Honduras Comes to Studio 1219
Posted October 19, 2009
Through November, Cane, Honduras is at Studio 1219. The exhibit is installed by the KidSAKE Foundation and showcases native Honduran art work—from jewelry made from coconuts, seeds, and other natural items, to colorful oil paintings by professionals and children, to tin banks and weavings made by prisoners.
(In Honduras, prisoners must earn their keep, or they do not eat.) Patrons may also purchase KidSAKE bracelets and other art items in the exhibit to support the Foundation’s work.
Jenny Rogers-Belleau founded the nonprofit Foundation 10 years ago when she heard compelling stories shared by U.S. Troops stationed in Honduras. “These stories moved us enough to want to make a difference in the lives of the small children in Honduras, as well as to offer support to troops who were there doing just that,” states Rogers-Belleau. Some of the stories revolved around Clementina Martinez, a retired teacher now in her late 80’s, who started a soup kitchen in Cane many years ago to help feed and clothe children so they can attend school and be present to their lessons instead of their hungry bellies. Students also must have uniforms or they cannot attend school. Photo essays of the Clementina’s kitchen are part of the exhibit at Studio 1219.
The KidSAKE Foundation is dedicated to serving the whole child by developing arts related programs and other activities that build self-esteem, strengthen character, and engage children in meaningful acts of service. Rogers-Belleau has directed the Foundation in helping Clementina’s Kitchen, built a playground in Tennessee, collected and distributed medical supplies, toys, shoes and clothing for children in Honduras, and is now working on multiple projects in Saginaw, Michigan—including the Arts Imperative.
The Arts Imperative is a Saginaw project designed to empower youth to be the change that creates better community. At its core, the Arts Imperative is training students through workshops and master classes, hands on training, and serving with community leaders mentoring youth through a pre-professional program in performance, design and production in stage, screen and recording that includes multiple platforms of television, film, stage, internet, publishing, recording, and fine art.
For more information about the KidSAKE Foundation and its programs, please visit the exhibit at Studio 1219.
