3/11 City Arts Project

            I went to a meeting in Leila’s room, in which two representatives from the City Arts Project talked to us about what they do, which is “Global Heart Warming.” They help the environment by creating art and warming people’s hearts all in one project, which sounds difficult to do, but they do it. They are currently focusing on New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina caused a lot of damaged, and everything still isn’t completely back to the way it was, and many people there have a horrible living. What the project is doing is having kids paint doors for the people whose homes are in not very good condition. Not only will it help the families by providing doors, the hand painted door will send the message that people care about them, and will warm their heart.

            I learned that sustainability isn’t all about keeping the earth green. It can also be a mental thing as well as a physical thing—cheering people up who are in tough times can be sustainability just as much as a solar panel is because it sustains the people mentally and helps them get on with their lives. A door that is thoughtfully painted and thought out could bring a smile to a Katrina refugee’s face, making their life better.

            I decided (sadly) not to continue with this group, even though I think what they are doing is amazing. I’m not much of an art person, and I really want to concentrate on doing a good job with Grace Hwang because I love working at that center a lot. I also don’t think I would have enough time to do a second sustainability group that meets very frequently, particularly with the robotics tournament so close. However, I know that the people who did continue work with this group will do an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see the final project.