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.

The Stretford at The Cascades

Tyler, Texas - September 19, 2009


Art installed in the lobby of The Stretford at The Cascades
Cindi Featherston-Shields and The Stretford at The Cascades hosted the first Tyler exhibit for the Global Art Initiative. The event Art Under the Stars drew a good number of folks from the Tyler area who enjoyed art from Haiti and Kenya. The exhibit was installed in the lobby, dining-lounge area and in an 11th floor luxury condo. The Stretford provided a wonderful vignette of chocolates and champagne for guests.
Art installed in luxury condo on the 11th Floor of The Stretford at The Cascades
The exhibit on the 11th floor condo included acrylics on linen by Ken N'gang'a from Kenya (hung on glass), crutches and paintings on canvas by Eder Romeus from Haiti, and paintings on canvas by Jospeh John Paul, Herold Alvares and Pierre Guy from Haiti.
Art installed in the dining room of The Stretford at The Cascades
The dining and lounge areas featured smaller works on canvas by the same artists and video of the artists painting. Dr. Fred Sorrells and Laurie Berg presented the vision of the Global Art Initiative to guests downstairs, while Don Bristow greeted guests on the 11th floor.
Art installed in the lounge room of The Stretford at The Cascades Art installed in the lounge room of The Stretford at The Cascades
The artwork was integrated into the lounge and dining areas by Laurie Berg, and the result produced an amazing synergy of classic interior design with Haitian and African art.

We are grateful to Cindi Featherston-Shields and the staff at The Stretford at the Cascades for providing a wonderful venue for the premier Global Art Initiative event in Tyler, Texas.