Rays of Light: Hope, Life, and Art in El Salvador
at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, 211 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
September 7 - October 31, 2006
Reception: Friday, September 29, 2006 6-9 pm
La Pena and The Foundation for Self-Sufficiency in Central America (FSSCA) present “Rays of Light: Hope, Life, and Art in El Salvador”. This exhibit at Las Manitas Avenue Café features the artwork from students of FSSCA’s “Rays of Light” program in El Salvador. The exhibit begins on September 7th and runs through October 31st. A special reception will be held on Friday, September 29th at both La Pena Gallery and Las Manitas from 6-9 pm.
The Foundation for Self-Sufficiency in Central America invites the Austin community to help us honor Hispanic Month by celebrating triumphs through art by students’ from El Salvador. The Rays of Light Art project has impacted students’ lives by helping to improve their self-esteem and decision making skills. Many of them are now involved in making a positive impact on their communities, consequently, helping to overcome socio-economic problems which include: gang activity, violence, joblessness and massive emigration. Despite harsh economic conditions, their art presents a bright future full of hope, peace and economic and social justice.
José Alberto Garcia, the program’s art instructor, will be visiting from El Salvador to give a talk about “Rays of Light” during the reception. He is a renowned artist in Central America who began working with 100 at-risk youths, former gang members, and other young people. Today, more than one hundred Salvadoran youth participate in this project. The growing gang activity gave new urgency to this project that provided healthy, constructive, creative outlets for young people in the communities. Rays of Light has become a tool for youth to build a brighter future for themselves and their neighbors.
“These classes were a good thing for me. This kind of project encourages young people to lead a healthier life. I have seen lots of changes in my life since I started with the project. People trust me more now. With this project I feel that I'm respected; I am becoming more a part of society,” confided Santos, a former member of the “Mara Salvatrucha”.
FSSCA helps build justice and peace through the empowerment of the people of El Salvador. It works in partnership with low- income communities in the Bajo Lempa region of El Salvador to achieve environmental sustainability, economic self- sufficiency, social justice and peace. Headquartered in Austin, this year FSSCA celebrates 10 years of ongoing support for communities of the Bajo Lempa. www.fssca.net