The Creation of a True Art Movement with TAD/CA- Sketchbook & Aid Drive - MUST READ

[Jason Manley]

All true art movements, have had some impact on culture or society. Given the state of things nowadays, we have a real opportunity to make a deeper impact than ever before. We have an opportunity to help, inspire, and share the creative tools we all take for granted. Please take a look. This is the real deal.

One of TAD's students, John Spearow has left his comfy roost in the US and is currently volunteering in Kenya at Joseph Kangethi Rescue Center. John is doing exactly the kind of thing that will deepen his understanding of the world and give him a unique point of view and personal perspective that can not be had otherwise. Personal experience is key to becoming a world class artist and a successful student of art. With that said, I am personally assisting him from this side of the world on behalf of ConceptArt.Org and The Art Dept.

John was immediately drawn to the boys there. Scarred, frightened, lost, they come from all over Kenya, from the filthiest corners of some of the biggest, poorest slums in the world or from under the roof of a brutally abusive family and anywhere in between.

As The Art Department begins to push the international art community into a true movement in the arts, we have something very special we are doing here. As time goes on there will be a variety of programs that assist the needy, the talented poor, and worthy causes locally, in which TAD students will participate in ways either small or big. For example, the Austin POD will be helping local underprivileged youth with twice monthly Saturday classes. I will be volunteering and all TAD students here invited to participate to do good in this world. Build some character...and integrity.

We are going to be providing John with the following items to assist him in his work and we are calling upon TAD students to participate in some way. The entire ConceptArt.Org community is also invited to join in helping this very personal cause. If you can contribute something, now is the time.


1. Boys shoes of various sizes (must be in good shape or like new). You can make a trip to the goodwill or a low cost shoe retailer to provide this. Please choose durable sports shoes, as we all know they will be playing soccer in them, aside from using them to keep their feet out of the water and viral contaminants that exist there.

2. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss

3. Socks

4. Sketchbooks and Pencils (If you pick up a sketchbook please make a sketch in it first, even if a quick one. It will mean the world to these boys).

5. Art supplies (no oils) - Dry watercolors, brushes, water color paper pads, colored pencils, bristol paper, charcoles, erasers etc...

6. Light weight but warm blankets.

7. Children's Vitamins (Flintstones rule!)


If you have such things now and want to send, you can mail this to the address below. If you want to order something and want to save on shipping costs, we set up a process with a local art store here in Austin so I can just pick it up and ship it over myself. Here are the details:

Address to send to if you choose to buy locally or have something already:
ADDRESS REMOVED UNTIL WE HAVE A NEW SHIPPING ADDRESS. The first drop has been delivered. We will do another one soon! Post here in the thread if you wish to contribute but in the meantime you can pick up a work of art created from this drive here: http://www.zazzle.com/ctcinternational

First, thank you.


Regarding other things like shoes or the like you can use ebay here in the US and the Austin shipping address above.

Submissions are due May 10th 2010 so we may get these to John as soon as possible. Please assist CA in this endeavor. Show some heart and love and let's make the world a little better.

We are going to have the students there make art and will create a thread here with photos and artwork for the community to see that we can have a genuine impact on the world, by being responsible in inspiring artists who would not have the opportunity otherwise. Please join us in this effort and let me know if you have any questions by posting in this thread.

Here are some of the images that made me very proud of John and what he is doing prior to his studies in TAD. Thank you John. Thank you TAD. Thank you CA.

See you on the flip side. Let's have some impact shall we?


Jason Manley
President
The Art Department
Massive Black Inc.
ConceptArt.Org

[Jason Manley]

Here is an excerpt from John's letter to me:

When I began, there were 27 boys and in less than a month we've grown to more than double that. I spend nearly every day with the boys who, from the age range of about 10-15, chop their own firewood, maintain the deteriorating center and cook their own meager meals of beans and corn in a smoke-filled shack.

They arrive with almost nothing and are given little more than a spot on a rusty, rickety bunk bed and a ratty old blanket under a leaky roof with little hope for a better future than where the streets would have taken them. I wasn't prepared to spend much money here when I arrived but I also wasn't prepared to see these boys neglected, running over sharp stones and broken glass in bare feet wearing tattered clothes, in need of the most basic things and a City Council unwilling or unable to provide for them.

They look after each other and after us as well as little boys can. They gather beads they make into necklaces, bracelets and rings which they are eager to tie around our necks, wrists and fingers. On a rare lucky day there may be bananas or oranges with lunch and these boys will immediately come up and offer their precious treats to me or one of the other 3 or 4 volunteers fortunate enough to be a big brother or big sister to these Lost Boys.

The staff here seems discouragingly static and uncaring at best sometimes. These are good boys and we do what we can but the needs are growing faster than we can meet them. The vast majority of them aren't even going to school although they'd love to if they could. Artists, comedians, musicians, writers, dancers, future teachers, pilots, pastors, heroes... such good boys.

Just yesterday, Evans, one of the littlest ones who rarely speaks any English, looked up at me and managed to say, "John, please help me. I don't have a toothbrush."

The tiniest bit of help can make a world of difference here. The boys and I thank you. Asante Sana!

-John Spearow
TAD Student
____

[Jason Manley]

There are only 27 kids right now with more coming, no doubt. We will stock them up. I am also burning disks with all the downloads and educational materials on them. If anyone has an old laptop or wacom that would be a huge huge thing to give if you are not using it. I would like to load up all the videos and educational content onto the machine, and will have Corel provide a copy of painter for it. Anyone? Is a lot to ask..but I know some of the technophiles around here have older machines they are not using and older wacoms they just have set aside. I would like to provide John with something special to go along with the above. Let me know if you can be of assistance please.


Jason

[ccsears]

i'm thinking of a few things...
do you know if they have electricity there, whether US stuff will work on it?

[ccsears]

just so we don't all duplicate each other and send the same stuff over and over...

sent 40 toothbrushes and 30 tubes of toothpaste via wallmart
(even though i hate wallmart it's possible to put them to good use in this case, i guess.) i'm guessing they'll go through the toothpaste sorta quick so if anyone wants to send more, maybe that's good. also still need floss.

will probably send something else, fun and artsy-fartsy later.
ccs

[Earendil]

Would any size sketchbook do, or would smaller ones be better? Something that can be held easily in one hand?

What about shirts? Reading materials?

[ccsears]

another idea... maybe jason can set up an account and wishlist over at dickblick dot com. might make buying art supplies easier.

http://www.dickblick.com/wishlist/

[TAD Admissions: Scott Richeson]

Those are very good questions Chris
Africa most likely runs on 220V but I don't know what their plugs look like.
I'm sure we can also send a step up power converter to be able to run a set up.

[Earendil]

Blick Art materials is having a huge grand opening of their store here in Seattle. I can definitely grab a bunch of art stuff this weekend. That wishlist is a good idea Chris. :) I'll see about coordinating w/the local sketch group too.

[comixnut]

Would it be possible to scan their stuff or take a pic of it and post it here somewhere, once they have drawn it? it would be awesome i reckon to get them to draw and paint and get a little feedback. Maybe the whole school could have their own sketchbook here at CA!:

[almyki]

I'm curious, is there any particular reason there are only boys in this group?

ali

[Jska]

What an amazing cause! I'll be posting this up to my friends this evening to see if we can't get some donations going. I myself have a few empty sketchbooks I know I can send along for sure. Thanks for posting this, truly inspiring :D

[Saraiva]

How can I help from Brazil? It is very hard to mail things from here.

This is a very noble case. This makes me proud to be part of this great community of talented and at the same time generous and self-sacraficing artists!

[razimo]

I have a USB Intuos1, 6x8, with the pen & pen-stand, it's well-loved but working fine when I used it last. I've also got a 5 megapixel Canon camera, in some lighting conditions it'll put a pink stripe across the very top of the image, but nothing that couldn't be cropped out easily & otherwise it works just fine.

I'll send both if they can be used, just tell me where..

ETA, I don't have an old laptop, but I CAN provide a fully functioning desktop system, if someone could swing a monitor... Nothing top of the line, but better than average, pretty sure I've got the pieces of a 2ghz single-core lying about.

[Sepulverture]

Same question as what Alternative asked. I'm thinking how I can help from Beijing.

It would be a fairly simple thing for me to collect some shoes from one of the small stores near my house where they sell them for a pretty low price, among other commodities and express them to the Shanghai office of Massive Black.

Jason, could you supply me with a delivery address to your office in Shanghai, and perhaps from there Massive black could forward the parcel to the appropriate location?

[tuffie]

I'd like to help, and maybe I will get some stuff send out (it depends on my own budget.. ah, unemployment). However, I too have the question of why only boys? Not that I mind at all helping boys, although it has been shown that helping the girls in a community helps the community as a whole more. Still, everyone deserves help regardless of gender. Do you know any organizations doing something similar for girls that we could also help?

[bulletproof_donkey]

Hi, I happen to live in Nairobi, Kenya; and I'd like to get in touch with you guys and help in any way I can. I could show you around town to check out the local art supply stores for art equipment and the other stuff, and maybe find a few guys who can help out.
Where exactly is the Rescue Center?

[African Art]

Oh this is just wonderful.
May I have permission to write and use some of this article and post it to my blog please.

You just never no who will read it and offer some support in some way.

The children are so caring and giving, even when they have absolutely nothing.

All the very best and I would love to help where I can, so writing and spreading the word is a good start.

All the very best.:hugsmile:

[apacalyrical]

Wow I usually don't post on here, but the email just drew me in. Reading what John had to say made my eyes a bit teary. I'm finishing up my homework for tomorrow's class but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what you guys are now supporting. As much as I love the industry, it has always disturbed me why haven't artists really made pieces that actually discuss something about the world and it's state, trying to get a message across, but it makes me smile when an artist actually uses their talent for issues to really explain how they view the world.

This is even better. When I get time tomorrow I definitely want to send some of the few things I can afford to this. Great job though! Seriously!

[Fuzziest Johnson]

Hey Jason, I have a new but used Canon printer/scanner/copier with the box and everything. I live in SF, Nob Hill, I really can't afford to send it to texas, but If I can drop it off at the studio in Soma, that would be do-able. Let me know.

Here's my email: [email protected]

[Serpian]

In the summer of 2006 I went to Kenya for five months. Most of that time we used to learn about what our missionaries are doing there, meeting the locals and some sightseeing too. We also went to see the work of a group who were working with street children in one of the larger cities. A lot of my friends grew up in Kenya as their parents were missionaries there at that time. I just want to say that Kenya is quite close to my heart!

I'm also wondering where this Centre is? Would it be possible to get the address, as I think it would be smarter to send stuff directly from Finland instead of it going to the US in between.

[M-Studios]

This is just an awesome initiative!
Perhaps I can help, I have an old desktop here too, only no monitor. Do they work with 220V? That would be great, so all they will have to change is the plug.
Only problem is shipping, I will see how I can arange that. Perhaps I will send some sketchbooks too. Don't have the budget but I don't care, I can sit here all day dry, warm well clothed behind my dual screen pc with tablet and all kind of fancy stuff. While they don't have anything.

[Fipse]

First at all I´ve got to say this is one of the things where I see that CA isn´t just a job-center for massive-black or some industry-driven platform but a community with heart and soul, driven by enthusiasts.

Like Serpian said for us european people it´s difficult to send stuff to Austin - I´d fear the thing will arrive to late. One thing would be giving the address of the help-center to send material or spending some money instead per PayPal or CreditCard.

I hope I can help somehow.

Fipse

[curly]

Is there any way I can send these things from Israel? I'm really touched by what's happening here. If I send the package now it will not arrive in time =( But I really want to help. Maybe I can send it directly there?

[M-Studios]

The time of arrival is a problem indeed, I can send packages in time, but at a cost of €350.
Longer travel times are a lot cheaper, but I doubt if they will arive in time.

[Tinúviel]

I normally just read these forums and don't log in or comment, but I just had to when I read this post. I think that this is an absolutely awesome initiative that CA and MB are getting involved in. It's just so refreshing and unique that somebody in the art world is doing something to uplift communities in need. Well done guys.

On a side note, for anyone sending over electrical equipment, Kenya uses 240V at 50Hz; and here's a link to the type of plug/socket they use: http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs_g

[calebmorris]

I have a few illustration books I was looking to give away, can't think of a cause better than this. I didn't see an address to send stuff, did I just miss it?

[Jalc]

Just been reading the thread and i think its a brilliant cause i really do !
Im going to look into sending some stuff over from the uk from socks to art supplies
hopefully the shipping out to the us wont be to expensive because id love to contribute.

I wish john all the best while he is out there as he is doing a brilliant thing contributing!
good luck.

[Murr]

You know, it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of....well everything. But this thread has reminded me how important it is that we step outside ourselves and reach out to others. Definitely going to contribute something. I think this is one of the few times I've ever actually felt PROUD to be part of an online community. Thanks Jason and all of CA.

[emikochan]

I know talk is cheap, but I feel I should just chime in with how great this is, if I can get work i'll surely be helping out with sketchbooks etc in future,

When I was younger art was the only thing we had too (had to get discarded boxes from the local supermarket to draw on, they enjoyed us taking them off their hands =p)

So I'm glad everyone is helping to spread this gift to many new people. I've never really agreed with sending straight-up cash, since it often gets used in ways it shouldn't.
Enjoying looking at the Africanart blog :)

[Nakhon]

I happen to read the article/post last night, couldn't help but get teary eyed a little bit. Makes me feel PROUD to also be apart of this community. :)

I know I have a few things that I would like to get rid of and maybe some stuff in the attic too, stuff that hasn't been used or the like but is still in prime condition.

Also, as for spreading the news...I sent Bobby Chiu word of this to see if he and the Imaginism Studios gang would be interested in helping. Since, those of us who know Bobby Chiu, knows he likes to help pepople. :)

Was also wondering...what about sending some food? I know fresh fruits and the like are probably not allowed (as those are the general rules for overseas) but, like package food or stuff like that?

[M-Studios]

I just searched for some prices for international shipping costs.
For me the prices vary from € 153.40 to € 235.40 this is for a package of 25kg.
In that way shipping is much more expensive than the products itself.

What do you guys think about that? And does anyone know a cheaper way of shipping from The Netherlands to the US?

[Fantasio]

While its a great idea and good cause, I think for those outside the US, sending stuff is very expensive and can maybe not delivered in time (in most cases the transport/shipping is more expensive than the materials).

With that said, It would be good to make also up for some paypal donation, at least for those who´d have expensive shipping costs.

some smaller packets (and not so heavy) can be send for less...

[escapeS0307]

i'm actually in kenya. where exactly is he? it would be awesome if i could go help.

[chris_wilhelm]

This is an awesome thing to do. My girlfriend and I are often talking about how so many large companies and organizations do so little to help the communities and societies around them, let alone communities around the world. We had been considering volunteering for the Peace Corps for awhile.

In any case, I have little to offer, with work being slim and with getting things together to relocate to the SF POD for TAD. But, I would bet I have a few spare sketchbooks and such lying around. I would be willing to send old digital art equipment, if I had any. Unfortunately what I am using is all I have. I wish I could offer more.

I will be sending what I can, shortly. Maybe in the near future, a student from this center in Kenya will show up at TAD or here on CA, remembering when he got his first sketchbook from one of us. And maybe, just maybe, that kid will knock our socks off with his talent, yeah? Now that's a great thought.

Awesome looking out Jason. We'll get these kids some good stuff!

[Cerasela]

This is really a wonderful way to help and i´m glad that we can do something.
Like Serpian mentioned before..
It would be really great if people from Europe can directly send it to the address. I think the transport costs would be less on both sides for us and MB , so that the money is more invested for the stuff they need than for the transport...

[CLinAK]

Here's a link for some inexpensive blankets, but I can't afford the price of the minimum order. It's a logo promotional company, if we put concept art logo or some other logo on (one time fee of $60), and got min. order of 24 blankets (on sale now for $8.99), it works out to $275.76, or about $10.50 apiece for a 50" x 60" 13 oz fleece blanket (cool colors). Anyone want to try to pull that together, have a logo or design to put on it?

http://www.allstarlogo.com/fleece-blankets/13-oz-custom-fleece-blanket.asp

Also, just sent some shoes, youth sizes 3,4, and 5. Hope they don't have really big feet for kids, I got the largest I could for the price.

I am up for a donation to a mail order wish list.

[Nibras]

Damn I really really want to help, shipping is costly but I'll see if I can send over some sketchbooks, toothpaste and anything else.

I was wondering if we could hold some sort of competition to create artwork which can be put together and presented to these kids. I know if I was in that suitation and someone did that it would mean a lot, so I think it's worth a try and it would be totally free to contribute in. No need for prizes because you'd know that you were making a difference.

Not even a competition maybe just something where everyone does a sketch/painting/drawing and all those drawing get put together in a huge sheet, printed out and given to them. Just another thought

To be honest things like THIS are what makes me wants to work for massive black. Proud guys

[Nibras]

Damn I really really want to help, shipping is costly but I'll see if I can send over some sketchbooks, toothpaste and anything else.

I was wondering if we could hold some sort of competition to create artwork which can be put together and presented to these kids. I know if I was in that suitation and someone did that it would mean a lot, so I think it's worth a try and it would be totally free to contribute in. No need for prizes because you'd know that you were making a difference.

Not even a competition maybe just something where everyone does a sketch/painting/drawing and all those drawing get put together in a huge sheet, printed out and given to them. Just another thought

To be honest things like THIS are what makes me wants to work for massive black. Proud guys

[Costau]

This is awesome...

I don't have absolutely any money to spend for getting supplies. But, I do have a ton of art supplies, unused sketchbooks, and comic books I want to donate. I'll see what I can do about including necessities as well such as vitamins, maybe some friends and family can help me out. I'll find a way.

Edit: Will it be okay if some of the art supplies are a bit used, but not too much?

[GunTrouver]

This is really great!
Maybe it's possible to start an art auction on ebay or somewhere where artists from CA can sell their artwork and the money could go directly to Kenya. Especially for those who can't afford high shipping costs this would be a possibility to help.

[Craz]

Do you think it would be a good idea to send prints of some of the works of the masters as well as sketchbooks?

[Jason Manley]

First, thank you.

Ok..excellent points. The shipping is easily resolved. Rather than ordering locally, you can order art supplies here in Austin and we can pick it up. I had thought folks would send unused stuff but there are a lot of people who want to place orders. Here is a link.

http://www.aselart.com/ is a local art store here. If you want to order directly so we can pick it up, you can email the manager from Asel, Lisa Wright, at [email protected] . She is expecting orders to her email and NOT on the website, as I have let her know, and she will hold the stuff for us to come down and pick up and ship from here, which I will cover that shipping cost from Austin to Kenya myself. Please let her know what you would like to pick up for John to pass out to the kids.

If you are a student you can get a discount at Asel by faxing a copy of your student ID to: 5124773218 and put attn: Lisa and the words KENYA-The Art Department on it.

Regarding other things like shoes or the like you can use ebay here in the US and the Austin shipping address of

Scott Richeson
C/O Jason Manley
The Art Department
4419 Ramsey Ave
Austin TX 78756


Thanks for the input too. That really helps to cut shipping costs and until it was asked, I had not considered it. Really. Thanks. Great work!


Jason

[ccsears]

Here's a link to US Army disaster blankets. probably the best value, probably not all that lightweight though. $7.95 for a really big 66x84" blanket and it's definitely going to be warm so little kids could probably share them if necessary.
http://store.colemans.com/cart/disaster-blanket-us-gi-p-668.html?currency=USD

links to other relatively cheap blanket options:
http://www.wallmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Cotton-Blanket-Sage-Legume/13325944#ProductDetail
http://www.target.com/s/ref=sr_ln_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchRank=price&field_subjectbin=1041482&keywords=blanket&searchPage=1&searchSize=30
http://www.amazon.com/NEW-STEVENS-FLEECE-BLANKET-TREATED/dp/B002OAIEDO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=bedbath&qid=1271786215&sr=1-3


Jason Manley / CA.org--if you know what their water situation is, that would be good info to put online here too. there are some new options for water purification coming out on the market these days. stuff like ultraviolet LED's that kill parasites and bacteria in relatively clear (meaning sediment-free) water. lots of camping stores sell stuff like that. but if they have electricity and a faucet, it might be possible to install something a bit more long-term. not sure about prices--might be something people could pitch in for.

[Jason Manley]

Chris, that is awesome. I will ask John. What a great idea.


Jason

[Jason Manley]

A huge thanks to the artists of EA Maxis (Sims) for sending 30 sketchbooks with one sketch inside each from someone on the team!!!

[Myszt]

This is amazing, I'm so excited for this and I too am so happy to be part of such a great online community..
I'm going to go raid my closet and the entire house to find anything useful to send over. Someone asked if we can donate other things from the list, which I'm curious about too. If I find miscellaneous stuff I'd like to donate, I'll set it aside just in case, but I'll try to focus on the given list and art supplies for now.

:)

edit: Just gathered (unused) 11 sketchbooks and 3 lined paper notebooks to donate just from one shelf alone in my closet :) (I have a problem, I tend to buy a new sketchbook whenever I see them)
Woohoo! Can't wait to draw a little sketch in all of them :P

[M-Studios]

Perhaps it is a good idea to create a list which shows what is already bought etc.
So they won't end up with 150 sketchbooks and 2 pencils.

It's pretty hard to keep track on what everyone is sending.

[Jska]

This is awesome! Just wanted to let you guys know - if you're a part of any local art groups, you should give them a heads up. I've written a few group administrators on facebook here in Vegas and they seem pretty receptive to posting the drive. We're setting up a few local drop offs and getting people to send in some extra supplies.

I just raided my studio and pulled out anything I thought could be of some help - a few sketchbooks, some cool single sheet decorative paper, waterbased paints, watercolor paper, pencils, colored pencils, ink pencils, pens... not sure if you'll have printer capabilities, but I threw in extra packs of that too. :)

959624

:yayca:

[JuNbUg]

Since Printers was mentioned, I actually have an HP Scanner/Printer/Copier that is practically new and I have never used it? I was planning on selling it on Ebay, but thought it wouldn't be worth the trouble anyway, it's from 2006. But like I said, never used and not such a huge bulky printer. It's not in it's original box, but I will of course package it in a suitable box. I think I would feel better knowing I had donated it to a good cause. I would rather do that?
I don't know if you could accept that or if it would be useful over there? If it is great! Just let me know? I am all for helping out any kids or people needing supplies.

[Jason Manley]

This is awesome.

Hold off on sending anything as big as a printer...wow. John will let us know if he could even see that being useful. There may not be a safe place for something as large as that.

Regarding all the sketchbooks gathering..well done...well done.

Please post in here if you picked up something or are sending something. Loved seeing the pic Jska. Really awesome.

The spirit in here is really inspiring.

[jeremygordon89]

This is such a great opportunity! I'll be sending a sketchbook, art supplies, and socks over within a week or two to that address. I'd love to see the art that is created in the sketchbook also; that would be fantastic.

[Andantonius]

There's nothing better than seeing a community rise up to help someone in need, I thought all the people here were amazing artists, turns out you're all amazing people as well.

At the moment all my funds have been drained by a laptop for TAD, but as soon as I get my next payment I'm going to see about buying some of the more practical things like the shoes and socks and vitamins. I've also got a graphire4 tablet in fine condition that I can send over, and I could probably rummage up some sketchbooks and pencils as well.

Man, this is such an amazing and noble cause, well done folks. :)

[Myszt]

Just a random picture of what I've gathered thus far :o Dunno if the lined paper notebooks are necessary, but I figured why not. They could be used for journals or school supplies or something? The tape is kind of random, but I figured it could have a use with crafts. Also marker paper in case anyone sends markers, many sizes of sketchbooks, a couple balls I found, and some random textured paper perhaps for crafts :) Also found guache paints.. dunno if those are oil or water based or even possible to send?
I'll probably try to make a run to a Marshall's or something sometime soon to find modestly priced stuff like blankets and socks.

I can take out anything unnecessary/impossible to send obviously o.o This is just the beginning, I've got a whole house to go through

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo338/Myszt/DSCN4919.jpg

+

An art supply box with rulers, some charcoal, pencil sharpeners, a color wheel, paint brushes, and pastel pencils.

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo338/Myszt/DSCN4922.jpg http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo338/Myszt/DSCN4921.jpg

[inherentdarkness]

I read the post yesterday and decided to comb through my stored supplies for goodies to share. I also mentioned it to my sister who wanted to help out with some of the other requested items. As it turns out someone else overheard her talking about it and decided to help as well. This woman made a stop at one of the churches in town and voila - 14 pairs of shoes of various sizes and types are boxed up and waiting to ship. Way to go good samaritan!!

In terms of supplies, would beads and other more craft oriented items be well received to? or is this limited to more fine art materials?

Also, for anyone interested I just got an email today that Hobby Lobby has free shipping on orders over $25 until 4/24/2010.

[Cacodaemonia]

I'm going to pick up a sketchbook and some toothpaste this week and will mail it out. :)

[M-Studios]

Good to see that people are gathering stuff!
Another thing that popped in my mind, is it a good idea to send some instruction books so they have something to learn from in their free time?

[Sepulverture]

Hey Jason,

It is obvious you're passionate about doing the right thing here and helping these kids out however you're able, it's very commendable, but what about those of us outside the states? Especially in Asia.

Those of us in East Asia could forward items to your office in Shanghai, as stated in my previous post, but you must supply us with the delivery address.

[Markane]

Hey guys. This is John checking in from a cyber cafe about a 10 minute walk from the rescue center.

I can't say "thank you" enough. I just caught up with these replies and although I haven't been too active in this online community in the past, your eagerness to help is inspiring and that's an understatement. I'm glad to be part of this with you all.

They do have electricity at the center but it is unreliable or at least unpredictable most of the time. Being boys (and we have near 80 now), they are pretty rough with their belongings and are just as happy to have used items as new.

American plugs don't work here but an English volunteer told me they use the same kind here as in England.

I'll check back on this forum when I can and will coordinate with Jason to get this going.

Thanks a million, Jason.

Thanks again, everyone!

[Jason Manley]

OK we have plenty of sketchbooks now. Awesome work!!!! Awesome.

Let's see what John says about food and things. Maybe we can send breakfast bars and non perishables. Will see. Now that there are a bunch of art supplies we should look at some of the other items that would be cool.

harmonica
drumsticks
shakers or other cheap portable percussion tools
comic books

Any other ideas?

[Jason Manley]

sepulverture. I will ask my shanghai studio head if that is ok with him to help me with the shipping on this. Is volunteer style here..so I would like to ask.

Regarding other items like instruction books....books are heavy and costly to ship. We already have a ton of sketchbooks coming so it is going to start to get heavy. If you do get something be sure it is light weight and appropriate for kids of that age. Great idea!!

[Reymus]

Got 10 toothbrushes, 10 floss, 5 toothpaste, and a universal power converter.

Would it be alright to send dry goods, like dried figs/apricots/dates? I don't know if food might be an issue though.

[Spider-Zan]

Hello All!!!

This is my first post, thank you for bringing it out of me.

This is AMAZING! I am in the process of moving so I do not know about supplies and all just yet but will look. I am interested though in the "Art for Africa" idea mentioned earlier! I would love to create something to inspire them and have others from the community participate too. I am an Illustrator/penciler and the first thing I thought of when I saw the pictures of the kids at the beginning of the post was their faces. I would love to see an illustration of all of the kids! Maybe we could get a head shot of all of them posted somewhere and each artist can take a couple and draw them / jazz them up however they can and scan them. I would love to see their faces lit up in the pose of a super hero or digitally painted side by side with a flag of Kenya. maybe they can make requests and we here in the other parts of the world can answer to each one as though they spoke to us directly. I want them to feel special...all artists are special and we need them to see themselves this way.

Hug them for us please. I would if I were there.

Derrick

[Spider-Zan]

Hello All!!!

This is my first post, thank you for bringing it out of me.

This is AMAZING! I am in the process of moving so I do not know about supplies and all just yet but will look. I am interested though in the "Art for Africa" idea mentioned earlier! I would love to create something to inspire them and have others from the community participate too. I am an Illustrator/penciler and the first thing I thought of when I saw the pictures of the kids at the beginning of the post was their faces. I would love to see an illustration of all of the kids! Maybe we could get a head shot of all of them posted somewhere and each artist can take a couple and draw them / jazz them up however they can and scan them. I would love to see their faces lit up in the pose of a super hero or digitally painted side by side with a flag of Kenya. maybe they can make requests and we here in the other parts of the world can answer to each one as though they spoke to us directly. I want them to feel special...all artists are special and we need them to see themselves this way.

Hug them for us please. I would if I were there.

Derrick

[Jason Manley]

OK toothbrushes and toothpaste are now covered I think. I went to my own tooth doc today www.ianiroendo.com if anyone needs a good tooth fixing in Austin, and she is so awesome...really really great. I happened to mention during getting my tooth fixed up that I was doing this and I did not even do the math on who I was talking to or that she could help...she said "oh great! I can help with that!" So I think we have this covered. We can move on to the other areas of need. Will update as soon as I hear from her.


j

[Earendil]

Now that dental is covered, what about optical? Are there any boys who need vision correction? What can we send? My first thought were these, but maybe there'd be something even better?

tpKWHSsBpnE

[Sepulverture]

Thanks Jason

[merleemerle]

I dont post on here that much, but this is why I love this site. I'm currently living in a tent and building a tire house and in all reality I still have it made compared to these kids. This is one cause I'm going to help with. :yayca: And also thanks to everyone that helps those on here that can not afford going to an art college or institute. The amount of people who help and give advise on here is amazing. I cant give to much on art advise because there is so much talent and better people to teach it but I can help these kids out!!! lol

[derBene]

Hi, I like to donate. Would be doing that directly via Paypal, okay, too?
I don't like letting the charges for a package go to waste and I also don't like
the thought of a mountain of art supplies but little else like the toothbrushes.
That's why I'm asking.

[inherentdarkness]

Sending 3 of 4 boxes on their way today.

I'll still be adding to the toothbrush/toothpaste frenzy (a few toothbrush covers in there too), but there will also be about 30 pairs of socks, approx 20 pairs of shoes - range of sizes and styles, books, watercolor pads, pencils, pencil sharpeners, a bunch of lined books for practicing the alphabet (thought these might be good for the kids without a chance to go to school).

[CLinAK]

I hope you will be shipping some a little later as the shoes I ordered won't get there for at least a week (sorry). How are we doing on blankets?

[TAD Admissions: Scott Richeson]

Hey Everyone!

just wanted to update that packages have started to arrive as of today!

Big thanks to:

Jacob Presley

Velda R. x 3!

This is awesome! let's keep it coming!

Thanks,

Scooter and TAD

[Craz]

This may seem out of left field, but I'm thinking of sending the Frank Frazetta book 'Icon'. My thought process was that they have plenty of materials to make art with by now, but they probably don't have much great art to look at. I don't know what their English literacy level is like, but I've looked through 'Icon' in my school library and it has a very substantial number of great prints of Frazetta's work.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good idea?
Thanks.

[A tua mãe]

I have an old digital drawing table here and some sportshoes. I'm going to see how to send them to the US.

[Jason Manley]

Books are very heavy but sure...who is going to turn down a frazetta book.

As far as the drawing table..sounds heavy...and John does not think it is best to send too much of that kind of thing. It would be better to send along necessities like the shoes or the like at this point.

Thanks so much for the generosity too. This is great.

[vicsio]

basic medicine such as aspirin, band aids, and antibiotic are important too.

you can order them online at http://www.walgreens.com/ Walgreen brand is cheaper than other name brand, and it is just as good.
If your order is more than 25 dollars, shipping is free.

[CLinAK]

Mailed out today: 5 blankets, 4 harmonicas, some shaker-type noisemakers, whistles, kazoos, a mouth harp, a few pr socks, small bag erasers. The blankets were cheap at the nearest thrift.

[ccsears]

hey Jason / CA.org

I just received a call from Walmart (where i shipped the toothbrushes and toothpaste from--previous post). for some reason, they said they received a confirmation phone number from UPS that seemed weird or whatever.

in any case, they said they left it on the front porch of the mailing address you have listed back on page 1. if it's at all possible, can you please PM or facebook message me (friend of Jason's on FB) or just leave a post here?

what they said is that they received 2 confirmations, 1 from Seattle, 1 from Austin. My guess is that Jason was traveling and called them from the road.

thanks,
Chris

[Armonah]

Hey Jason,

I kept Scott and you updated through email and the package is ready to be sent to Austin, Tx. I just need to finish the ten sketches, and it'll be on your way.

I have a couple of questions though:
- Is it possible to send it to other adresses of TAD outside the US? Sepulverture already mentioned an adress in Shanghai, if TAD also has an office somewhere in Europe that'd be wonderful.
- What would happen if the packages arrive áfter 10th of May? I spent quite a lot of money on this, and I'd hate to let it go to waste, so to say.

[Squival]

Ahh :)

Remember doing this yearly when I was a kid, shoe boxes packed with clothes, sweets, dental gear and fluffy toys.

Will find a shoe box somewhere to stuff with little suprises to send off then

[TAD Admissions: Scott Richeson]

Hey Jason,

I kept Scott and you updated through email and the package is ready to be sent to Austin, Tx. I just need to finish the ten sketches, and it'll be on your way.

I have a couple of questions though:
- Is it possible to send it to other adresses of TAD outside the US? Sepulverture already mentioned an adress in Shanghai, if TAD also has an office somewhere in Europe that'd be wonderful.
- What would happen if the packages arrive áfter 10th of May? I spent quite a lot of money on this, and I'd hate to let it go to waste, so to say.

Our good friend Guido has stepped up to receive packages for us in Europe now! If you wanted to give something but didn't think shipping to the US was a viable option you can now ship to him here:

Balthasar van der Polweg 196
2628 AX Delft
The Netherlands

Clearly mark it as being for CA.org/the Kenya drive, or to address it to Guido Kuip/Mr. G. Kuip

Please send for arrival BEFORE May 10 as he won't be able to recieve packages after this date.

Thanks so much for your support! The office is bursting at the seams with art supplies and tooth brushes!!
:yayca:

and a BIG thanks to Guido!

[Myszt]

Sending my stuff out today!

[Markane]

Hey guys, it's John again.

Thanks for all the support and the goodies. The boys know they have some stuff coming but I don't think they have any idea how much or that they're getting some awesome sketches right in the sketchbooks too.

It's gonna be like some ridiculous Christmas morning explosion when they see it all.

We're still hovering around 80 boys. At Jason's request, I asked some of them, "If you could have one thing, what would it be?" and some answers were:

Shoes
Toys
A Watch
Trousers
More Beads (for making jewelry)
A Backpack

Such simple things for a question like that.

The staff at the center is now telling us we aren't allowed to take pictures there but when the stuff arrives, I'm gonna be sure to get some photos anyway and post 'em.

Thanks again!

[silvestri99]

Markane- It's a great thing you are doing there and I love being able to be part of it even if in a small way.

Jason- I'm sending a box of stuff tomorrow, will that be enough time? You said you are sending everything on the 10th but will there be a second shipment if enough stuff comes along later? I would be willing to keep my eye out and pick up things as I can get them on super sale if I knew that you may send another shipment later.

This has been a great thing and I was able to make it a family project with my kids. They were excited to buy some supplies and even do a few sketches for the kids that are going to get the supplies. It would be great if we could the same for other kids in the same situation, but I guess everything starts with one group in order to make a difference.

[Jason Manley]

Thanks everyone. Stuff is arriving. We are going to open it up and take pics so people can see it all.

We definitely need more shoes. The other requested items that the kiddos want would be cool too.

The generosity here has been great. We have plenty of art supplies now. Anything that folks want to send along is fine.

Pics to come...Keep up the great work everyone! Awesome.

Jason

[Sepulverture]

It seems that the need for things has not been strong enough to elicit a response regarding a forwarding address for East Asian members' parcels, or whether or not MB's Shanghai branch is even willing to help out.

I'm disappointed about that, but good work to everyone who has participated in this event.

[silvestri99]

Another package on the way to you Jason. I sent it testerday and it is supposed to arrive on friday. A few shirts, a couple pair of shoes, a backpack and some art supplies. I know you said you were good with the art supplies but my kids really wanted to draw in some sketchbooks for the project. They asked who else needed sketchbooks and if they could keep doing it for other groups of kids.
So, if this kind of thing comes up again let us know and we'll be glad to contribute! Doing this once a quarter would be cool if we could get the logistics set up.

[TAD Admissions: Scott Richeson]

The response is amazing.

The kitchen is inundated with packages and art supplies now. It was too much to keep in the small office anymore :)

I truly am touched by the out pouring this community has shown for this project. it's to the point where I wanted to shout everyone out who sent a package but there are just too many to do that with everything else on our schedules. if you sent a package you know who you are. Just know that you are going to be part of making people smile on at least two continents. :) I smile every time the postman shows up with more. (sometimes multiple times in the same day)

Good job CA.

Now Jason and I will figure out how to ship all this :)

Scooter.

[Jason Manley]

I could not have said it better myself. My friday night was spent feeling like christmas! Except better!

We need more shoes, vitamins, power bars, beads and necklace making stuff, bandaids, bandages, baseball hats, toys, soccer balls!, granola, dried fruit, socks, underwear and blankets!!!...art supplies are in order! Calculators, kazoos (and the most awesome one I have ever seen!!), harmonicas, shakers, so many sketchbooks, colored pencils, gosh...check this out!!! What a great way to start a weekend. This has been so much fun. There are even a couple wacom tablets in there!!!




The response is amazing.

The kitchen is inundated with packages and art supplies now. It was too much to keep in the small office anymore :)

I truly am touched by the out pouring this community has shown for this project. it's to the point where I wanted to shout everyone out who sent a package but there are just too many to do that with everything else on our schedules. if you sent a package you know who you are. Just know that you are going to be part of making people smile on at least two continents. :) I smile every time the postman shows up with more. (sometimes multiple times in the same day)

Good job CA.

Now Jason and I will figure out how to ship all this :)

Scooter.

[CLinAK]

Ok, I have one more small box ready to go with beads, pr shoes, pr socks, a shirt, little stuff. Won't get to you before the 14th, I think. I know you said May 10th when this all started, seems like you have extended the deadline a bit. Please let us know when to stop shipping stuff, ok? It's yard sale season, lots of possibilities out there!

[Mariposa]

I have a large box coming to you, I am in Plano, Texas should be there in a day or 2. I hope I am not too late.

[Myszt]

If you're still accepting shipments, or will decide another date in the future to accept more, I'll gladly hunt down some more of the essentials :]

[Jason Manley]

Awesome!! Go ahead and ship what you have right away.

TAD - Scott Richeson
c/o Jason Manley
(Address removed as we have completed this first drive!)


Thank you all! This is just great. I am going to head down to the goodwill on Wednesday and pick up whatever is left that I feel should be sent and the goods will go out on Friday at the latest. Clothing and shoes are a must. We are way short there.


Jason

[Vladimir Gasai]

I think i may be able to sent some clothing and shoes :D from my young brother which dont wear them anymore :)

[bulletproof_donkey]

The Joseph Kangethe Rescue Centre had a fun day for the boys on Saturday 15th May. Another group of kids came over for football games, singing & dancing competitions and just general fun for the whole day. Here's a few pics :D

[Jason Manley]

awesome day!!!

There are some more boxes on the way here. I hope to have everything shipped, at least this first batch, by Friday. I am going to hit the goodwill on the way as we are seriously very short on shoes still as well as clothes. Some of the austin locals are bringing some stuff over too (you know how you are and thanks!!!).

John, and bulletproof...we will need to coordinate here. I am checking to see if we can use a broker and if there is a possibility of going through the red cross or the like. It is time to send. My house is too full!!! :) More to do...more to do!

[Markane]

You guys rock!

Thanks so much everyone. The boys are gonna freak out when they see all this.

It looks like we're good on shoes and clothes at this point. Our numbers have dropped from around 80 boys to closer to 55 and another couple volunteers have hooked them up with some shoes and clothes.

I'll keep the updates coming.

[Jason Manley]

UPDATE!

I just wanted to let everyone know that not only did the large packages of donated goods make it to Kenya, it also allowed those who received the massive load of art supplies, shoes, clothes, and more, to find warmth, inspiration, and create work that is being sold on Zazzle! If you would like to support this further, and I hope that this community will do so, here is the link to the artwork being created and sold for the benefit of those with far less opportunity than any of us. Without you all, this would not be possible.

We encountered tremendous difficulty getting the aid to Kenya as no delivery service would take it further than the border, and to get it delivered meant possibility of being stolen or robbed before it could all reach the destination. After months of attempts we finally were able to get it sent through a group working here in Austin TX called CTC International. As you can see from the pics, they are doing great work.

It has always been my goal to see this community as the root of a true art movement. When artists are working together to have a positive change in the world such acts bring that dream ever closer to reality.

The facts are simple. Thanks to CA.O and the generous members from around the world, TAD (huge thanks to Scott and Francis!!), and Brilliant Colors (Thanks to our client Maxis "The Sims" for sending so many sketchbooks and sketches too!), inspiration happened in a place that needed it most.

It is my pleasure to share these pics with you. I have never been more proud of what CA.O is all about. Thank you all for supporting this. We shall do it again, for sure!! In the meantime, it is time to pick a few things from the Zazzle store.

I can tell you, that seeing these photos today made me feel like all the late nights and hard work here in the community is not only worth it, but important in ways I only dreamed about when this site first started. I really am proud of all of you, and those who support this with picking up a thing or two on the zazzle store.

Best and thanks...Truly.


Jason Manley
Founder
ConceptArt.Org
Brilliant Colors
The Art Department

[Trixtar]

Is it just me who can't spot the zazzle-link? :(

[Jason Manley]

http://www.zazzle.com/ctcinternational

[JohnSpearow]

This is amazing! Thank you Jason and Scott and everyone else who was eager to jump in and make it happen. Look at the smiles on those kids.

[HarbingerofIllRepute]

These children have been through hell, it is truly amazing how trivial our day to day lives and first world problems are in comparison to what they call a normal afternoon. What is even more amazing is what this forum has achieved in making them smile. Very inspiring, CA. Should the opportunity come again, I will be sure to contribute. Jason Manley, John... *tips hat*