Are you an artist, arts organization or venue?

artist

What town do you live in?

Northampton

In which disciplines do you work or exhibit?

Drawing, Painting

Artist Statement/Bio

In the winter of 2008 I spent a month establishing an art program at Tashirat orphanage in Tepoztlan, Mexico. I came across Tashirat in my travels the previous year and instantly fell in love with the beautiful, appreciative children and staff, as well as the Mexican landscape. I returned with four friends and three bags filled with art supplies and together we taught art classes and painted a large mural with the children. Most of my art from the past year has been a reflection on my last trip. I have attempted to keep my memories alive through combining drawings of these expression-filled children with abstract backgrounds and shapes.

I graduated from Ipswich high school in 2006 and spent my senior year and the following summer painting five murals in the school. I am currently studying economic development and studio arts at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I hope to someday combine my knowledge of socail justice and third world development with the arts, so that we see projects where creativity plays a major role in development. I will be returning to Tashirat this summer and half of any summer art profits will go towards funding my trip and buying more art supplies for Tashirat.

Website

http://www.picasaweb.google.com/jniepoort