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.

Kids Day Out

Burnet, Texas - September 26, 2009

Dozens of children eager to help polio victims completed sixty painted crutches at the Kids Day Out in Burnet, Texas on Saturday, September 26, 2009.  These artistic crutches will be given to polio victims in the emerging world in need of mobility. Under the direction of Global Art Initiative (GAIN) Domestic Coordinator, Laurie Berg, children worked to complete a crutch by themselves, others teamed up to create the priceless work.  Parents and grandparents joined in to add their creativity as well.  

Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in preparation for children’s’ crutch painting

Other children and their families took part in a demonstration of the Paralympic sport, sitting volleyball. With direct involvement in four Paralympic Games, Dr. Fred Sorrells, GAIN International Coordinator, first explained the modalities of sitting volleyball for the disabled followed by a simulated game.  Those interested in learning more about sitting volleyball are encouraged to visit this YouTube presentation.

Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in preparation for children’s crutch painting

On the right, two of the many children who creatively decorated 30 pair of crutches during the event.


Above, Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in,
preparation for children’s crutch painting.

 

Children who have never known polio began to understand about the horrible disease and what it means to be eradicated.  Armed with the knowledge that it is possible to wipe out diseases that plague society, we wonder what these children will imagine is possible to wipe out in the future. 

Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in preparation for children’s’ crutch painting

Below, Krystal Cates, GAIN volunteer
and Laurie Berg spearheaded the
Kid’s Day Out crutching painting
event.

Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in preparation for children’s’ crutch painting

 

 

 

 

 

Above, volunteers Stewart and Sean Berg  crutch
painted as well as provided assistance with video and
still photography.

 

Ben Sorrells cleans crutches in preparation for children’s’ crutch painting

 

 

Left, Dr. Fred Sorrells (in the middle with back toward camera) lead participants in a sitting volleyball game.