Over the weekend of November 7-8th, Birch Tree Academy has been such a great friend hosting quite a few kids and adults during the Art Makes You art camp. The feelings are completely overwhelming. We are incredibly happy, sad, exhausted, inspired and so on...I think during this two days we soaked in all the bright colors of art that our kids got to experience with our amazing teachers! Kimberly Tremper, Mallory Rae MacDonald, Olga Rublinetska, Natalya Zrazhevskaya, Umario Diallo, Lana Neyolova, Lana Kao Fauser, Inese Westcott, on behalf of the kids ( and adults) who participated in the camp - thank you for sharing your time and talents! For inspiring and giving the kids encouragement to dream and to go for it!

We got lucky to work with such a fun group of kids! Special thanks to Atlantic Street Center for the help with children.

"Thank you for hosting us over the weekend! Our youth had a great time with you and your staff, and learned invaluable lessons around art. We are very appreciative of the hospitality and accommodations your team showed our group over the weekend. Our youth walked away with increased confidence in their artwork, and a new found passion in exposure to possible different art outlets. Erica Lane/ Youth Development/ Atlantic Street Family Resource Center".

Our next stop is Kharkov, Ukraine. The camp is coming up in December. Excited!

Sveiki visiem/Привіт всім! (Hello Everyone!)

What a journey it’s been since we saw each other at our 2nd Annual Art Makes You event! We exceeded our fundraising goals, raised the adoption funds for Ingus & the Boothby family (including a VERY generous match from a special supporter) & gained a new set of friends! Words can’t express how grateful Eva and I are for your support. Thank you so much!

Getting to Work

After the event, we got to work right away. We split up our tasks: I (Inese) would head to Latvia and visit some of the sites during a scheduled vacation. Eva would reach out to the families of the fallen soldiers.

Here are our stories!

Calling the Ukrainian families – Eva

I was excited to call the families and share that we successfully raised the funds they needed. At the same time, I knew it was going to be difficult. Why? I realized just how fortunate I have been to have my loved ones around me, and that the people I was going to be talking with recently lost someone they loved. I breathed deeply, and picked up the phone.

I spoke with all the three of the wives. Words can’t express just how emotionally overwhelming the calls were. These women - so broken, so emotionally and physically exhausted, were so incredibly touched by the generosity and attention we shared with them. I was deeply moved as I heard their responses to our gifts, thoughts, and prayers. It was simple, but powerful:

“Я отримала гроші. Хочу висловити Вам подяку в такий важкий для нас час. Дай Бог Вам здоровя за вашу доброту.”

“I received the money. I would like to express our gratitude for your help during such difficult times. May you be blessed for your kindness.”

One of the families in Ukraine sent us a thank you photo.

I am keeping in touch with the families through texts and phone calls. What you all did for them is immeasurable – and they are incredibly grateful!

Going Home, Touching Hearts – Inese

During my recent trip to Latvia, I met with Amanda Grase from the Labdaribas Lapa charity organization, a special group that helps families with children during difficult times. We shared our stories and passion for serving children (what a great time we had!) and agreed that the best way to help is to organize experiences, rather than supply gifts. Our brainstorming led to an “Art Camp” idea, an experience spread across our three countries - Latvia, Ukraine, and the USA. We talked about giving children art supplies, connecting them with artists and teachers, and helping them learn more about visual and performing arts. By providing them with the resources they need to create – we give their creativity wings…and who knows how high they will fly? That’s what Art Makes You is all about! I’ll keep you updated on the Art Camp planning – we’re working on doing this before Christmas!

Keeping our promise

Eva and I are determined to keep our commitment to you – that every dollar raised goes to helping serve the children and families in need. We’ve maintained that commitment from the beginning and will continue to do so. We’re humbled to be in a position to help others and to have earned your trust. On behalf of the families we serve and from the bottom of our hearts – thank you.

What’s next?

We’ve started planning for our next event in September. With so many talented artists, designers, and creative friends among us, we’re exploring putting on a unique fashion show – something out of the ordinary that brings together our artistic talent in a fun way! We’re also working on an internationally coordinated Art Camp across Seattle, Ukraine, and Latvia. We can’t wait to share more with you!

Make sure you follow us on Facebook, as well as on this blog to learn about all the latest crazy ideas we come up with. We’d love to hear your ideas on how we can make these events even greater!

Talk with you soon!

Love,

Inese & Eva

Photos from the event taken by Mallory MacDonald. For more info visit: www.mallorymacdonald.com