug7Zh8WZSNG5uzybJpsy37ybVkJfxMWcYYSwL4McOLOpsbU4_xHGjfEGX47I/w400-h300/Urban+Heart+Tour+Jocotenango+1-10-21+%252873%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our wall, soon to be painted!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">This project is sponsored by the Dutch
foundation <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">To be continued!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vTqCYVTLzxaOcQLpQ5l7HJF-F78FQR9ppCfF8TXHJD3PSCdkJI7iZPf9MQq6vlKmzooVVoIxVUyg2x-5TpjAWZGQXhjdYxLGbnLbcqsUoomZLE1qeYdCrttNwqy38MNQu1j6sN4JcsHo/s2048/243529002_581787233017525_5000788435918511720_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vTqCYVTLzxaOcQLpQ5l7HJF-F78FQR9ppCfF8TXHJD3PSCdkJI7iZPf9MQq6vlKmzooVVoIxVUyg2x-5TpjAWZGQXhjdYxLGbnLbcqsUoomZLE1qeYdCrttNwqy38MNQu1j6sN4JcsHo/w300-h400/243529002_581787233017525_5000788435918511720_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Denilson Larios and Carin Steen</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-49057982203825930492021-04-09T10:57:00.001-07:002021-04-09T10:57:07.675-07:00 Commitment, Effort, Perseverance and Respect<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KuJgEsy7_7CrYdOg37rxrayl3s-voIbPFo4Npl6puomjGalIDWhPt7OBsyaaWzMAYTp883DFUwgHWrTCLEZ3368qJx4UW4XeQPT21ye7g9J4TmT_jAomBCA1slwa1lplUmwiBoiORxlO/s2048/2D16A2BC-1CF1-46A7-91AF-332CCE624717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KuJgEsy7_7CrYdOg37rxrayl3s-voIbPFo4Npl6puomjGalIDWhPt7OBsyaaWzMAYTp883DFUwgHWrTCLEZ3368qJx4UW4XeQPT21ye7g9J4TmT_jAomBCA1slwa1lplUmwiBoiORxlO/w400-h300/2D16A2BC-1CF1-46A7-91AF-332CCE624717.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">April is
not my favourite month in this part of the world. The air tends to be hot, dry
and dusty, opaque and in unappealing shades of a yellowish grey. Gusts of wind scatter
ashes from volcanoes or forest fires as well as sand from dirt roads. The
mountains are brownish, the earth eagerly waiting to soak up the first drops of
rain. But since it’s not raining, it is of course a good time for mural
painting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My time in
Guatemala is finally coming to an end. I’ll probably paint no more community
murals in the next few months, so I was very happy to end my stay with this one.
I found a perfect wall through my assistant Henry Calel who went to his old
elementary school to pick up some paper work. It turned out his then favourite
teacher is now director of the school in San Miguel Escobar, a suburb of Ciudad
Vieja in Guatemala. While catching up with her, he told her about the murals he
had helped painting and she was very interested in having one at her school. The
wall she offered was just the way I like it, big, in a good shape and very visible.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgSgxxcufKOgCpS6Zsjb94keUm0r_RUkf6KhxCzD15O_H2mpveszPmoCSYMLJ-cp-97QispbqCgPwTpuCYmtAEtjJ8P3sfbsJfx3HKPEEo-2ASvzmiBRnic2XAtFZ0rYG4wqMar6epVXi/s2048/IMG_20210407_124352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgSgxxcufKOgCpS6Zsjb94keUm0r_RUkf6KhxCzD15O_H2mpveszPmoCSYMLJ-cp-97QispbqCgPwTpuCYmtAEtjJ8P3sfbsJfx3HKPEEo-2ASvzmiBRnic2XAtFZ0rYG4wqMar6epVXi/w400-h300/IMG_20210407_124352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Finding funding
for the mural wasn’t a problem either. The Dutch foundation <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a>
generously offered to sponsor the mural, preferably with a theme that involves
children’s rights. A design was quickly made, the theme the right of every child
to engage in play and recreational activities. Sport in this case, since the
wall is at the school’s basketball court. The mural also represents the right
to gender equity and equality as well as the values of commitment, effort,
perseverance and respect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So off we
went! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to involve any children in the painting
process because the school is still closed due to the pandemic, with only
teachers present to prepare homework assignment for their students. The wall
was in a pretty good shape and the weather good in the sense that it was dry.
Very dry. Also, very hot and windy, with gusts so strong we were almost blown
of the ladder a few times. But we managed and the mural is up!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp5-8PgHgDfLi4DHz6J3NuwcQXhjBbbsQ781t1dqjAAW5IPvhJ3ZqNNYQqLvRI-kSRvvIrm0kEQ7qTtIMoG53tjNHReqiwNuT2qSJPZKLJ7yqCbXMY3JlYK2cUhFIferoLu_RyBK6qZJ2/s2048/IMG_20210408_155917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp5-8PgHgDfLi4DHz6J3NuwcQXhjBbbsQ781t1dqjAAW5IPvhJ3ZqNNYQqLvRI-kSRvvIrm0kEQ7qTtIMoG53tjNHReqiwNuT2qSJPZKLJ7yqCbXMY3JlYK2cUhFIferoLu_RyBK6qZJ2/w300-h400/IMG_20210408_155917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">While painting
this mural I realised once again that, despite challenges such as the weather,
there is hardly a thing I enjoy doing more. I hope to come back rather sooner
than later to pick up my paint brush again and transform some more walls.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the meantime,
thanks are due! I couldn’t have done this without the help of my ever so lovey assistant
Henry Calel who has become quite indispensable. Of course, many thanks to Erik,
Hassan and Jos of Colour4Kids for sponsoring and all the support. And Catherine
Corry, thank you for driving us there and back!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5zQ7smubzkmxQ4eSr-8Eu2oJRnti0q2jhl2tl0svB0TWxW6QbPkmmdELxT0z1M6pJy5Yoy_cCW8d-1gUxlHZRGBedw0QFc1GeoY-8SNKF1dbp17yagFP5qv8JyIWFxZrYwOAXlE3tMwW/s2048/64A725F3-75C8-4F11-AF49-31B505F73401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5zQ7smubzkmxQ4eSr-8Eu2oJRnti0q2jhl2tl0svB0TWxW6QbPkmmdELxT0z1M6pJy5Yoy_cCW8d-1gUxlHZRGBedw0QFc1GeoY-8SNKF1dbp17yagFP5qv8JyIWFxZrYwOAXlE3tMwW/w400-h300/64A725F3-75C8-4F11-AF49-31B505F73401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQnOQ5XKxrXkGzd4EvkBL5lsDTMBgABfJmzADxhzs508I8M3ql_Px5F18C5glCdilfTremg686vY6zGWt9Xi3DzJaXi47tmXwWSARS_pdmhxB9a7-VHCX1B7FOy77ikVNL4nWlOBSgmNF/s2048/IMG_20210408_162901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQnOQ5XKxrXkGzd4EvkBL5lsDTMBgABfJmzADxhzs508I8M3ql_Px5F18C5glCdilfTremg686vY6zGWt9Xi3DzJaXi47tmXwWSARS_pdmhxB9a7-VHCX1B7FOy77ikVNL4nWlOBSgmNF/w400-h326/IMG_20210408_162901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-8382637519313824082021-03-19T16:30:00.001-07:002021-03-19T16:30:18.987-07:00Dogs at the Lake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcfB-IZjARiBUelt19EQn6V50vlO4ibI5AaloOuGV_PMmxMqryE6ptRLC3WCeUFjF94MKUAUkg7BbTJ2icmPpqnL8rYINnlLiV4F2krPcsmOWZJ2-Q0fbzvZk6X8d23g_8iwxbbIY_8n1/s2610/IMG_20210319_152251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2610" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcfB-IZjARiBUelt19EQn6V50vlO4ibI5AaloOuGV_PMmxMqryE6ptRLC3WCeUFjF94MKUAUkg7BbTJ2icmPpqnL8rYINnlLiV4F2krPcsmOWZJ2-Q0fbzvZk6X8d23g_8iwxbbIY_8n1/w400-h185/IMG_20210319_152251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Funny how
dogs make my world go round. Besides many fantastic pooches I’ve met some truly
amazing people through my dog connections. Dogs also have become an important subject
matter in the art I create. So it isn’t much of a coincidence that I ended up
painting two big dogs in Panajachel, Guatemala.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You see, Selaine
d´Ambrosi, director of <i><a href="https://ayudagt.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">AYUDA</a></i>, an NGO that provides spay and neuter
clinics around Lake Atitlan, posted a picture of a pretty dog mural on Facebook
and commented she’d like to see something like that in Panajachel. That resulted
immediately in a message from Dr. Jim Bader,a common friend and US veterinarian
who has been coming down to Guatemala for years, providing free surgeries as
well as many supplies for <i><a href="https://unidosparalosanimales.org/" target="_blank">Unidos para los Animales</a>,</i> the NGO I volunteer
for. He told Selaine he knows an artist (that’s me!) and that he was willing to
sponsor the mural.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGp2sRK0jsgGUDlBuNG-BpJqpqScCFRxKLkJ2yDqWtZyGG5oxjAfGgufyMZpc-E0CUVJ4X1BOBJDsf2ZXqVQQWrPJYNughdWMnPFBra4QF-jzX7sQtw6OGje7XrU2fumWdkMgSvbQrJdb_/s2048/IMG_20210319_152320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGp2sRK0jsgGUDlBuNG-BpJqpqScCFRxKLkJ2yDqWtZyGG5oxjAfGgufyMZpc-E0CUVJ4X1BOBJDsf2ZXqVQQWrPJYNughdWMnPFBra4QF-jzX7sQtw6OGje7XrU2fumWdkMgSvbQrJdb_/w400-h300/IMG_20210319_152320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So here we
are! Selaine found us a wall in the centre of Panajachel, owned by a family of
dog lovers. On their request, I painted Chispita, one of their most beloved pets.
She passed the rainbow bridge already, but is still in their hearts and now forever
on their wall. The second dog was also a request, by Selaine. It depicts
Tripod, the first street dog she picked up about thirteen years ago when she
moved to Panajachel. He was hit by a car and his left front leg needed to be amputated.
But that didn’t stop him. Tripod became an icon in Panajachel and was mostly
found in the Palapa bar where he’d sing along with the musicians and let himself
be treated as a king.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOqrotXbDn2F9iymNsOps7HAAFZWVOaqVD9jiTxYMQlra3SoawULV6lHXjjtmNh53am3Ynkg-RQbT48gPUMfCyK1tmRF2qQsB9niqgbRfApHpLxTfoevWyWZWuIh_c8PFUh5wm6b4n-F8/s2048/IMG_20210318_114749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOqrotXbDn2F9iymNsOps7HAAFZWVOaqVD9jiTxYMQlra3SoawULV6lHXjjtmNh53am3Ynkg-RQbT48gPUMfCyK1tmRF2qQsB9niqgbRfApHpLxTfoevWyWZWuIh_c8PFUh5wm6b4n-F8/w400-h300/IMG_20210318_114749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Selaine thought he deserved better than that and found him a real home. But despite
all the cuddles in the world and the best food a dog can dream of, Tripod found
an escape route and made his way back to La Palapa. This happened several times,
so in the end she decided that would be the best place for him to be. It definitely
was in his opinion.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
Unfortunately, Tripod was killed by a car or tuc-tuc, from what I heard
intentionally. (May the driver rot in hell.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5TqZIUGdg7Bn4CP4-WH7B1bGdG0HhpT0tXE35Xv4rSzHE6WgkPLCuq2oLALLE9ottGUeB00fjMGy4o706PbP0vAjOoTwgxCe_m6FRD0AyoZsRfbi4FOs4rXDUq5Y7cmrIprtxS3AqTEG/s2048/IMG_20210318_141206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5TqZIUGdg7Bn4CP4-WH7B1bGdG0HhpT0tXE35Xv4rSzHE6WgkPLCuq2oLALLE9ottGUeB00fjMGy4o706PbP0vAjOoTwgxCe_m6FRD0AyoZsRfbi4FOs4rXDUq5Y7cmrIprtxS3AqTEG/w400-h300/IMG_20210318_141206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So off we set
for Pana, my assistant Heny Calel and I, all prepared for working long hours in
the sun. It is dry season after all, the mountains now yellow, the air suffocatingly
hot and dry. We were quite surprised when the first day started with quite
heavy rain. It did stay pretty dry the rest of the day, but it was uncharacteristically
cold. But we made good progress. And day two made up for the previous one in
hours of sun and temperature. But since the mural is facing north, we were mostly
working in the shade. The eleven-meter-long wall is only two meters high, so we
didn’t even need a stool to stand on. The surface was quite rough, it was like
painting on corrugated (cement) carboard which made painting details a bit difficult.
There was lots of traffic passing by, which is good of course, giving the work
lots of exposure. All in al it was a fun job to do and we got great response.
Many people recognised Tripod. Others reacted very positively to the message of
the mural: So you don’t want to see dogs on the street? Well then: adopt,
sterilize and don’t abandon! (I phrased it in a way it works both for people
who hate to see dogs on the street because they love them, as well for those
who hate them.)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WFbVwMBjeJ-m9yn4HP20dxoCcliTAQXhb6F75xXzlotEYuCnXw8tK6UDOy-Mm6mFA7oimXh7Pddhf9HQp4pfa7PHb2Wl4z8o2QWc_DZHBWTfkTGvfqZB1nbmUIcafbbS6zsCTOxDEIfe/s2048/IMG_20210318_140846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WFbVwMBjeJ-m9yn4HP20dxoCcliTAQXhb6F75xXzlotEYuCnXw8tK6UDOy-Mm6mFA7oimXh7Pddhf9HQp4pfa7PHb2Wl4z8o2QWc_DZHBWTfkTGvfqZB1nbmUIcafbbS6zsCTOxDEIfe/w400-h300/IMG_20210318_140846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With the
work done, Henry and I treated ourselves to a little excursion to San Juan la
Laguna, a village across the lake famous for its murals. Nice to admire other
people’s work for a change!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This mural
is truly a community effort of dog-loving people! Thank you Selaine d’Ambrosi
of AYUDA for initiating this project and all the great work you do with AYUDA.
Thanks also to Maggie and family who provided the wall as well as drinks and
snacks for us painters. Many, many thanks to Dr. Jim Bader of <a href="https://mapleviewanimalhospital.net/" target="_blank">Mapleview AnimalHospital</a> and <a href="https://www.headinhomerescue.org/" target="_blank">Headin’ Home Pet Rescue Inc</a>. for all you do for animals both here
and there, and of course for sponsoring this mural. You are the best! Also
thanks to Regine Herzog for putting me up; to Gerson Ordoñez for being our trustworthy
designated driver and of course to Henry Calel, my super assistant. Feeling
tired but content and infinitely grateful!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXelrwmUMAS9mFiXR1nNyFlZJ3l3oDR2nwkmol599QwdHHHT09G8euNNi99h-Olwh21bfKAyNAX0zCEQFEWIFoBzdWZx7HuFkfFjDr15wjcA3ZpbyCy9_j8s3Gej_OANA8s78yKlAOvgQ/s2048/IMG_20210318_140836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXelrwmUMAS9mFiXR1nNyFlZJ3l3oDR2nwkmol599QwdHHHT09G8euNNi99h-Olwh21bfKAyNAX0zCEQFEWIFoBzdWZx7HuFkfFjDr15wjcA3ZpbyCy9_j8s3Gej_OANA8s78yKlAOvgQ/w300-h400/IMG_20210318_140836.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-25663652447548921672021-03-03T14:22:00.005-08:002021-03-03T14:25:46.864-08:00Women & Dogs in Jocotenango<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ansi-language: #580A;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ansi-language: #580A;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt-v0bclCKv855NgAV96X8Xvcs8lwd9SJCeYUI1g2_w8MbZr0dUJYjaQ3hcirKvRXVVLiExaQty8OOORhURXmqch2wrM3NWe4OUeiSqi38QWTAyxxjR0M4K-13KUQlLTVAkwnF3Pqm8I-/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Carin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt-v0bclCKv855NgAV96X8Xvcs8lwd9SJCeYUI1g2_w8MbZr0dUJYjaQ3hcirKvRXVVLiExaQty8OOORhURXmqch2wrM3NWe4OUeiSqi38QWTAyxxjR0M4K-13KUQlLTVAkwnF3Pqm8I-/w400-h300/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Carin.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span lang="es-419" style="mso-ansi-language: #580A;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jocotenango is a buzzling town leaning against Antigua
Guatemala. It has about 22,000 inhabitants with as many dogs and cats it seems.
Luckily, a lot of them have responsible owners interested in having them spayed
or neutered. That’s why<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><a href="https://unidosparalosanimales.org/" target="_blank">Unidos paralos Animales</a></i>, a local NGO, keeps going back there with its sterilization
campaigns. (For my blog post on those campaigns, please click <a href="https://carinsteen.blogspot.com/2021/01/no-more-dogs.html" target="_blank">here</a>). During three
clinics between December 2020 and February of 2021, no less than 278 animals
had surgery, with many more on the waiting list. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Part of the success of those campaigns is the perfect way it
is organized by <i>Dirección de la Mujer, </i>the Municipality’s Women’s
Office. These women (and a few men) are in charge of the publicity, inscriptions,
disinfection at the entrance, carrying the animals from operation room to
recovery, disinfecting instruments and a lot more. The clinics in Jocotenango
are always as smooth as can be and a joy to volunteer at. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf9Dl3bj_JyG8XdixU7FqWiiJ-qX7Xq86N1nBPgN21k9fkpiZH5AXMUJ2bMpjiAuOB9kxFEC3sP3OJI8rI7m5HYn4ex08dNfepKn0T6cMogJRkmD0FJcHtEubPmiL0TdUZRJho6KAMFfF/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Henry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf9Dl3bj_JyG8XdixU7FqWiiJ-qX7Xq86N1nBPgN21k9fkpiZH5AXMUJ2bMpjiAuOB9kxFEC3sP3OJI8rI7m5HYn4ex08dNfepKn0T6cMogJRkmD0FJcHtEubPmiL0TdUZRJho6KAMFfF/w400-h300/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Henry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Henry at work</i></td></tr></tbody></table>As a thank you for this great service (as well as promoting
a good cause) I offered them a small mural at the entrance of their building, which
they happily accepted. Today my assistant Henry Calel and I got to work and
were spoiled rotten in the process. Juice? Cookie? Lunch??? They could not have
taken better care of us. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFjFQUSh03ias-7rqgnUDvt9ucIb_2xh6EM-JYFYsJttUppLdTqKDQfsPSED2yMB07UAOegCpbDRM8T7znzcggJcnEx-SbWRdji-N3Rs79_ePZvfTkqAJ9Bv0aQGlkwSxQTQIAyPGyTfy/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFjFQUSh03ias-7rqgnUDvt9ucIb_2xh6EM-JYFYsJttUppLdTqKDQfsPSED2yMB07UAOegCpbDRM8T7znzcggJcnEx-SbWRdji-N3Rs79_ePZvfTkqAJ9Bv0aQGlkwSxQTQIAyPGyTfy/w400-h300/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This mural was (yet again!) sponsored by the ever so
generous and art loving Dr. Jim Bader, our very favourite veterinarian who comes
down several times a year from the US to do surgeries, in Jocotenango and other
places in and around Antigua Guatemala. Thanks so much, Jim!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMb-mObMhKafHYGDwlFFUm_sczoMzflkfrA0-UTQfiXBoUrBZuh3uMdBWBdu4St8LZd45qXcmgscbbvPKuE68YIFNLQbuz5BNLiHPcRrDNwipYbNyl1r1Vq6ZofFTXEOw6226hvV56ZW/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Girl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDMb-mObMhKafHYGDwlFFUm_sczoMzflkfrA0-UTQfiXBoUrBZuh3uMdBWBdu4St8LZd45qXcmgscbbvPKuE68YIFNLQbuz5BNLiHPcRrDNwipYbNyl1r1Vq6ZofFTXEOw6226hvV56ZW/w300-h400/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Girl.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This girl and her dog were attended at a clinic in Jocotenango in November 2019</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XSlzj9aVrpaHwwghFyMMKsnR6cyO9mpdHSV2es18URIt6I3j2YVtp91t8Vp5NEslnutvHSMW_lz_QevukqUOnYH_n7NtDkmOEuGfrGsUhwF_Z12wNQ7B0JLrzkBUaYnsluLcdJkTmBS9/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Result.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XSlzj9aVrpaHwwghFyMMKsnR6cyO9mpdHSV2es18URIt6I3j2YVtp91t8Vp5NEslnutvHSMW_lz_QevukqUOnYH_n7NtDkmOEuGfrGsUhwF_Z12wNQ7B0JLrzkBUaYnsluLcdJkTmBS9/w400-h300/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Result.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Each puppy deserves a happy home. Let's sterilize."</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XSlzj9aVrpaHwwghFyMMKsnR6cyO9mpdHSV2es18URIt6I3j2YVtp91t8Vp5NEslnutvHSMW_lz_QevukqUOnYH_n7NtDkmOEuGfrGsUhwF_Z12wNQ7B0JLrzkBUaYnsluLcdJkTmBS9/s2048/2-21+Jocotenango+DM+UPA+Result.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-48629149571523972512021-02-04T13:28:00.001-08:002021-02-04T13:44:34.013-08:00Colours & Critters in San Andrés Itzapa<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWretXeiBeAJFqTYXdEXQ6Qz6B2VImNKRNOBAic3Ga3gvirxDQ9tqqPG6M23r7SkpuVMcbUOHpn6IvBcYGagF7UhSJfupzKqiO7PR_grSkWM-Ygyz1A7W4iXKhuX0mNtRwQsYEXC2M6AXU/s1438/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1438" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWretXeiBeAJFqTYXdEXQ6Qz6B2VImNKRNOBAic3Ga3gvirxDQ9tqqPG6M23r7SkpuVMcbUOHpn6IvBcYGagF7UhSJfupzKqiO7PR_grSkWM-Ygyz1A7W4iXKhuX0mNtRwQsYEXC2M6AXU/w400-h254/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Work in progress...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">So things don’t always go as planned. Exactly one year ago I
arrived in Guatemala for a two-month stay, to paint some murals with kids. But
just as we were about to start painting, after a full week of workshops, the
state of emergency was declared because of Covid-and the project postponed. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULxXfOIT_WG_DDeMwbUas_Q8H1U0moR4rTtKc6rT45pudMe8WJCk_2HTQY14HJ4T8kI5iFYQcPtzitArrAqXxqhBc3YSzOUzveb6_IyO0_y4opiegvEtL-VXbpw-0ccgMdWOboZo8wgnH/s1255/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1255" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULxXfOIT_WG_DDeMwbUas_Q8H1U0moR4rTtKc6rT45pudMe8WJCk_2HTQY14HJ4T8kI5iFYQcPtzitArrAqXxqhBc3YSzOUzveb6_IyO0_y4opiegvEtL-VXbpw-0ccgMdWOboZo8wgnH/w400-h229/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Exactly a year later and I’m still here. Very excited to be able
to work with kids again, this time around in San Andrés Itzapa, a town about an
hour from Antigua Guatemala. I've been coordinating the project with Colleen Supanich
and her husband Luís Azurdia who run a small NGO called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/compartiendo.nuestras.bendiciones.Guatemala">Compartiendo Nuestros Bendiciones </a>in this town. During the pandemic, Colleen and Luís have been distributing
food for those most in need in their community as well as organizing
educational activities for local kids who have missed a whole year of school. These
kids have no computers or internet, often they don’t even have electricity at
home, so no virtual classes. Colleen and Luís got permission for the mural at a
public bilingual kindergarten (Spanish/Maya Kaqchikel) that caters mostly to
children from poorer families on the outskirts of San Andrés Itzapa. Colleen
has been planning to organize a clean-up in the neighbourhood as a supportive activity for the
mural that promotes a clean environment for both people and animals. Older kids
from the neighbourhood were going to help paint and for the little ones I
designed colouring pages with the same images as the mural, to involve them as
well. More activities were in the making, such as singing the wonderful environmental
children’s songs by Guillermo Anderson. <br />I bought new paint and other supplies, including
oversized used T-shirts for the kids to paint in, lots of hand sanitizer and
extra face masks. The afternoon before the start of the mural I sent Colleen a
message that I was ready to go. Promptly I got the one reply I wasn’t expecting:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Permission for the mural had been revoked. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">San Andrés Itzapa had just gone from orange to red on the
scale of Covid cases and all public events were prohibited. Darn!<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVfz5JG_HOgTe8cNtPlcRswFibhuD9jnzOYoL4dnWPBsLAUa3XbFWxkXrCoRr12ISvHmRG_oFdDuUpKxgbHeQjMNRFCmJGSyjNePhJ9sYQSZ6DUe4OX4RpCxLQPy4bV6Mj8PDFXEKEyH7/s2048/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252847%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVfz5JG_HOgTe8cNtPlcRswFibhuD9jnzOYoL4dnWPBsLAUa3XbFWxkXrCoRr12ISvHmRG_oFdDuUpKxgbHeQjMNRFCmJGSyjNePhJ9sYQSZ6DUe4OX4RpCxLQPy4bV6Mj8PDFXEKEyH7/w400-h294/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252847%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Luís, Colleen, Henry and Marissa</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">But thanks to Luís’ perseverance and persuasiveness, basically
talking to everybody in the hierarchy of the ministry of education, we did get
permission after all. As long as we didn’t involve the kids, practice social
distancing and wear masks. We were somewhat disappointed but relieved that the
project didn’t get cancelled altogether.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">First thing I noticed when we arrived on this chilly but
brilliant Tuesday morning, was that the wall was much bigger than I had anticipated.
Somehow it looked much smaller on the pictures I had been sent. Reality was 42
meters of wall, about 2.75 meter high at its lowest point and over 4.5 meters at
its highest. I wondered if I’d brought enough paint and planned enough time…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But we did pretty well. No kids to help us, but Luís was a
great asset, as well as my ever-lovely assistant Henry Calel. The second day my
friend Marissa Loterina came along and somehow we managed to finish the whole
thing in just two (loooong!) days! What helped a lot was that we were taken
care of so well. Luís and Colleen provided us with a delicious snacks in the morning
and both days we were invited to their home for some of the best food I’ve ever
eaten. Piluyada and pepián, both super delicious.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTFAakjeKGocHXj4LqXZ9v2M3HKd8WX_rAjoQKlmNA4h7v6RmwK_d53XrKFwjlqqQGnVbPDqbYC414fh33dLtudYHIumBLraPhRU0NW0cVXwbKaPQaZoUXxRc-P6WQXHTG6AzKRe3_bXJ/s2048/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252853%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTFAakjeKGocHXj4LqXZ9v2M3HKd8WX_rAjoQKlmNA4h7v6RmwK_d53XrKFwjlqqQGnVbPDqbYC414fh33dLtudYHIumBLraPhRU0NW0cVXwbKaPQaZoUXxRc-P6WQXHTG6AzKRe3_bXJ/w400-h300/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252853%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The last two were so far my favourite days of the year! Yes,
the wall was pretty rough and we all ended up with blisters and sore wrists. The
sun was brutal, the chill on the shady side of the building biting. The ladders were a bit wobbly and quite
heavy, but no complaints. It was lovely to see the reaction of the kids that
were walking by. “Look, they’re painting my school! <i>¡Qué chevere!</i> How cool!”<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvvB9VW6V02zF8N07rzRSQ8DeajOKxeBXqN-MBcfSmW9QL1x2PgbRce6pebr8AyUZBFZ4B0r577Q5La0PFmRpYpQevhN1pzpt9tD8I26Pk__jw5Tcs7lLUs2q7J5CqBOUUtxpF76YWncP/s2048/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252874%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvvB9VW6V02zF8N07rzRSQ8DeajOKxeBXqN-MBcfSmW9QL1x2PgbRce6pebr8AyUZBFZ4B0r577Q5La0PFmRpYpQevhN1pzpt9tD8I26Pk__jw5Tcs7lLUs2q7J5CqBOUUtxpF76YWncP/w400-h300/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252874%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The one thing we didn’t get to do (or rather, didn’t want to,
too tired), was painting the base at the bottom. But I left some money with
Luís to buy paint and hire someone and it has already been painted! Just when
we were finished the director of the school, Wendy Roxana Machán Cán, came by
with a diploma for each of us and words of appreciation. I suggested the metal
door at the entrance could use a new layer of paint and she promised to take
care of it. She’ll also have signs with the name of the school made, to be put
at the two designated spots on either side of the entrance. Then we were really
done. We left behind a colourful corner in San Andrés Itzapa and new friends. Hopefully
we’ll be back one day!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh6hfs0GgFREhNIar8Q8Iwx_xeqq38KqDlL4c_-fAIQL0XnWm0boKfop8_cBGFSq_ZQkXrcMRGbCS7WD1KAR5PIJKUjGr755JdNd5HmKi4VbhbSvs62cTcvS1wqwqUoALP9QwF6Hr70v2/s1440/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252822%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1440" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh6hfs0GgFREhNIar8Q8Iwx_xeqq38KqDlL4c_-fAIQL0XnWm0boKfop8_cBGFSq_ZQkXrcMRGbCS7WD1KAR5PIJKUjGr755JdNd5HmKi4VbhbSvs62cTcvS1wqwqUoALP9QwF6Hr70v2/w400-h244/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252822%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Henry, Marissa, Carin, director Wendy, Luís</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This mural (as well as 250 colouring pages for the kids) was
possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Dr. Jim Bader (of Mapleview Animal
Hospital, Holland, MI, USA). Many thanks, also from Colleen, Luís and their community
in San Andrés Itzapa!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPxA0IkeinFA5yyhMQKWgfAD8GM3Fo3vAPwVHFVigp46hiCin0DZpAAQ6IG7f-b7G8ET5hC8-nbu6J0CXIcJ-S-9SR2vSHpKb1O7MO7AhIGhM8HORVxU0SZB2n3ZQ9kJrLmYvtOj7cs09/s2048/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252861%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPxA0IkeinFA5yyhMQKWgfAD8GM3Fo3vAPwVHFVigp46hiCin0DZpAAQ6IG7f-b7G8ET5hC8-nbu6J0CXIcJ-S-9SR2vSHpKb1O7MO7AhIGhM8HORVxU0SZB2n3ZQ9kJrLmYvtOj7cs09/w400-h300/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%252861%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">And of course, also many thanks to Colleen, Luís, Henry, Marissa
and Gerson for driving us…</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34rBNLWVvcOz0ez2V_LCt0mVfU-eDmmzlV8i73EG5_WD6WoLZ9hzjUEISjTRlM1qwdgLYJTxej9jPFhV715Bw-wYt1HnE3vFHRb21p_5Grk3f4LNeJLah6_ESi3odT_5Qk5WLSO1aDdxP/s1272/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25289%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1272" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34rBNLWVvcOz0ez2V_LCt0mVfU-eDmmzlV8i73EG5_WD6WoLZ9hzjUEISjTRlM1qwdgLYJTxej9jPFhV715Bw-wYt1HnE3vFHRb21p_5Grk3f4LNeJLah6_ESi3odT_5Qk5WLSO1aDdxP/w400-h314/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25289%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The base done too...<br /><br /></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgufqU-9hgSrWllILfBfRMLWPdmcTA7RJUyG2cE1AxdSNsKXMe583YKBGIH-cB61N0GgJrJmF0K6dbGOgWLetRNLozBzud-NkgkTiV1-1BmHEzpxXJAyp4SmvtBr7KDzm92pfBu5LCBBG/s2048/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25286%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgufqU-9hgSrWllILfBfRMLWPdmcTA7RJUyG2cE1AxdSNsKXMe583YKBGIH-cB61N0GgJrJmF0K6dbGOgWLetRNLozBzud-NkgkTiV1-1BmHEzpxXJAyp4SmvtBr7KDzm92pfBu5LCBBG/w309-h400/2-21+San+Andr%25C3%25A9s+Itzapa+%25286%2529.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colouring page</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #202124; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-9408864661395493422020-12-04T10:26:00.001-08:002020-12-04T11:20:18.052-08:00Four Pups and a Kitty in San Martin Jilotepeque <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7ajpn4YuGMvj7ZsN7yjk1s6eSneLVbBGkvWovgEEcc55qNnr-OTXRHZF-d-41aVuXWyCS2lWzVthTMaExe2xPJv6AYmKUCUESj7xh5czOQnHula1eztIv1xXp_I83VzRRiEGOYGcA_21/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252810%2529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7ajpn4YuGMvj7ZsN7yjk1s6eSneLVbBGkvWovgEEcc55qNnr-OTXRHZF-d-41aVuXWyCS2lWzVthTMaExe2xPJv6AYmKUCUESj7xh5czOQnHula1eztIv1xXp_I83VzRRiEGOYGcA_21/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252810%2529a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Oh, how I’ve missed this…. The noise, the dirt, the
inconvenience, the silly comments by passersby, the heat, the teamwork, a
shared lunch, the exhaustion afterwards… That’s what painting a mural in public
is all about! Since March 16, when the state of emergency (Covid) was declared
here in Guatemala (the exact day I was to start a mural with a group of
adolescents), I’ve only been able to do just a few community murals (in a cat
shelter, a clinic and library of a school), but none so public. This was so
much FUN!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So how did we up in a town called San Martín Jiloptepeque?
Well, it’s the dog connection. I met Cristy Velasco during one of Unidos para
los Animales’ sterilization clinics in Antigua. Cristy is an incredible woman
who loves (LOVES) dogs and does whatever she can to protect, rescue or care for
them. This in a rural area where there is very little awareness about animal
care and many dogs and cats have very tough lives. Sterilization is not common
thing and not easily available, let alone affordable. Cristy explained that
people keep dogs as doorbells, tied up to a tree or fence, just there to bark
when someone approaches. Often the dogs are chained up their whole lives, the
chain padlocked around their neck for lack of a collar. Dogs get kicked at,
abandoned when sick or old and unwanted puppies, well, let’s not go there…. In
the meantime, dozens of unsterilized dogs roam the streets of San Marin Jilotepeque,
rummaging through garbage, spreading disease, reproducing and attacking when
feeling threatened. And this of course leads to more opposition against the
canine population, as if they have a choice or it were their responsibility. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l1UFlRa-TK-yuPORxRhKCgV6S7Yb3CyZXSpPepNkKahPDqzT8gp0oa_7E5hZ1w1XFvtFuCveCf_gJf3SXVGFBvPO-UMjjkcOaWqvtQeJ513334dST0A7poFPipbsCGtoRa7e3V13sVfY/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l1UFlRa-TK-yuPORxRhKCgV6S7Yb3CyZXSpPepNkKahPDqzT8gp0oa_7E5hZ1w1XFvtFuCveCf_gJf3SXVGFBvPO-UMjjkcOaWqvtQeJ513334dST0A7poFPipbsCGtoRa7e3V13sVfY/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Although sometimes it feels like fighting a losing battle,
Cristy is not one to call it quits. She has over a hundred dogs in an abandoned
construction site for a hospital (which unfortunately she’ll have to leave soon),
about a dozen in her restaurant, I don’t know how many at her home, plus a whole
bunch on the street that she feeds and has spayed/neutered whenever she can.
All this with very little support from the community. And on top of it, a pandemic
and two hurricanes. Leftovers from her restaurant are given to the dogs, but with
the Covid restrictions, she has had little business, especially now that the
international medical brigades she usually caters to, have postponed their trips.
But again, Cristy never gives up! Only last week she went to Campur in Alta
Verapaz, a village hit hard by tropical storm Eta, followed by Iota. The whole
village has turned into a lake. No human lives were lost but people had to
leave in a hurry without any possessions or pets. Cristy and some likeminded
friends went off to see if they could rescue any animals left behind. She told
us the situation was heartbreaking. Some animals were able to make it to shore,
where they now roam, starving and disoriented. Others were trapped on top
floors of buildings or small islands that have formed amidst the debris. The
problem is that the water level keeps risings, even as we speak, and many
animals will drown, soon. Already there are lots of carcasses floating in the
water, alongside stoves, beds and other objects that were once valued possessions.
Cats are hiding in the branches of trees. Dogs bark day and night from roof
tops. Cristy and friends left food on the shores and managed to rescue 11 dogs
and 3 cats. Sadly, one dog jumped back in the water, desperately searching for
her puppies that Cristy knew had already drowned. They were not able to catch
her again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2h1f9chFjbWk6pDHAzey1pKGHQ6jCpO6lmh72MU4EiCs8rd2usKSR1BL0jkq70VFmT31FzSovMvYkSabKwYCLABWV9P2LZjrgOQsNdxdWBXWmTIjhoVuL96AU_sUmJdws_7Smuhe3vB4/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2h1f9chFjbWk6pDHAzey1pKGHQ6jCpO6lmh72MU4EiCs8rd2usKSR1BL0jkq70VFmT31FzSovMvYkSabKwYCLABWV9P2LZjrgOQsNdxdWBXWmTIjhoVuL96AU_sUmJdws_7Smuhe3vB4/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Even if the people of Campur would like to go searching for
their animals, they can’t. There are only two boats available (of course, in this
mountainous area where normally the biggest body of water is a just a creek)
and the boat owners charge $1.25 per person or animal. That doesn’t seem a lot,
but it is, if nothing is all you have. Cristy and friends rented one of the
boats for a time way too short to explore the entire community, because at $200
an hour, their budget didn’t allow for more. But they’re planning on going back
soon. Donations towards food, medical attention for the rescued animals and “boat
time” are very welcome (a boat they can borrow would even be better!). Below
information on how you can help.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKcpiPK28Fzi7LqUJ5ZblyB_CoH-XOEMKnQ8xdfHKO8ciSpUGRKs2XzAS8l3VyiTFkUNHFLwCFjGn1cxPzhkezPUXnX52pGV-qIfYnUx5zJXZ7YIJe8XDBug8vHJhThnevCEyjyZRJGQw/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKcpiPK28Fzi7LqUJ5ZblyB_CoH-XOEMKnQ8xdfHKO8ciSpUGRKs2XzAS8l3VyiTFkUNHFLwCFjGn1cxPzhkezPUXnX52pGV-qIfYnUx5zJXZ7YIJe8XDBug8vHJhThnevCEyjyZRJGQw/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Back to the mural. Although things are changing in San
Martin Jilotepeque, slowly, a lot more needs to be done to educate people on
how to care for animals, the importance of vaccinations and sterilization etc.
That’s why Cristy asked me if I could paint something on the wall of her
restaurant to help create awareness. Well, if that means paining a few dogs,
yes of course!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zv7K7TcPgOD6UHMhSzklevwep9izKoKaKhj4j4uSalPFvXvsPXvL2Lwj4rG9XgDgXDzHLOJEkDVbiIhJFsHPOK3FRyQJGT1XdbMYjPMRCVjinC4LEn39o7AYsAPURAPNtF-9t-P813NG/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zv7K7TcPgOD6UHMhSzklevwep9izKoKaKhj4j4uSalPFvXvsPXvL2Lwj4rG9XgDgXDzHLOJEkDVbiIhJFsHPOK3FRyQJGT1XdbMYjPMRCVjinC4LEn39o7AYsAPURAPNtF-9t-P813NG/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252812%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">So I made a design around a few existing painted elements,
in such a way there was no need to paint the whole wall from top to bottom, but
giving it a serious facelift nonetheless. Quite a big job that I hoped to do in
just one day, because of the distance and costs involved. My assistant Henry Calel
was there to help me, as well as his friend Keith (pronounce Kate) Salazar and
indeed, we did manage, although it was a loooong day, painting from 8.30am till
6.30pm! Not quite non-stop because Cristy made us a delicious <i>refacción</i> (pizza!),
followed by a very special treat for lunch, <i>Suban-ic</i>, a local delicacy consisting
of chicken cooked in a sauce wilt loooots of chile. Delicious!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJgZd2CemQ8rzoa3SzgKikDjdBZHWNhOJ7TK8sDb92o7SJ9JrXhnR2dkc46OvGNIHl2pemY_spRBDUJC-COH3CRrlHYvo4eEuWo9TRkIR2E0vbjjluspQODtPVeN2ESMMTapybCdgee9k/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJgZd2CemQ8rzoa3SzgKikDjdBZHWNhOJ7TK8sDb92o7SJ9JrXhnR2dkc46OvGNIHl2pemY_spRBDUJC-COH3CRrlHYvo4eEuWo9TRkIR2E0vbjjluspQODtPVeN2ESMMTapybCdgee9k/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, the mural design is of a few cute pups, a cute
kitten and the quote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be
judged by the way in which its animals are treated”, apparently wrongly attributed
to Mahatma Gandhi. Hard to say if my work will make a difference, but, well, the
wall looks better now, I think. And it was fun to do, although not easy, in
this narrow street with its constant stream of cars, goats and trucks with
barely enough space for just one car to pass. And we had to share the narrow
sidewalk with a furry audience. But it’s done, and just in one day, as I hoped
for.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHxmNUOSmAEt7HteWSI5XTDtZ0fvuz57S5aYFRpC0AO4nc1uoCFwTnp4GZbQQzwDFyDgjXxDjA7vQVjBx_exSHSjE1YpnS35FK2oZm0XX_B2-tny8WZNUKRA6oK3M2OqoAxZSiXNlPOLt/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252822%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHxmNUOSmAEt7HteWSI5XTDtZ0fvuz57S5aYFRpC0AO4nc1uoCFwTnp4GZbQQzwDFyDgjXxDjA7vQVjBx_exSHSjE1YpnS35FK2oZm0XX_B2-tny8WZNUKRA6oK3M2OqoAxZSiXNlPOLt/w400-h300/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252822%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">I’d like to thank Henry Calel and Keith Salazar for their
help; Cristy Velasco for the delicious food and for taking care of the dogs of
San Martín Jilotepeque. And of course, the sponsor of this mural, our favourite
veterinarian Dr. Jim Bader! Jim was initially going to sponsor the mural I had
planned for last March, but when I asked him if we could redirect the funding
towards this mural for Cristy, he wholeheartedly said YES! So, thank you very
much!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlCI8urV0pflcUqWcFHMS4FUYfrzVE5B_YMcLPufB2agKAfglpuawU2SpXprCwGuoDCbMSJd5rRJwLwXEZ3zv9SPqUc4NkPQ1FYRC2UnTGbPeJ27n0aaZyOa_iHT2OqTbNmxfFUqm5nwi/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlCI8urV0pflcUqWcFHMS4FUYfrzVE5B_YMcLPufB2agKAfglpuawU2SpXprCwGuoDCbMSJd5rRJwLwXEZ3zv9SPqUc4NkPQ1FYRC2UnTGbPeJ27n0aaZyOa_iHT2OqTbNmxfFUqm5nwi/w300-h400/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252813%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">If you’d like to help Cristy taking care for the dogs of San
Martín Jilotepeque or the rescues from Campur, you can do so by lending your
boat (seriously!) or making a donation to her Guatemalan account (María
Cristina Velasco Toj, Banco Industrial # 059-006050-5) or her daughter’s <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sanmartindogs?fbclid=IwAR3xy3CqLuRQkBsbSxWEL9NlLfi2zP7h__szn4J74E6ci3X_qBJ0-VW9XwI" target="_blank">Paypal</a>.
I asked Cristy if she had any plans on formalizing her project but she says it
is very hard to find support in the way of board members for an official NGO.
She tried a Facebook page, but any publicity has resulted in more animals being
dumped on her, rather than help coming in. But she’s totally legit and any
donation will definitely go directly towards the dogs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHFKcrI6rKh1jnTavUE638b-ZGP3ZGK1lTl2NP_8Aj27UoSp6J4SoSnIIaNcMEy1_0O0MVKHjlgvVFf39wg8_aed3ihd21HnplAGV8QW7sWCp8mduTiZtaYplLkaLGdLm3Vx2gXAfwKL/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHFKcrI6rKh1jnTavUE638b-ZGP3ZGK1lTl2NP_8Aj27UoSp6J4SoSnIIaNcMEy1_0O0MVKHjlgvVFf39wg8_aed3ihd21HnplAGV8QW7sWCp8mduTiZtaYplLkaLGdLm3Vx2gXAfwKL/w300-h400/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%25289%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">PS. In San Martín Jilotepeque I realised yet again how
important a role education can play in creating awareness about animal welfare.
Especially educating children, who mostly
love animals anyway and are more receptible. That’s why I’m working on a book
for children with lots of colouring pages, activities and practical information
on how to look after a pet. The book is particularly designed for Guatemalan
kids in lesser developed areas. To design, print and distribute 1500 copies of
this book, I’m still looking for funding (about 2.500 Euros). If you happen to
know of any available funds or NGO’s that support these kind o projects, please
let me know!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Be well, be safe and pet your pet. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRqYPr12JV-Bl_kjoUIhoK8NHGLwIakjzJLU6i0CwpEKrLIzGkadBiTM9BANV77BdU7RbsfDZ5D__Ws-aphoc9VTOmyFoG9WaKVxBVeGD2WFRTOpu5lK5m6KtrfQ8Qfb9sybKw7u08B_0/s2048/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRqYPr12JV-Bl_kjoUIhoK8NHGLwIakjzJLU6i0CwpEKrLIzGkadBiTM9BANV77BdU7RbsfDZ5D__Ws-aphoc9VTOmyFoG9WaKVxBVeGD2WFRTOpu5lK5m6KtrfQ8Qfb9sybKw7u08B_0/w300-h400/12-20+San+Martin+Jilotepeque+%252819%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is Mango! One of our all time favourites! Rescued by Cristy Velasco, fostered by me for Unidos para los Animales and adopted by another Christy in the US. Mango is living the life now!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-36052174819862358642020-09-30T12:13:00.001-07:002020-09-30T12:13:38.927-07:00Critters with Cleft Lip and Palate<p><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUbPuCNN3szyE8tfX_QN4TjWM6ELUCSMdyu3qYsgN-ymYF94ayept3zKOAnT7pnSr4MPAYUuICMDPkHvoDphi7d1gzZxL6xAMNy0nfvv7Is-WSNL4dbBYykn13xN1qYj0Xo0K1WhbGUDc/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252832%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUbPuCNN3szyE8tfX_QN4TjWM6ELUCSMdyu3qYsgN-ymYF94ayept3zKOAnT7pnSr4MPAYUuICMDPkHvoDphi7d1gzZxL6xAMNy0nfvv7Is-WSNL4dbBYykn13xN1qYj0Xo0K1WhbGUDc/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252832%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's a little weird to report on a
mural project I started way back in February, but thanks to Covid it
has been dragging on till now. I've already shared pictures here and
there, but now I'm officially done, so here it goes!<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">February 2020. I was excited to be back
in the Land of Eternal Spring. And not just happy to be back in
Guatemala, I couldn't wait to get started on the new project by the
NGO <a href="https://tessunlimited.nl/en/" target="_blank">Tess Unlimited</a>. This organization was set up twelve years ago by
Tessa de Goede and it is one of the very best organizations I know in
Guatemala. Tessa and her team ensure that children with cleft lip and
palate, and there are quite a few in Guatemala, receive free
surgeries. It goes way beyond just surgeries because there is also
excellent pre and aftercare. Scouting takes place throughout the year
in search for new cases. Because babies with clefts cannot always
swallow properly, they are often severely malnourished. Through the
Tess Unlimited milk program, babies receive special bottles and
formula. They are regularly evaluated until they are healthy enough
for their surgery. Psychological help is available for parents, if
needed. The children are also closely monitored after the operation
and some older ones participate in the camps for adolescents with
cleft lip and palate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDUXLPK0kznQM-PI1x2HJmEmZNX_hhOMzoIcS0WZovn6CTSnG3qIZlrJwr80D1r1rFWYc6AW7xiwT4oVguDKo3lihE0JrnIRf8omIKrbkbBGwI014urRnjwoXzVBe08tNQZQM7iUz2B9_/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252833%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDUXLPK0kznQM-PI1x2HJmEmZNX_hhOMzoIcS0WZovn6CTSnG3qIZlrJwr80D1r1rFWYc6AW7xiwT4oVguDKo3lihE0JrnIRf8omIKrbkbBGwI014urRnjwoXzVBe08tNQZQM7iUz2B9_/w300-h400/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252833%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Until now, Tessa has worked with
international teams of specialists in local hospitals. Logistically
it's quite time-consuming and it is of course much nicer to have your
own, specialized clinic. And that's exactly what had been in the
making.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThLCMP41nV1jGzpBr9XnXdMjK98tH84yx1hO8tpDuN2VxUf2Am1na7QIbPR8Szz7dyNzAagyHmHK8S00SU7GG8_ucwvdRo_MGxTvvlTwV6Ocv1If9JoPfo7d0Z9X6IMorC6wi1Nue3PX5/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+27-8-20+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThLCMP41nV1jGzpBr9XnXdMjK98tH84yx1hO8tpDuN2VxUf2Am1na7QIbPR8Szz7dyNzAagyHmHK8S00SU7GG8_ucwvdRo_MGxTvvlTwV6Ocv1If9JoPfo7d0Z9X6IMorC6wi1Nue3PX5/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+27-8-20+%252812%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Guatemala might not have as many
regulations as other countries, but when it comes to building a
clinic, there are an awful lot of rules and special permits to take
in account. Painting murals was therefore limited to the recovery
rooms and waiting areas. Tessa wanted cute animals on the walls, not
a problem at all!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The clinic was not quite finished when
I arrived, but the construction workers were mainly working on the
second floor. My workspace was on the ground floor away, so although
there was still no electricity (but lots of dust, yes!), with a few
lamps set up, I had enough light. The first recovery room got some
exotic animals. I wanted to do something more than just paint cute
animals, so I made them all come out of the wall, as if they were
breaking through the wallpaper. Except the giraffe, she secretly
lifts a corner of the wallpaper. Even though none of the patients
will ever have seen an orangutan or a koala bear, they do have one
thing in common, they all have had cleft lip or palate surgery!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiZ-z_LnsuRJ5-eos6jQpGqtP5KTPEWZxPU4iagTXPrMkI8_cXIylJy6jz7w6vCZuEeGa7ghOLrbXf3Fmoh-hDcuR5UOvGsfusnw2LlH8P7MD4F9Ip9j9qCqcvEUBxRcWv-I0-SkAQW5j/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252827%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiZ-z_LnsuRJ5-eos6jQpGqtP5KTPEWZxPU4iagTXPrMkI8_cXIylJy6jz7w6vCZuEeGa7ghOLrbXf3Fmoh-hDcuR5UOvGsfusnw2LlH8P7MD4F9Ip9j9qCqcvEUBxRcWv-I0-SkAQW5j/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252827%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The second room got a bit of a Dutch
touch with some farm animal and a landscape with windmills above the
door, as request by the sponsor Colour4Kids, as a nod to one of the
biggest donors for this project.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU9YWpNoRI-d-OSuUbZLHHIb5ZVL6-0YghXP8VDCJ_PQAKkPrp96x9N2rLDgdWoXiByuBaM2wf3xg8wEDRHvvrgF_AUTxCyEFERTsaVc4j3t0ym4toVoH0zepZgAqADgaYy1VSmdGA5Lx/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252829%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU9YWpNoRI-d-OSuUbZLHHIb5ZVL6-0YghXP8VDCJ_PQAKkPrp96x9N2rLDgdWoXiByuBaM2wf3xg8wEDRHvvrgF_AUTxCyEFERTsaVc4j3t0ym4toVoH0zepZgAqADgaYy1VSmdGA5Lx/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+February+2020+%252829%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCXZ3fZ-F4v_INLrfPhgfFz-Kw0WSDGn8-CZG1ezQTYF4F5HTfwsTfPcKsxZt3-VHxTWnbHQC1tepXj_b9k44Pd7u0a18AssVGxiw_l6JDoMdB8Pp2sWDU3QxU5jrVzZH4uswoARRBp27/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1115" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCXZ3fZ-F4v_INLrfPhgfFz-Kw0WSDGn8-CZG1ezQTYF4F5HTfwsTfPcKsxZt3-VHxTWnbHQC1tepXj_b9k44Pd7u0a18AssVGxiw_l6JDoMdB8Pp2sWDU3QxU5jrVzZH4uswoARRBp27/w109-h200/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%252812%2529.jpg" width="109" /></a></div><br />In the hall between the two recovery
rooms, I painted a little boy that had long been on my wish list to
use as a model. It's a spectacular photo taken by Tom de Goede of
Fernando, one of the ex-patients of Tess Unlimited, with his radiant
smile as he pulls up his pants with all his might. When I came across
that photo on Facebook, I immediately knew I wanted to paint Fernando
one day. And now he's on the wall, with the logo of the clinic on his
belly. And wearing Dutch clogs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After six days of work, the only thing
missing were small kaleidoscopes of butterflies all throughout the
building, small splashes of colours that would tie the different
spaces together. Tessa also insisted on having a seal in the
bathroom. But then the first Corona case was registered on March 13,
a state of emergency was declared three days later and the world
stood still.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">So I didn't go home at the end of
March, as planned ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUmW8WbhMsWdRgtQexIfNrJED5Da3O1ggUE2I60LynlL6ZjHVSoYeOyl8Folqc7xJRyreRtrXqLN_7yJO3ni7s4jeB-2eD0WMcmequVN5Dj84QitNF9ibsmGwu514ni6sA5cvKVEl5aWz/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+27-8-20+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUmW8WbhMsWdRgtQexIfNrJED5Da3O1ggUE2I60LynlL6ZjHVSoYeOyl8Folqc7xJRyreRtrXqLN_7yJO3ni7s4jeB-2eD0WMcmequVN5Dj84QitNF9ibsmGwu514ni6sA5cvKVEl5aWz/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+27-8-20+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">During the first two months after the
declaration of a state of emergency, everything just stood still in
Guatemala. But after a while things started to move again. A day
without work is a day without food for many Guatemalans. The
construction workers went back to work in the clinic, albeit with
masks and social distancing. In May, Tessa and her team continued to
paint the clinic, using the paint donated by Colour4Kids. I went back
to paint the seal and make some improvements to Fernando.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RT7jMBFpoGqsZ3k4fVm1wi54N9Z2840_V-pzdlAmenIR8jpEHOwU_NpHGe5hFsLPpINkRsft9PxxUgaZmUGe5S5xN0cxDsZhZhD1R4lylh9LBKtzyC970V58OXuHeRenMh-A0iDWjZjn/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RT7jMBFpoGqsZ3k4fVm1wi54N9Z2840_V-pzdlAmenIR8jpEHOwU_NpHGe5hFsLPpINkRsft9PxxUgaZmUGe5S5xN0cxDsZhZhD1R4lylh9LBKtzyC970V58OXuHeRenMh-A0iDWjZjn/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Suddenly it was three months later. The
clinic is basically finished now and butterflies are swarming all
over the building. The first operations are scheduled for April 2021.
It will be wonderful to see some patients there!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKbec03UXpPImKr38MYuHlbJRSRNFEygc4lqz5IzSH93evRCLgGLC1b0jqzLGFGLktxOvxc_-aX46pABBK-4CS7c6_qlnKZ87JBA2xYdEqJNB4sYrTFQ-kuiL0Hul2kjXi29CJg4spQEC/s1024/20200827_173249-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKbec03UXpPImKr38MYuHlbJRSRNFEygc4lqz5IzSH93evRCLgGLC1b0jqzLGFGLktxOvxc_-aX46pABBK-4CS7c6_qlnKZ87JBA2xYdEqJNB4sYrTFQ-kuiL0Hul2kjXi29CJg4spQEC/w400-h400/20200827_173249-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This project was made possible thanks
to the <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour4Kids</a> Foundation that not only financed the murals, but
all the paint for the entire clinic. Thanks so much!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA_xb1enDBuJLip4yhEM_pQ6Ep8d70bicTllogyGT6f9-Avqepwhyphenhyphenpnb_JQzcBXP9IOjdmk5SuXC_QoURDSv_YrNpgxH_gRX8f6c4EWSyHK4BgmK1faV5EUK6of5QYSc5vVauQ7kMwT6I/s2048/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA_xb1enDBuJLip4yhEM_pQ6Ep8d70bicTllogyGT6f9-Avqepwhyphenhyphenpnb_JQzcBXP9IOjdmk5SuXC_QoURDSv_YrNpgxH_gRX8f6c4EWSyHK4BgmK1faV5EUK6of5QYSc5vVauQ7kMwT6I/w400-h300/Tess+Unlimited+6-5-20+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-34010618813696580052020-08-08T12:36:00.005-07:002020-08-14T08:15:12.472-07:00Happy Dog Mural<p> </p><p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvGDSlD98_l4NkImvt9_sjtoEhta5JpFCgp1N15xOhgnyeBuS-QnYHjql08HYt-H5LjlwYOMjQ4vRmUEXYOgdoZemuJAvqsVUZN1RRbV6RbebWJ-P3QgC0DndODZeCto6ASYvV93PRK0s/s2536/Spot+El+Chucho+Feliz+500+x+220cm+August+2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="2536" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvGDSlD98_l4NkImvt9_sjtoEhta5JpFCgp1N15xOhgnyeBuS-QnYHjql08HYt-H5LjlwYOMjQ4vRmUEXYOgdoZemuJAvqsVUZN1RRbV6RbebWJ-P3QgC0DndODZeCto6ASYvV93PRK0s/w400-h196/Spot+El+Chucho+Feliz+500+x+220cm+August+2020.jpg" title="Spot, El Chucho Feliz!" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot, The Happy Dog<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It isn't a big mural, this
latest one, only 5 x 2.2 meter, but it incorporated everything that
makes painting a mural fun and challenging: soaring heat, threatening
skies, ultimately a tremendous rainstorm, some big fat flies that
would not leave us alone and the sheer pleasure of painting on a
large scale. Even better to do it together with my assistant Henry
and painting one of my very favourite subject matters: a dog!<p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDfQ-AexLwk0qWcdEemFVyGJ-zRO3jPhN7MUTC-NkwgEkiaeXyhHYvvAvWf5G2LYfODH5RkeiLrK5BoCoi36tfmiLlzGaL9bldZ43_zcYHrz3JPA10f7m4BAv3Kv8tZlhcH297A8z77BS/s2048/IMG_20200805_104148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDfQ-AexLwk0qWcdEemFVyGJ-zRO3jPhN7MUTC-NkwgEkiaeXyhHYvvAvWf5G2LYfODH5RkeiLrK5BoCoi36tfmiLlzGaL9bldZ43_zcYHrz3JPA10f7m4BAv3Kv8tZlhcH297A8z77BS/w400-h300/IMG_20200805_104148.jpg" title="Henry Calel sketching" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Calel sketching<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We painted this mural at
the entrance of<a href="https://elchuchofeliz.com/" target="_blank"> El Chucho Feliz</a> (The Happy Dog), a facility that
offers training, daycare and accommodation for dogs in Antigua
Guatemala. The dog depicted is a special one. I never had the
pleasure to meet him in person, but the stories about Spot are
legendary. He was a Great Dane, born deaf and blind. Completely white
with just one black spot. A gentle giant who, after being rescued,
lived a happy live at El Chucho Feliz. Sadly, Spot suddenly got ill
earlier this year and crossed the rainbow bridge. Spot touched the
lives of all who knew him and will be fondly remembered. This painted
tribute will help to do so.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73u11DkILykZzIf36FcdMuFndyrD3WtoVDcwlHsslDTgNmN0rMDXiZPpIeAw2kx6mRLieagtrEbm2BaPqk8mDy6TwZZGzyNUSjORo6caSZVspc7LwTV7kgxjVMEQT1-pju2eKUa0Ty10m/s2048/IMG_20200805_124906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73u11DkILykZzIf36FcdMuFndyrD3WtoVDcwlHsslDTgNmN0rMDXiZPpIeAw2kx6mRLieagtrEbm2BaPqk8mDy6TwZZGzyNUSjORo6caSZVspc7LwTV7kgxjVMEQT1-pju2eKUa0Ty10m/w400-h300/IMG_20200805_124906.jpg" title="Work in progress" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress (42ºC in the sun, no wind!)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">El Chucho Feliz has plenty
of wall space, so hopefully this won't the last one!</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQd4C2QHvt8zMQJyFKaIGnFHbVZQzcuvLe4j66D6MOUCrVpEkBtdIWLnhjv0WNBBBMA_4z_jYAwjdRTGNFLJG_T7McBl73H4xobsQToVrggwMySw3ewEIotmnRScQx3c_ANWRj5-B_Jif/s2048/Chillie+53+x+41+cm+April+2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQd4C2QHvt8zMQJyFKaIGnFHbVZQzcuvLe4j66D6MOUCrVpEkBtdIWLnhjv0WNBBBMA_4z_jYAwjdRTGNFLJG_T7McBl73H4xobsQToVrggwMySw3ewEIotmnRScQx3c_ANWRj5-B_Jif/w313-h400/Chillie+53+x+41+cm+April+2020.jpg" title="Chilli (portrait by Carin Steen)" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli (portrait by Carin Steen)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This mural was sponsored
by another great dog, though much smaller in size, the ever smiling
Chilli with her wiggly butt. She's one of the dogs I've been sitting
while stuck in Guatemala and I couldn't have wished for a better
companion! Chili loves it at El Chucho Feliz, and has learned tons
from Marjolaine Perrault, hence this mural sponsored by her owners in
appreciation for all the good care. Thank you so much, Chilli & Co!!!</p>
<p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7B9cTOjH6Qtx5N_ij2VZmAIDo08UCiZAu3BwjtmUUVCBJPZ-9q-8GSn44dGlPfNtXCwVoiwXkTBLWNrTXg7qrkkmqBY0bSU7sH0vWoDzmt4R3zEtZRHEYGTFgy2PLyOF-vSh6yw1jovY/s2048/IMG_20200807_110440.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7B9cTOjH6Qtx5N_ij2VZmAIDo08UCiZAu3BwjtmUUVCBJPZ-9q-8GSn44dGlPfNtXCwVoiwXkTBLWNrTXg7qrkkmqBY0bSU7sH0vWoDzmt4R3zEtZRHEYGTFgy2PLyOF-vSh6yw1jovY/w400-h277/IMG_20200807_110440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot and me</td></tr></tbody></table><p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz1Scs2SptwfSq5OYBWuXVyQeMvV0zZuNIyyPoxhMmzCwPSizbBZ0l7FVxFOG9T2QTe4DAkDQVWk9g-4pOaUopJDa6RcyW1_3hmKcUsWmEfsOQcvqCd2DkJ3hBPh9VWmZwI-b-G2SQ3zi/s2048/Chilli+Door.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz1Scs2SptwfSq5OYBWuXVyQeMvV0zZuNIyyPoxhMmzCwPSizbBZ0l7FVxFOG9T2QTe4DAkDQVWk9g-4pOaUopJDa6RcyW1_3hmKcUsWmEfsOQcvqCd2DkJ3hBPh9VWmZwI-b-G2SQ3zi/w400-h300/Chilli+Door.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another one of Chilli...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5o2IDZrIjdsEeB-d9Rf1JDEh7y1RnIZNiM6qQYak7bGz8W-y0tyGDaxLkt5JcKE5w0kuZqPSVC1dPmaCoGBxduK9l6NpfTg4T7r5pOUXJJwz5_NGCneqIowtisyrWNGBBfRG51lAIvRm/s2048/IMG_20200807_110724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5o2IDZrIjdsEeB-d9Rf1JDEh7y1RnIZNiM6qQYak7bGz8W-y0tyGDaxLkt5JcKE5w0kuZqPSVC1dPmaCoGBxduK9l6NpfTg4T7r5pOUXJJwz5_NGCneqIowtisyrWNGBBfRG51lAIvRm/w400-h300/IMG_20200807_110724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2oCZupjCPqQpES2lGjMXBXFfjdhwWpIlOLqib76W2xM-DywLJHewMqD5xBRZM8tMaoOeU1ydVyydhDMr_bLB3Uth5rWulLUvR_9jv0-5bu85ScMNRiOiIfkKdVt-ixnRDN_3VQOXMROF/s2048/IMG_20200807_110715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2oCZupjCPqQpES2lGjMXBXFfjdhwWpIlOLqib76W2xM-DywLJHewMqD5xBRZM8tMaoOeU1ydVyydhDMr_bLB3Uth5rWulLUvR_9jv0-5bu85ScMNRiOiIfkKdVt-ixnRDN_3VQOXMROF/w384-h512/IMG_20200807_110715.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><p lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-67026495964429903732020-06-30T16:45:00.002-07:002020-06-30T16:50:31.132-07:00 A New Mural in the Old Capital<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XtWH9_xLTtja7pgOJ0rdSph5eScFIYUqrbheAW7_8osqQHbGtxQSRVPmVdkPdPC_GCSMQa01nIw_OcHTtAi202Dn_99bHZhy5mhHmFffbG85PT_RWhUuJ6vo_p-zl1lBjKcG8ypsHPcC/s1600/IMG_20200627_163243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XtWH9_xLTtja7pgOJ0rdSph5eScFIYUqrbheAW7_8osqQHbGtxQSRVPmVdkPdPC_GCSMQa01nIw_OcHTtAi202Dn_99bHZhy5mhHmFffbG85PT_RWhUuJ6vo_p-zl1lBjKcG8ypsHPcC/s400/IMG_20200627_163243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Driving through Ciudad
Vieja, the former capital of Guatemala, is hardly eventful. Besides a
glimpse of the brilliantly whitewashed cathedral with the Agua
volcano as a backdrop, the town is unremarkable and mostly full of
traffic. Even in the midst of a pandemic, without the regular flock
of chicken busses and only alternating plates allowed to circulate,
traffic is overwhelming and crossing the road is not for the feint of
heart.</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The streets are narrow,
with one-story homes and businesses on both sides, leaving little
space for pedestrians. Whereas the architecture is mostly typical
colonial, the paint is too drab, the walls too covered with fading
ads, the air too polluted for the town to be considered beautiful.</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How different it must have
been in its heyday! It wasn't called Ciudad Vieja (Old City) then,
and it wasn't the country's first capital either. That one was named
Guatemala, which means 'Forested Land' in Nahuatl, the language of
the Spanish's allies who came from what is now Mexico. This Maya
Kakchiquel settlement, Iximché, the second most important city in
the Guatemalan highlands, was declared capital in 1524. It didn't
last long. The Kaqchikel were initially allies but soon started to
rebel against the Spanish conquistadors. They deserted the city
which two yers later was burned down by the Spanish. They packed
their bags, saddled up and founded a new capital on the south-west
slope of the Agua volcano in 1527, July 25<sup>th</sup>, feast day of
Saint James for which the town was called Santiago de los Caballeros.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The big boss in town was
Pedro Alvarado, but he was off fighting the indigenous further up
north in what is now Mexico. It didn't go too well and while dying on
the battlefield, he bequeathed his wealth and right to rule to his
wife, the Spanish noblewoman Beatriz de la Cueva (not his first wife,
he was previously wedded to Beatriz's sister Francisca, until she
died). Beatriz received notice on August 28<sup>th</sup> and was
besides herself with grief. She immediately ordered the walls of the
beautiful palace, overlooking the town, to be painted black, both
inside and out. But she wasn't so out of it that she forgot about her
responsibilities. Actually, her brother Francisco had been put in
charge during her husband's absence and it was only logical that he
would continue with his duties. But no, Beatriz summoned him and the
rest of the city's upper crust and declared that she would take over
from that moment on. On September 9<sup>th</sup>, she signed the
paperwork that put her in power as “la sin ventura”, the
unfortunate one, because of her recent loss. Little did she know
there was much more to lose...</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because... there was a
plot against her.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The royal treasurer and
his supporters had been planning a coup for the early morning of
September 11<sup>th</sup>. But Beatriz, now the first female governor
in the New World, found out about it and sent her brother Lieutenant
Francisco, in charge of day-to-day matters, to arrest the men. They
hid in an abandoned house and avoided arrest.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, history might have
taken a turn right then and there if it weren't for a combination of
unfortunate natural disasters. There are conflicted theories of what
really happened, but most versions contain one or more of the
following phenomena: a strong earthquake; the wall of a volcanic lake
collapsing causing a flood; extensive rain; mudslides; lahar.</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Beatriz heard the rumble,
grabbed her little daughter by the arm and ran for shelter in the
chapel. Unfortunately, the roof of the chapel collapsed and crushed
her to death. And that was the end of it, both for the first female
governor and for the second capital of Guatemala. (Some have used
this story to illustrate the fact that women should not enter
politics, but that is, of course, utter nonsense.)
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The town was completely
destroyed. But two years later, we're in 1543 now, a new capital
arose in the nearby Panchoy valley, carrying the same name of
Santiago de los Caballeros, now known as Antigua (as in “Ancient
Guatemala” versus “Guatemala”, the current capital).
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The town suffered major
earthquakes in 1565, 1575, 1577, 1585, 1717 and 1751. But the one in
1773, that destroyed major parts of town, was the last straw and lead
to the decision to move the capital once and for all to its current
location.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And to make a really long
story short, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what this post is
about: a new mural, in Ciudad Vieja!</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Corona virus has
affected my mural plans quite a bit. I was just about to start
painting with a group of adolescents in Alotenango, after a week of
preparatory workshops, when the schools were closed and the state of
emergency announced on March 16. It is very unlikely we'll be able to
continue the project this year, so I was looking for other
opportunities.</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
About two years ago, one
of my neighbours in Antigua asked me if I could paint a mural at the
school she worked for in Ciudad Vieja. I promised I'd keep it in
mind, but nothing ever came of it.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While discussing the
future of the Alotenango project with the kids' teacher, he told me
that his wife is director of a small school and she very much would
like a mural. Turns out it was the same school in Ciudad Vieja, so it
felt like it was meant to be.</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of course normally we
would involve the kids in the project, but with the schools closed,
there was no way. Logistically there were some challenges (no public
transportation, alternating circulation of cars etc.) as well as our
safety to think about. But in the end it turned out to be a perfect
project under these circumstances.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh6ge_bfxiV-PEHue6pYiEuUSanAsJ5PUJEeLBTU_7kkF-VeY6WCqvceFelq-VexwSAbW0qveXyjLJKqcZGu1Th4lB30aV4n1DyCpD3WC0BAIqgDFyNW9YoiclYq8yIWyREZGajsyUpXI/s1600/IMG-20200604-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh6ge_bfxiV-PEHue6pYiEuUSanAsJ5PUJEeLBTU_7kkF-VeY6WCqvceFelq-VexwSAbW0qveXyjLJKqcZGu1Th4lB30aV4n1DyCpD3WC0BAIqgDFyNW9YoiclYq8yIWyREZGajsyUpXI/s400/IMG-20200604-WA0006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The school is located in
one of those buzzling, narrow side streets of Ciudad Vieja, this part
of town well known for its woodworkers and coffin manufacturers. The
school was founded in 2009 by a group of teachers who wanted to offer
quality education to children from nearby rural communities whose
parents had come to Ciudad Vieja to look for work or because they had
lost their homes. These children come from difficult and very poor
backgrounds, quite often behind in their academic skills. The school
currently caters to 58 elementary students and 12 kids in
kindergarten.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7jr6gc_6Fb_BqrmijITaVtWZkNGh3JLB40RAxBL4svQd8UroEs0pTZ_5CE77C78UKCY7RKCqqQYFPhnng9dp7clyOuHW7NxltU6YmOjTC3m3yd-hBRfYGxIUpD0vy714oB4s3VAzQ5c/s1600/IMG_20200627_164357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7jr6gc_6Fb_BqrmijITaVtWZkNGh3JLB40RAxBL4svQd8UroEs0pTZ_5CE77C78UKCY7RKCqqQYFPhnng9dp7clyOuHW7NxltU6YmOjTC3m3yd-hBRfYGxIUpD0vy714oB4s3VAzQ5c/s400/IMG_20200627_164357.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Soon, the school will have
its own digital library. The teahers already made space for it, but
it just looked like a dump. And that's were MuralArte Guate came in.
I decided on a background of monochrome colours, in the same colour
scheme as the logo of the project that is called Monocramía. It now
looks a bit like Guatemalan typical fabric. On it are several dots or
holes with scenes representing various elements of life: outer space,
jungle, kids with books, the ocean and a scenic view of Ciudad Vieja
with its cathedral and volcano in the background. There's also a
laptop representing modern technology and a cable connecting all
these elements.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was so nice to be
painting a mural again, together with my fabulous assistant Henry
Calel. Such a pity we couldn't involve kids in the process, but we
hope they'll enjoy their new library a lot.
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnRQ8QGr0r8dQ98Q3nztOT9qk4eoXvDjt0uTf9AfMiCTeCvO25kRT6HF-LTcoSQ1lgsHU7VMwXK3DuO9l5h96Vt230fAXcr6KbK6LNEcujqL9aSqK5zQq7-zSfW_lC83JmLbqm6AZl3IN/s1600/IMG_20200625_150444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnRQ8QGr0r8dQ98Q3nztOT9qk4eoXvDjt0uTf9AfMiCTeCvO25kRT6HF-LTcoSQ1lgsHU7VMwXK3DuO9l5h96Vt230fAXcr6KbK6LNEcujqL9aSqK5zQq7-zSfW_lC83JmLbqm6AZl3IN/s320/IMG_20200625_150444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This mural was made
possible thanks to a legacy of the Eben Ha<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ë</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">zer
Church in Klazienaveen in Holland. </span>
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<br />Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-65738657481902135482020-03-12T11:04:00.003-07:002020-08-14T08:18:03.740-07:00Ancient Art and Modern Kids in Alotenango
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIZUTV6Jcebz5JIilT22ODynp5ytDXPDZnBIURj4z08NhN1DPw1EGJhgDdPzAH4BxykipTGGRbL7YMSIWGtfsd4n5jJsKPf8UbIcSybNZ67mLdVJc__1PQMZCRzwTLzs224HVS6YUAsio/s1600/Taller+5-3-20+%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIZUTV6Jcebz5JIilT22ODynp5ytDXPDZnBIURj4z08NhN1DPw1EGJhgDdPzAH4BxykipTGGRbL7YMSIWGtfsd4n5jJsKPf8UbIcSybNZ67mLdVJc__1PQMZCRzwTLzs224HVS6YUAsio/s400/Taller+5-3-20+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The
early afternoon light makes colours pop out even more. Overwhelming
fuchia-pink and purple bougainvillea grows over bright white walls,
set against a deep blue sky. Dramatic clouds of cotton white and
menacing grey, with little shades of grey (much less 50) in between,
flock around the top of the volcano. </span>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Blurry
colours flash by the windows as the bus speeds over the highway,
weaving in and out of traffic, faster than the Knight Bus in Harry
Potter. Music blares over the speakers, but not loud enough for the
driver to stop talking on his phone. Who needs hands on the steering
wheel when the bus and its load is protected by a teary-eyed Jesus
over the rear view mirror, flanked by two Playboy bunny silhouettes?</span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">No
room for more thoughts as the <i>ayudante</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
wriggles his way through the isle, squeezing through tight packed
bodies while charging $0,50 for the ride. Just ten more minutes of
elbows, buttocks and thighs. I'm on my way to work.</span></span><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A
little over a year ago I promised the kids of the </span><i>Escuela
Comunitaria de Arte</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (a municipal
art course) in Alotenango to come back and here I am, for a series of
workshops and the creation of a mural. And as usual in Guatemala, the
project is yet again one big lesson in patience and flexibility. </span></span>
</div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">My
initial plan was to paint a mural in the classroom where the course
is being taught. The teacher and kids were all for it, we got the new
mayor's permission too, but after the Christmas holidays, the space
looked like this:</span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLvorypIN_eBe_EeUfn_PwhLNA9JuJKQZh-yqZ9JJ8NJjkroUelBDMJolGRCB3Ttk3_fj2pNBuCvDlLpxhpjVyM-IMAO5yMIdNP4RDGW1tv5PtQGuEGB7NpqAI-jpv6oqp-SHjkYdUiSU/s1600/IMG_20200210_153300.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLvorypIN_eBe_EeUfn_PwhLNA9JuJKQZh-yqZ9JJ8NJjkroUelBDMJolGRCB3Ttk3_fj2pNBuCvDlLpxhpjVyM-IMAO5yMIdNP4RDGW1tv5PtQGuEGB7NpqAI-jpv6oqp-SHjkYdUiSU/s400/IMG_20200210_153300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now,
two months later, the space looks like this:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLvorypIN_eBe_EeUfn_PwhLNA9JuJKQZh-yqZ9JJ8NJjkroUelBDMJolGRCB3Ttk3_fj2pNBuCvDlLpxhpjVyM-IMAO5yMIdNP4RDGW1tv5PtQGuEGB7NpqAI-jpv6oqp-SHjkYdUiSU/s1600/IMG_20200210_153300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLvorypIN_eBe_EeUfn_PwhLNA9JuJKQZh-yqZ9JJ8NJjkroUelBDMJolGRCB3Ttk3_fj2pNBuCvDlLpxhpjVyM-IMAO5yMIdNP4RDGW1tv5PtQGuEGB7NpqAI-jpv6oqp-SHjkYdUiSU/s400/IMG_20200210_153300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And
since the mayor has only recently been installed, things are moving
sloooowly...</span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Nonetheless,
teacher Rolando and his students have been assigned another space, on
the top floor of a lawyer's office, which is located above a
convenience store and something they call here a “bookshop”. It
sounds big, but it isn't, much less for 20 students. But it does have
a perfect view over the soon to be painted wall, a stair-step-shaped
partition of the sport complex across the street. When we asked the
mayor permission to paint this wall, I was planning on the side
within the sport complex, but this side, facing a busy road, is much
more visible. And since we didn't specify which side we wanted to
paint in the first place, we decided to go for the more public side.
But I'm getting ahead of things...</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHjfZS9F-1JNQeieKxwPCug4XgphUJiAGy_DaJuftT8rhl3v9J4__NSumxgEeliugoG8KQMXbn90BXlsuDW8Ig1YCt_ZfCwFNLnQr7ze5m_tm7NGUveu8ofBQXSc_PDPdUBb9aYzx8FRJ/s1600/Taller+5-3-20+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHjfZS9F-1JNQeieKxwPCug4XgphUJiAGy_DaJuftT8rhl3v9J4__NSumxgEeliugoG8KQMXbn90BXlsuDW8Ig1YCt_ZfCwFNLnQr7ze5m_tm7NGUveu8ofBQXSc_PDPdUBb9aYzx8FRJ/s400/Taller+5-3-20+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soon to be painted wall, the sport complex and in the background the Agua Volcano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDecJcLyKOfKgb_YdoNvJjcRE17-7YF2N8GyHCe9bBAPydDwcW5Gf6anHhPmXKJKw27oqSYmKw66HBCoX7P2RIYney6F9cOWKSQDKHzcb_3R3wiBfFiX4uG_ba2epjVJAMiObJS4IJZqvA/s1600/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+0+A+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDecJcLyKOfKgb_YdoNvJjcRE17-7YF2N8GyHCe9bBAPydDwcW5Gf6anHhPmXKJKw27oqSYmKw66HBCoX7P2RIYney6F9cOWKSQDKHzcb_3R3wiBfFiX4uG_ba2epjVJAMiObJS4IJZqvA/s200/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+0+A+copy.jpg" width="154" /></a><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
started preparing this project back in December and the worksheets I
was working on soon turned into a 45-page manual. It begins with a
section on murals throughout the history of art and goes on to
explain in detailed matter how to create a community mural, including
on how to collaboratively decide on a theme and design. Adding a
section on art history might seem a bit unnecessary, but most of the
kids I wrote the manual for have very little access to any cultural
context, and I know from experience they are actually very much into
it. Especially this group of 20 students. The youngest is 8, the
oldest in her 60s, but most of the students are between 12 and 16
years old. So far I spent a whole week teaching art history and it
was great fun! From the earliest cave paintings we went on to study
the Maya murals of Bonampak, San Bartolo and Calakmul. The Romans
taught us about fresco technique and in the section about medieval
art we discovered how the image of Jesus Christ has changed over the
centuries, with lots of intercultural Copy/Paste. The kids had no
idea that the first depictions of Jesus were actually of a chubby boy
with curly hair and a wand. Or that Nike's logo represents a wing of
the Greek goddess of victory. </span></span>
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<div lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Furthermore
we dove into the Renaissance, the Mexican revolution, all the way to
today's graffiti and street art. </span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTHqwJuGg6ivrsmkHk7YQHUuDYPX38J2ymv2ukv4yG-ap7Z5_J5SzKAHMY6GBCuwnuK5kgM77kILMPczksZVUFR-jlqkriRh6oOjkSem1CjZDXP26qO-iPWJdmGae3S7hCbfO-Luv4rZ1/s1600/Taller+3-3-20+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTHqwJuGg6ivrsmkHk7YQHUuDYPX38J2ymv2ukv4yG-ap7Z5_J5SzKAHMY6GBCuwnuK5kgM77kILMPczksZVUFR-jlqkriRh6oOjkSem1CjZDXP26qO-iPWJdmGae3S7hCbfO-Luv4rZ1/s400/Taller+3-3-20+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
teacher has asked me to consider including some samples of different
art movements in the mural, even before he knew I was going to teach
some art history workshops. So that was a given. To take the idea
even further, I figured it would be nice if the students would paint
several famous artworks on the wall, as if they were hanging there,
framed and all. It would not only be a great exercise in painting a
mural and a fun exploration through the history of art, but a
permanent art exhibition in the classroom!</span></span></div>
<div lang="" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If
only the space hadn't been stocked up to the ceiling with toilets....</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AyfDL3Z3jwZ0jCk6QiJlUwRyg2qxhqMroIUh3cgcx-9d5vYlhHGX0NHk0Kq9e9Sz5RqEU6D-h1KlaFRZgDfRU0Dv2Q7ysiYM-rNV1j-F0YpCSoRrpxWCLOcB0YKR1rqkHyFT14D_WrYr/s1600/Taller+6-3-20+%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AyfDL3Z3jwZ0jCk6QiJlUwRyg2qxhqMroIUh3cgcx-9d5vYlhHGX0NHk0Kq9e9Sz5RqEU6D-h1KlaFRZgDfRU0Dv2Q7ysiYM-rNV1j-F0YpCSoRrpxWCLOcB0YKR1rqkHyFT14D_WrYr/s400/Taller+6-3-20+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Plan
B. We still painted famous artworks, but on cardboard. Unfortunately
on a much smaller scale (because of lack of space), but otherwise
with pretty much the same techniques. It wasn't easy, especially how
to figure out what scale to use for the grid, but all in all the
students did well and learned a lot. We have a few more things to go
over before we start the real work on Monday....</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz6HhLa7zNxtnEKUYDaDOaqygziYb0AG72JoK6aqklL8P5IDMx9EsYvHKWMe3SxZrl3DndmufFf5Y5SAHsLg_Mk68TABCitAiHLE_eEVz2QdEJiDaD4PHDf5dFlUgG6oEvCN6rEWPdvWi/s1600/Collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz6HhLa7zNxtnEKUYDaDOaqygziYb0AG72JoK6aqklL8P5IDMx9EsYvHKWMe3SxZrl3DndmufFf5Y5SAHsLg_Mk68TABCitAiHLE_eEVz2QdEJiDaD4PHDf5dFlUgG6oEvCN6rEWPdvWi/s400/Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
project in process is being sponsored by Dr, Jim Bader. The manual is sponsored by the Dutch foundation Colour4Kids. </span></span>
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<span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">To
be continued!</span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-28400009628440726872020-02-09T09:03:00.005-08:002020-02-09T09:03:51.579-08:00A Forest for Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1YBg8mc9GDEY5F4TWOe2d8mTY0c6Oo8ZT3b2QLn2vKG2DigcuDBW3lyaTPHytU5OdZe3LfldGuCLa-RWs9NFgZhQx1Ox41QFPlhePY-3HPmMu4HiHt3ivzntUNmKXW_-VuyUuZH5uHaL/s1600/IMG_20200207_143935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1YBg8mc9GDEY5F4TWOe2d8mTY0c6Oo8ZT3b2QLn2vKG2DigcuDBW3lyaTPHytU5OdZe3LfldGuCLa-RWs9NFgZhQx1Ox41QFPlhePY-3HPmMu4HiHt3ivzntUNmKXW_-VuyUuZH5uHaL/s400/IMG_20200207_143935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If it's true that the
purring of cats lowers your cortisol while raising serotonin and
oxytocin levels, then I'm now as relaxed as one can physically be.
Two days in a cat shelter does that to you, especially while doing
what I love most: painting murals.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaexsXGeGBqO_OJXvXuDOd7Njkm7J6q9fVltGr_MpNjf7IvBGyLORnxf_dFufY4TTyzI3bOrXfkrHdWV4lRMy-zpzIiLYkz9_FXD0qbVxZBd8gfzYWQp-ULQUqslQM1dH5OAZPvC5Yu4G/s1600/IMG_20200207_155959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaexsXGeGBqO_OJXvXuDOd7Njkm7J6q9fVltGr_MpNjf7IvBGyLORnxf_dFufY4TTyzI3bOrXfkrHdWV4lRMy-zpzIiLYkz9_FXD0qbVxZBd8gfzYWQp-ULQUqslQM1dH5OAZPvC5Yu4G/s400/IMG_20200207_155959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After a seven month pause
(due to my move to Spain), it was great to pick up a brush again and
even more so doing it at one of my favourite spots in Antigua
Guatemala, <a href="http://unidosparalosanimales.org/" target="_blank">Unidos para los Animales</a>' rescue.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In 2018 I painted a
tropical garden at the cats´ home while new walls were erected on
both sides of the garden. Now those walls were ready, as smooth and
white as can be. An 18 meter long canvas waiting to be transformed.
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The request was to paint
trees, birds, nature. Since the tropical garden with its kittens is
pretty wild, colour-wise, I opted for a more subdued design this
time. Soft pastels in the background with trees in shades of a
greenish blue. The result? You decide for your self.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP6suyhZrYzctAhBcW5KT8xdSz77RE_n2hd2PkncEnBkQQlSdFnN522mjXOa_An0uaYLBxGAb-7vR7BVneKFttoC4l1MbyM5EKxu6VNVZgJWR0PwMJKOCgbiUusJE1mV16PcCAdxr36uT/s1600/IMG_20200207_155632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP6suyhZrYzctAhBcW5KT8xdSz77RE_n2hd2PkncEnBkQQlSdFnN522mjXOa_An0uaYLBxGAb-7vR7BVneKFttoC4l1MbyM5EKxu6VNVZgJWR0PwMJKOCgbiUusJE1mV16PcCAdxr36uT/s400/IMG_20200207_155632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Besides the constant
back-rubs and occasional affectionate nibbles by the cats, it was
also great to see my human friends at the rescue and to work again
with my assistant Henry Navarijo Calel. He has painted a few murals
himself in my absence and he is getting really good!
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhph5BrK2GGCfv_8UQLP9-IL0HaCKN1uL5oeloJaCxRAjKKSba5nNQXkk8ol1DxgSZ2IjRWDICyw72YA66N-VKPsG6XGIKjm4_msOtNV3x2wtKcSXBIkq5L_3BjizjXS0KA4XzV1q_gA1/s1600/IMG_20200206_130518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhph5BrK2GGCfv_8UQLP9-IL0HaCKN1uL5oeloJaCxRAjKKSba5nNQXkk8ol1DxgSZ2IjRWDICyw72YA66N-VKPsG6XGIKjm4_msOtNV3x2wtKcSXBIkq5L_3BjizjXS0KA4XzV1q_gA1/s400/IMG_20200206_130518.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry and Macey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, one mural down! More
to come in the next few weeks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7Zn8sQrbyFH1Nwk3hBebI_6hBNkhYtUBq2Cw9pWJ881Dc3GyDg9TKXxuKZy6XfrSw5SP2RhZ3JxJFjxmqqdrrQuC8B43RBZHRm209MuTajBFX8JOxV-UZuh7pQG4cSfnvCDYeF6FZBE5/s1600/IMG_20200207_160446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7Zn8sQrbyFH1Nwk3hBebI_6hBNkhYtUBq2Cw9pWJ881Dc3GyDg9TKXxuKZy6XfrSw5SP2RhZ3JxJFjxmqqdrrQuC8B43RBZHRm209MuTajBFX8JOxV-UZuh7pQG4cSfnvCDYeF6FZBE5/s400/IMG_20200207_160446.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3216799506478518060.post-45890761869480467032020-01-13T05:14:00.002-08:002020-01-13T05:14:50.247-08:00The brand new Manual for Making Murals!!!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zVcxNT6hXPQ-lGXAQZgfHTzWpmeA-7SSKYzOyVqTTP2kc2ubFvoF5KQOEYzxlEBV7a7q2iLFAHfQOmCBlJCdI0_UjXor75EsS15pkzqppGP5aiCK8t7L4tXn79q4N8K2nEnCRjoH4qtG/s1600/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+0+A+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zVcxNT6hXPQ-lGXAQZgfHTzWpmeA-7SSKYzOyVqTTP2kc2ubFvoF5KQOEYzxlEBV7a7q2iLFAHfQOmCBlJCdI0_UjXor75EsS15pkzqppGP5aiCK8t7L4tXn79q4N8K2nEnCRjoH4qtG/s400/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+0+A+copy.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My trip to Guatemala is
coming closer and I'm very excited about the two projects on my
agenda! One is painting a mural in the two dorms of a brand new
clinic for children with cleft lip and palate, currently under
construction, by <a href="http://tessunlimited.nl/en/" target="_blank">Tess Unlimited</a>. This project is sponsored by the
Dutch foundation <a href="https://www.colour4kids.nl/" target="_blank">Colour 4 Kids</a>.
</div>
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</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
The other project is a
mural with the students (age 9-17) of Alotenango´s municipal art
course. I'll be teaching the kids over the course of two weeks about
the history of muralism, how to create one from scratch, how to pick
a theme etc. This project is generously sponsored by Dr. Jim Bader.</div>
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</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
While I was working on my
lesson plans, the worksheets were getting more and more elaborate and
I figured it would be pretty cool to actually turn them into a a real
book. And so the <i>Manual for Making Murals</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was born!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">It's
43 pages long and includes:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">A short history of muralism through the centuries (prehistoric art, ancient Maya culture, Roman murals, medieval art, Renaissance, Mexican muralism, street art and graffiti)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Colour (colour theory, colour psychology)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Why painting community murals (impact, audience, how to get involved)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Picking a theme (exercise to collaboratively pick a theme)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Making a design (composition, background, symbolism, scale, enlarging through grid)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Preparing the work (prepping the wall, getting materials ready, how to take care of equipment)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Painting the mural (how to divide the work, mix paints, cleanup)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The aftermath... (inauguration, press release, credits, thanks, report etc.)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
manual is written in Spanish and include a lot of activities for kids
to do. The graphic design is in black and white, to make reproduction
cheap and easy. (The coloured cover is optional). Right now I'm the
process of finishing editing (many thanks to Neyla González for her
corrections) and then the mural is ready for print! The students in
Alotenango will of course each receive a copy, thanks to the Colour 4
Kids Foundation. </span>
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">For
the near future, the idea is to offer the manual in PDF format to
whomever plans to create a community mural, in exchange for a $25
donation towards </span><i>MuralArte'</i><span style="font-style: normal;">s
projects.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Soon
more news on these upcoming projects!!!</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9-EFkLH5bSaWKOhpTKs7A1LgF5Yq8RWU-ml9c4l5zxPFQIr12JF421e01wiAP-PjS5EZ3ns02yMVmE8jzE7aKEBpElMIcak5botJ1WSlHMD9gcNR6ne8qjn2H2luZo3NPc3-g4iObrfG/s1600/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+30+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9-EFkLH5bSaWKOhpTKs7A1LgF5Yq8RWU-ml9c4l5zxPFQIr12JF421e01wiAP-PjS5EZ3ns02yMVmE8jzE7aKEBpElMIcak5botJ1WSlHMD9gcNR6ne8qjn2H2luZo3NPc3-g4iObrfG/s400/Manual+Muralismo+Pagina+30+.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Carin Steenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861147737101486587noreply@blogger.com