International Youth Art
HISTORY:
On March 15th, 2003, Diane Butler made a fascinating discovery in a second-hand shop in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Thirty (30) pieces of art comprised of 26 paintings and 4 paper-work pieces of art were carefully wrapped in matting and covered with thick plastic.
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A Picturesque Street by Rene Doutrelepont, age 12, Malmedy, Belgium |
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Diane purchased and framed the art. She has donated them to the Canadian Red Cross Society and has volunteered to research the story behind these pieces.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ART PROJECT PROPOSAL:
The art is varied and lovely. It makes you smile and has a wonderful way of reminding us of the importance of building a humanitarian commitment among our children and to recognize their talent.
In thinking that this international art exchange program existed in the 1960s or earlier, it is a way to acknowledge the many initiatives people have created to bring our world closer together. It may spur people to consider what they are doing now.
The questions of where the children are now and how the art came to rest in a second-hand shop in Nanaimo are also fascinating to consider.
YOUTH ART DONATIONS:
Donations from this display of Red Cross Youth art will be used to support Red Cross Youth Education and Safety programs in the community. These include Respect Education, Humanitarian Issues Program, Disaster Preparedness and Injury Prevention.
For more information on Red Cross programs, please contact the local Red Cross office at 382-2043.
