Have you ever dreamed of traveling around the world to paint the faces of kids who may never get the opportunity? I have nearly my whole life, but I have found myself stationed in Michigan since the birth of my daughter when I was 24, and haven’t quite figured out how to take her on a wild road trip.
Last year I got the opportunity to teach face painting to a group of global volunteers who live in a school community (IICDmichigan.org) 45 minutes from my house. These volunteers come from Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America…probably from everywhere! For some reason the school is in a little farming town in Michigan, where they learn the skills needed to work with an organization called Humana People to People and work in communities of the world’s poor.
I went the first time and showed an example of Story Telling Face Painting, using a story from Christopher Agostino’s book, and then held a hands on workshop for 20 some students. They loved to get into the paint. I donated some paints for them to use, did another workshop, and then when those that really took to the art asked for more paints, I sold them at the lowest price possible.
The pictures below show what one team that went to Brazil got in to, painting non stop for hours and hours on the sweet kids in their project.
The other collage is pictures of children painted by my friend Pedro, who made the Body of Art Calendar with me, during Children’s Day in Africa.
When Karina, from the Brazil team, came back to the U.S., she came to visit Santi and I, and told us all about how amazing the experience was. The kids were totally thrilled, and they painted each other from then on.
I think that this is an amazing way to serve the world, when we are just one person, we can train many to go out and spread joy through face painting.
If you like the idea, check out local organizations that train volunteers in your area. If you have any questions, please shoot me and e-mail or give me a call.
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