The Kindness Book
Philomela IN THE WORLD
Bonnie Saland
Founder and creative director of Philomela, and a practicing artist and psychoanalyst based in Pasadena and The Sea Ranch, California.
Central to the Philomela philosophy is an investment in facilitating the creative voice. Nowhere is this more important, then with our children … and especially in those communities of children where “snowflakes” are still descriptive of winter storms. Urban public schools struggle with adequate funding, but in cities, there is always a YMCA, or public library, or program of one sort of another that exposes kids to art. Not so in rural areas, where parents are often working multiple jobs to survive and no public transportation is available.
The magnificent Sonoma Coast, and particularly The Sea Ranch community where our Northern California art studio is based, is surrounded by populations that are organized around survival, not architectural pedigree. For the last five years, we have been honored to lead an art docent program for the 2nd-3rd graders at the local Horicon Elementary School , where children are fortunate to receive a decent meal at lunch, but where there is no budget for art.
Monthly, we head in with an art project and supplies gifting each involved child with their own art kit which they take home at year’s end. Local individuals and the North Coast Artist's Guild have supported us with time, resources and plenty of opportunities
to show at the local art center. For the last three years, under the editorship of Connie King, the students have written and illustrated a book presented locally, this year’s being "The Kindness Book". 100% of the proceeds support the kids and the art program at Horicon Elementary School.
Support the next generation
We know our children are our future. Let us all help where we can, so they can enjoy their own creative spirits. For more information on the program or to donate directly please contact us at contact@philomelasweb.com.
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