The Salinas Family Art Center is a project conceived by Barbara Moser of Montreal, Canada and John Bricino Castillo, originally of Bogota, Colombia, and now a Salinas, Ecuador resident. The two began teaching Visual Art and Performance Art in early 2017 at Puerto Net school, where they were given a classroom and access to the Internet with the idea of exploring the arts for interested children.
The young artists blossomed and held their first Art Show in April. The children sold over $300 in artwork they created with Barbara and John and were given 100% of the proceeds. Many of the families used this money for school supplies and expenses.
Barbara returned to Salinas in July and the class is continuing with eight to ten of its core students, ages 11 to 16, as well as two of their mothers, who have developed their artistic skills and act as mentors to all the children. Barbara and John give free classes to this group two to three times a week, with Barbara purchasing all supplies and equipment.
The students have been introduced to pencil drawing, colored pencils, watercolor, and acrylics. Additionally, the subjects of composition, color mixing, light and shadow, and observing and drawing nature have been included in the sessions.
One of the highlights has been the introduction to Oswaldo Guayasamin, Ecuador’s premier artist; learning how to draw faces, hands, flowers, and landscapes from exposure to the master’s work. Many of the students’ creations are inspired by Guayasamin. They discuss the emotions expressed in these paintings, many of which depict the Indigenous peoples of Ecuador. This is the art of their country, their history, their roots.
A second Art Show on September 2 and 3 is being held at a local café in Salinas. Fifty per cent of the proceeds of this event will go to Jennifer, 14, a Salinas resident who has been battling brain cancer for the past six years. The young artists are proud to share their earnings with Jennifer, who has attended two of the art classes with her mother and sister. Trifecta Arts, Inc. is sponsoring the Show by providing professional framing for all of the items being displayed/sold.
If you’d like to learn more or make a donation for the growth of this Initiative, please Click here to read about the future vision for the Salinas Family Art Center.
