We’ve just returned from our sixth annual Mathare Art Camp in partnership with Mathare Community Outreach and it was a beautiful week of creative discovery! Over 65 students participated in one of five classes led by an incredible team of Artist Mentors from Kenya and the US: Jason Dyer and Rose Simbiri – video, Henry Aol – photography, Philister Miruka – Fashion Design, Sarah Albinson – Visual Art, Mark and James Collier, Seth Luchemos, and Winny Raphael – music. The theme of the Art Camp was “Umeumbwa Kwa Mfano Wa Mungu;” which is Swahili for “Made in God’s Image.” Some of the highlights included working with many returning students, the very first fashion design class led by IA Scholarship recipient Philister Miruka, Sarah Albinson and the visual art class working on lino block printing techniques, music and video classes combining to create another music video called “Eastlands,” and photography and fashion design classes working on a fashion photo shoot together. The Showcase was the perfect way to wrap up the week with presentations and performances by all the students, including the fashion design class presenting their original outfits during a runway show, and special guests Otonglo (poet, spoken word artist and President Kenyatta’s adopted son), and Maspeedy (Actor and star of the Kenyan Soap Makutano Junction). They both grew up in the Mathare Slum, performed at the Art Camp Showcase, and shared words of encouragement for the students to continue to develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Very cool! Enjoy photos from the Art Camp and Showcase below, and click on the Showcase link to see class projects.
Click Here to Experience Showcase Projects
