OUR MISSION

The Global Art Initiative's mission is to break the poverty cycle for disabled artists in Third World Countries. We are a non-profit focused on education and the sale of original artwork to benefit handicapped artists globally. We engage children and adults in art projects geared to developing an understanding of disability and the awareness that artistic ability is not limited by a disability.  Our hope is that through their experience with the Global Art Initiative, participants will take compassionate action, becoming donors in the larger shared humanitarian project.

Grand Opening of The Global Art Intiative Gallery

Cottonwood Shores, Texas - December 4, 2009

Dr. Fred Sorrells with Beth and Tommy Blount

The Grand Opening of The Global Art Initiative Gallery took place on Friday, December 4, 2009, and the Grand Opening Exhibit is now on display.

Our guests at the Grand Opening came from the communities of Horseshoe Bay, Cottonwood Shores and Marble Falls. As they viewed the artwork and listened to our stories about the handicapped artists, they also welcomed us into the area and offered their support and encouragement. Some of our guests even brought crutches, walkers and cash to help those in need of mobility devices in the developing nations.

It was wonderful to see the artwork appreciated, and all of us volunteers wanted so much for our artists to be there too so that they could experience that appreciation for themselves.

Pictured top-right is Dr. Fred Sorrells, President and Overseas Coordinator of the Global Art Intiative, with Beth and Tommy Blount, the new owners of a painting by Haitian artist John Paul Joseph. Beth and Tommy became the first art buyers from the Global Art Intiative Gallery, and their investment will go to help John Paul Joseph and other handicapped people in Haiti.

Francie Dix and Theresa Mosley look at Christmas cards created by Herold Alvares and John Paul Joseph

Pictured above are Francie Dix and Theresa Mosley, Adaptive Art Instructor for the Global Art Intiative, looking through Christmas cards that were painted by Haitian artists Herold Alvares and John Paul Joseph. This is one of several rooms in the gallery, and it features acrylics on linen by Kenyan artist Kennedy N'gan'ga.

Ben Sorrells views Mandelbrot Number 9

While many pieces installed in the gallery were exhibited in Dallas, Garland and Tyler this year and are available for sale online, the grand opening exhibit features some very recent artworks by Herold Alvares, John Paul Joseph and Eder Romeus. This new and exceptional quality work hasn't even been photographed yet.

In addition to work by our handicapped artists, the Global Art Initiative Gallery features "Chaotica" by Texas artist and Global Art Initiative Technology Coordinator Don Bristow. 50% of the sales proceeds for Bristow's work is going to the Global Art Initiative.

Pictured at right is Global Art Initiative volunteer Ben Sorrells viewing Mandelbrot Number 9 by Don Bristow.

The Global Art Intiative Gallery is now open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM, and we are in need of more volunteers to help us maintain these hours. If you are interested in helping, please submit a Volunteer Application or email us or give us a call at (214) 674-6196.

 

Special Thanks to Lynette Morrison and Harris Smithson

On October 15, 2009, the Noon Rotary Club of Marble Falls welcomed a Global Art Initiative presentation by Dr. Fred Sorrells, President and International Coordinator, and Laurie Berg, Domestic Coordinator. During the presentation, Laurie mentioned the pressing needs of the Global Art Initiative, including office and gallery space.

Lynette Morrison, CCIM, a Commercial Realtor and Broker Associate of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, took these needs to heart and took action. Her client and property owner, Harris Smithson, soon agreed to allow the Global Art Initiative to use an unoccupied space in Horseshoe Bay, TX that he owned.

One week later the Global Art Initiative had a space to operate thanks to the actions of Lynette Morrison and the generosity of Harris Smithson.