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Mon through Fri at 12pm, Mon through Thu at 9pm |
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Global Activism: Art Helps Haitian Children
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Photo by Judy Hoffman |
For our Global Activism series, we hear from Judy Hoffman, Co-Founder and President of Art Creation Foundation for Children, a non profit arts organization that works with children in Jacmel, Haiti. The kids produce traditional Haitian arts and crafts pieces. Some of their art work is on display at Ridge Art here in Oak Park.
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Helen Moag, Evanston, IL // Thursday, August 20, 2009 @ 1:46 PM
The artwork is wonderful..I am so happy Judy Hoffman has shared it with us. A remarkable woman.
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Mike, West Lafayette, Indiana // Friday, August 21, 2009 @ 8:34 AM
I find these efforts a bit disturbing. "Let them sell art" seems a bit too similar to "Let them eat cake".
The Art Creation Foundation for Children also gives us a not-too-subtle warning at their web portal about the results of non-cooperation on the contributors' part:
"We are all cutting back re spending but if we cut back here, these children lose the opportunity to be literate and some day sell their art and manage their businesses - and not have to starve or get on a boat that might sink en route to Florida, to escape Haiti."
I'm actually confused on which prediction they consider to be more dire: starvation, or migration to America.
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BW, West Palm Beach, Florida // Friday, August 21, 2009 @ 9:17 AM
I am saddened by Mike's comments which seem incredibly insensitive and biased. From all that I can tell, this organization seems to be helping children and what could possibly be wrong with that?
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Mike, West Lafayette, Indiana // Friday, August 21, 2009 @ 12:38 PM
My point is exactly that it is NOT helping Hatian children in any real way, it is primarily oriented towards helping white American suburbanites. Haiti isn't Evanston. How many art stalls do you think it can support?
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Joe, Rodgers Park // Friday, August 21, 2009 @ 2:22 PM
I don't think we would actually have to do a survey of Hatians to realize that their own development priorities would put 'more art boutiques' far below projects like reforestation, better farming techniques, sustainable fisheries, fighting corruption, etc. Too often when American NGOs try to bring 'development' to other peoples, they cater more to the values and desires of their home donor base than they do to the needs of their target population.
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Judy Hoffman, Lake Worth, Fl // Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 10:47 AM
I am sorry that some of you are missing the point. We are not catering to any home donor base, we are providing the children a means by which to survive via the arts and education and build community plus they eat, get medical care, etc. Wouldn't you want that for your own child? They are a next generation of Haitian artists and carrying forward a traditional craft. We are not making art stalls that Haiti does not need ... we have galleries and museums offering their work and every penny goes back to the children. Haiti needs everything but you go and try to provide at $60,000 a year (0% expenses for admin in US and 0% fundraising). And we do not make threats on our website, we state facts and reality. Joe and Mike, if you visit Haiti, you would better understand. Thank you. Judy Hoffman, ACFFC.
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Laurie Beasley, Oak Park, IL // Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ 2:11 PM
I think both Joe of Rodgers Park and Mike of West Lafayette lack a understanding of the importance of art in human development. There are dozens of NGO's in Haiti that are addressing reforestation, agricultural development, etc., with varying degrees of success (and failure!). The arts are an area in which Haitian culture is very rich and successful. ACFFC is giving these children access to that part of their culture. We don't feel that art is of secondary importance. ACFFC is bringing joy, education, and more security into the lives of these children through the arts. Art is not a luxury. On a practical level, it is one of the few flourishing businesses in Haiti. A program like ACFFC is able to provide both spiritual and practical values to children who would otherwise have next to nothing. Haitian children deserve cake as well as bread, just like suburban American kids. Laurie Beasley, Ridge Art
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Tamara, Chicago // Sunday, August 23, 2009 @ 8:47 PM
Having worked with children and teens to create themed art priojects, I would applaud Judy Hoffman's efforts. Art isas empowering as it is absorbing. Art is capable of putting a smile on every child's face. I invite the children to exhibit with me in Chicago in October, Artist's month.
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Joel, New Iberia Louisiana // Friday, September 18, 2009 @ 5:43 PM
I think Judy is doing a great job. Following her heart has opened doors for many children. When the loa commends you, great works will be the result.
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