Project Launch:

Tomas, a Peruvian rural community of 500 people situated 3400 meters above sea level in the Andes has a rich Quechua tradition of color and weaving and art. Regrettably, there’s now little opportunity for young people to express those traditions. Through a high school art group, called Equipo Verde, some students are learning not just self expression through art but to honor and respect the beauty of their enviornment in the process. Thanks to a Kids Connect funded program, an art competition focusing on Earth, Fire, Air and Humanity, will allow students to use traditional canvas and paint, along with found objects, recycled goods and anything else they’re able to incorporate into their finished works. The final art show will be a community event with the mayor awarding the winning classroom and a distinguished panel of local leaders awarding others in the group.