This project started when my husband and I were traveling in Central America six years ago. We went to Ometepe Island in Nicaragua and in the small town of Balgue met four young children while waiting for a bus. At that time I could not speak Spanish so I started drawing pictures for them. They were so thrilled and charming and obviously starved for art enrichment, I told them we would be back.

    Since then we have returned every March and have started an art program in the public schools of Balgue.  The program serves approximately 450 pupils. In the past  years we hand carried over $3000.00 in donated art supplies and books to the school system. We also took three computers and a printer that were donated.

    During the day I teach at the elementary school. After school and on Saturdays I also have classes, and spend most of the time instructing any children that want to improve their art skills. Classes are aimed at developing drawing and painting skills using donated materials and depicting the artistically rich local environment..

    The community of Balgue and the people of Ometepe have responded by opening up their homes and hearts to us.