Home Grown

While global outreach is the central theme of the I AM: International Foundation, we also recognize the importance of providing creative opportunities here in the United States. Through educational workshops in public schools, partnerships with other non-profit organizations, and special photography projects, these community-based “I AM: Projects” nurture the understanding cultural diversity while filling needs close to home.

HOME GROWN PROJECT SERIES…

I AM: Chatham NY

In collaboration with “artsVOYAGE”, an innovative arts-in-education partnership between Spencertown Academy Arts Center and the Chatham, NY Central School District, the I AM: International Foundation worked with a 5th Grade class to enrich their understanding of photography as an expressive art form, a documentary tool, a way of seeing, and a method for understanding history, time, and place.
“I AM: Chatham” is an important and relevant part of the work I am doing internationally as it creates a direct link between our local community and what we typically understand as ‘foreign’ or ‘other’. Listening to children compare and contrast their own portraits with those of children in different countries begins to validate the notion that common, inherent human emotions exist and can transcend language, culture, and geography. Each face implies a story that can be read by anyone, anywhere. Enabling the connections that make this possible continues to be my mission. I think of it as social media of a different kind. - Sasha Sicurella

I AM: Coarc NY

Coarc is a nonprofit agency that provides programs and services to over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities in Columbia County, New York. A strong advocate for the rights of individuals experiencing disabilities, Coarc is an activist for changes to legislation and public policy and a developer of programs and services for individuals who are underserved. In June, 2011, the I AM: International Foundation created a special project for twelve Coarc participants. Adults ages 18 to 81 explored art through drawing, painting and sculpture, then experimented with self-portrait photography. Their portraits were displayed for “Artswalk” a city-wide public art event in Hudson, NY in October 2011.

I AM: Durham NH

In the spring of 2011, high school freshman, Julia Katz reached out to the I AM: International Foundation to support her social studies initiative called, “Power of One: Students Creating Change”. For her topic, Julia chose to focus on the importance of bringing the arts to children in and out of school. Working closely with the foundation, a series of self-portrait drawing workshops and a visual slide show were tailored for Julia to present to a group of elementary students. Julia also collected art materials from local shops in Durham, NH which were given directly to the S.O.S. Bambini orphanage in Sighet, Romania.

“My goal was to bring people together and spread awareness of the power of art. In working with I AM: International Foundation I was able to bring this school project to a new level and help people in my community build relationships with others and learn about art and expression.” – Julia Katz