I’ve been visiting family, frequenting nature preserves, dropping in on poetry readings, drawing/watercoloring, and writing haiku and poems (which are peppered throughout my Substack Notes and on Hack Shack, my creative writing publication).

I’ve come to embrace my pendulum-swinging nature, drifting off into the realm of art and poetry and finding within it a relishing retreat.

Today, I share a writing practice both enjoyable and mind-boggling: distilling poems down to their very essence. The practice started out of a desire to post on the character-limited (300) platform, BlueSky. First, I would write a poem long-hand and long-form, and then whack and hack my way through the extra branches and brush to achieve a shorter version.

The practice has taught me to be more efficient. I have found ways to hone in on the poem’s essence by using unconventional punctuation, bending and twisting words, and deleting whole stanzas (often the first or second!).

This poetic quiddity has taught me to be efficient and selective without forgoing depth. In fact, I think sometimes I’m able to achieve greater depth the shorter the poem.

To illustrate, below are three versions of a poem inspired by today’s #VSS365 prompt “karma.” There is a long version, the BlueSky Version, and the “holy shit that’s short” version.

But, first, the visual, because for me, that’s often what comes first (before the words). I created this simple watercolor of tree and silhouette before even contemplating writing the poem below. The silhouette, an afterthought, became the inspiration for the poem.

Betwixt Me & Tree (Long Version)

Betwixt me and tree
I rough-chafe like peeling bark,
Thin-crinkle as brittle leaf,
Beat like heart-home for sparrows.
*
Soles tingle.
Mycorrhizal connectivity
Or last star blink?
*
I cannot distinguish -
*
Karmic (r)evolution
From cloudy dream.
*
A hazy view
Presents me to myself
From all sides.
*
The dark abyss
Glows a novel hue
Born of burnt earth and marine sky
*
Then, it comes,
Extinguished,
Life is dismissed.

Betwixt Me & Tree (BlueSky Version)

Betwixt Me & Tree “Holy Shit That’s Short” version

Karmic (r)evolution

Am I tree?

No answer,

I extinguish.

Reflections & Questions

My Reflections

I’ve been in a morose, morbid, existential crisis sort of mood for a lot of reasons - upcoming birthday (51), oldest child turned 18 in April, and a host of other changes and challenges. As a result, most of my poems have happily (I’m serious about that) been about death or transformation or longing.

The Betwixt Me & Tree poem really went to the heart of my current obsession with the meaning of life or the meaninglessness of it (hello Camus) and how to approach it. Naturally, I’m approaching it through art.

If you’re experiencing something similar and would like to share how you cope with middle age crises (I seem to be having quite a few over a long period of time), please do!

Leave a comment

Questions for you!

I would love your input and feedback on the three versions.

• What was superfluous in the long version?

• What was missing in the BlueSky version?

• Did I capture the quiddity of the sentiment in the Holy Shit That’s Shorter than Haiku version?

Leave a comment

Please do share with me your long, medium, and short poem versions. I’m here to share my experience but most of all want to connect with and learn from you!

Upcoming

I’m heading to the Emily Dickinson homestead on Saturday, May 10th for the annual laying of daisies on her grave. Anyone else I know heading there? I look forward to posting about that experience on the other side.

More By Me…

If you liked this post and want to read more, I invite you to check out my post on live-sketching at a poetry reading…

My post on cultivating creative cohorts in your community…

Or, my recent collection of haiku (plus sketchbook spread) from my recent visit to Kentucky.

The Hack Shack - A Writer's Haven

Kentucky Haiku & Sketchbook Spreads

While visiting family in Kentucky, I found Haiku to be the most compact and portable way to hold my experiences. My sketchbook drawings (scroll to the bottom for spreads) also helped capture the essence of being, just being…

Read more

a year ago · 3 likes · 3 comments · Emily Kaminsky

Thank you for reading! If you are new here…

I write on occasion about creative experiences in my life, specifically intersections of art, poetry, and community. I also write about the Nakivale Young Talent Community, a youth refugee-led artist collective in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. The Refugee Artist Support Circle is a separate section of The Creative Convergence; all paid subs to this publication benefit the artists with supplies, food, and fresh water.

The event: Christopher Jane Corkery read from Love Took The Words and Linda Flaherty Haltmaier, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Andover, MA, read from her new poetry collection Shadows Set To Burn at the Andover Bookstore, the oldest independent bookstore in the US!

I’ve only ever done it once before - two years ago at the same bookstore - that is, sketched a poet while she read. I wrote about the experience here.

Some might think it’s rude. But, I do it quietly and without fanfare. I’m there to experience their poetry, but in a different way than others perhaps.

There is something tantalizing and intimate about drawing a person’s likeness while they are reading their poetry. They are in a different state of being when they read. They become the words, they become the poem. It also helps that they are usually in one position long enough for me to sketch!

While I’m listening to their words, I’m moving my hand to capture shape and form, attentive to the contours of their faces and the shadow. I stop when struck by a particular line, contemplate, and then continue. The end result is a visual representation of my experience, something tangible that is of them and me, together.

Tell me, do you do this when you go to book readings, poetry recitals, and other public events? I can’t be the only one.

In short, the whole experience was profound: the recitals, the sketching, and the sharing.

I wrote a poem about it to capture the essence of its specialness and to share the experience, with you! Photos follow below.

Poetry En Plein Air

Twenty of us gather

In front of the fireplace.

Two poets shuffle papers,

Turn to marked pages.

—

Anticipation builds,

The sharing starts.

My heart opens,

As does my sketchbook.

—

My hand moves

As does my soul.

I capture the down-turned face of one,

the up-turned face of the other.

—

Both unlock the secret doors

To their hearts,

Inviting us in, to shadow

Their hearts’ aches and breaks

At the loss and beauty of life.

—

I want to capture

These poets en plein air,

Out in the open,

Offering their wildest and

Tenderest gifts to us.

—

Words float from their mouths

Up to the rafters, onto eyelashes,

Rest on shoulders, and perch on noses.

—

A few land delicately on my page.

Tickling my senses

Delighting synapses.

—

I affix them to the page

Carefully capture the shadow

Apply some water

All while listening.

—

Afterwards, we shuffle our chairs to the back

Clear the floor and make our way to the front

To greet our heroines who have shown us how to be courageous.

—

With a shyness, I ask them to autograph

Their books - and would they mind?

Doing something a little different?

Sign my sketchbook?

—

I explain it away as an odd quirk of mine,

Sketching poets while they recite.

Their eyes light up as do mine

With a recognition of some sort.

—

I add that it makes the experience

All the more memorable for me.

And I hope for them too.

The Sketches

They are simple and just made with two tools I grabbed on the way out the door: a tan derwent inktense pencil and a tombow brush pen (oh, okay, three! a water brush).

I’ve gotten past the embarrasment of sharing my rough sketch portraits. I’ve learned that people I sketch are overwhelmed and thrilled (usually) that someone noticed them. It’s unexpected and special.

The Autographs

I’m a fan girl. These women recited heart-wrenching and beautiful poems. I had to buy the books and get their signatures! Turns out Linda is a painter and noticed me drawing during the reading (oops, not my intention).

I’ve already devoured some of their poems this morning. I highly recommend both poets. Here’s a short excerpt from Linda’s “Darkness, looming”

My tricks are failing,

the ways I dull and distract myself

from the abyss.

I dangle on the edge,

kicking for a tree branch to appear underfoot,

jutting out like cantilevered hope.

CANTILEVERED HOPE! You’ll have to get the collection to read the rest of this poem. It melts me!

I’ve been writing poetry

If you’re writing poetry, so am I! Drop me a link to your poetry and join me at the “Hack Shack - A Writer’s Haven” a place where I drop my poetry these days.

The Hack Shack - A Writer's Haven

I'm putting my creative writing and other wordy drivel here on a separate Substack. Just cuz.

By Emily Kaminsky

In invite you to read a poem I just dropped today on The Hack Shack about the magnolia I met on the way to the poetry reading. Are you crushing hard on magnolias this Spring? If so, let me know (and send me a picture of your tree!)

Thank you for reading! If you are new here…

I write on occasion about creative experiences in my life, specifically intersections of art, poetry, and community. I also write about the Nakivale Young Talent Community, a youth refugee-led artist collective in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. The Refugee Artist Support Circle is a separate section of The Creative Convergence; all paid subs to this publication benefit the artists with supplies, food, and fresh water.

Until next time, bloom in all the ways you know how!

This post shares a few tips on cultivating creative cohorts and introduces my newest direction: writing, writing and more creative writing. Are you writing? Let me know what is inspiring you!

How do you balance your work and daily-life requirements with your creative expression?

Leave a comment

On Cultivating Creative Cohorts

#1 Find An Artist Buddy.

I have an artist buddy. Do you? I call on mine frequently for art adventures. Our conversations meander from the scientific (he’s a physicist!) to the artistic, from the philosophical to the practical. Half of our time is spent talking with the other half in silent parallel play, sketching in our sketchbooks.

Our first adventure was to Walden Pond, which I wrote about here:

We convened again over the winter at a local coffee shop where I drew the old radio on a bookshelf while sipping a mocha. Hhe drew a fishbowl view of seated patrons.

Another weekend, we visited his favorite Ramen shop. While sampling authentic Japanese comfort food, I drew the Saki bottles behind him.

Last year, we spent half a Sunday at the local waterfall, enjoying some side-by-side plein air sketching and watercolor.

#2 Meet Up With Artists (with no pressure to create)

Most communities have a club or a group of artists. We have a small one where I live. It’s four of us, sometimes less. So long as two of us show up, it’s a meet up. At our most recent event, we chose not to create. Instead, we chatted, told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. Here’s my artist crew (I’m in the blue coat).

#3 Get Intimate; Invite Them Over.

I invited my artist friends over for an InstaPot soup dinner. Easy, no frills, and cheap. Why hadn’t I done this before? Why don’t I do it more often? I really can’t say, but I highly encourage you to give it a try! We not only fed ourselves, but fed our souls… and built stronger relationships.

The next weekend, I invited them over for brunch. Again, another easy, no frills event, in the comfort of my own home We used to do this back in the 70’s and 80’s. It feels so right and so human!

#4 Introverted? Travel Virtually!

I don’t always want to be around people, but there are still ways to cultivate creative cohorts in other ways. On a shut-in, snowy day, I wanted to draw but couldn’t go anywhere. And, honestly didn’t want to anyway (although if it were to be anywhere it would have been the library, but it was closed). Photos online of our library did the trick. I spent a few hours inking these scenes from other people’s snapshots of the library from Google Maps. By the end of my dining room table, solitary session, I had a series and felt like I had been there! I also posted them and tagged the library which brought joy to others seeing my renditions of the stacks! Perhaps not a creative cohort practice, but I was able to connect to the outside world and share my art from the comfort of home. We don’t always have to be out in the real world to be inspired!

Return to Writing For Myself

For the last year (since the June 1st 2024 art expo I organized), I’ve been using the Creative Convergence Substack as a place to write about others or my adventures alongside others. While I’m still doing that (read here the most recent update on the Young Refugee Artists in Uganda), I found myself needing to return to myself. At first, I wondered if I had the right to. Should I be spending time on myself? And, then realized it was a ridiculous question. And, then I remembered my encouragement over the last year - say yes! Say YES to yourself, Emily! So I did.

I started keeping a journal full of writing plus PhoMemo stickers. If you haven’t heard of the photo-sticker craze, I highly recommend it. My journal is now prompted by the pictures I take IRL (or the ones I download from the internet like the cover art of my favorite The Joy Formidable album).

My recent return to writing put me back on the path to creating short form stories, poems and haiku often accompanied by watercolor art.

And, now that April is here (Poetry Month!), I’m establishing a habit of daily writing and communing with other short story, poetry, and haiku writers, especially on BlueSky (connect with me there). Are you one? I’d love to meet you!

I’ve also joined the April Commonplace Book Club (CBC) hosted by of . It just started, so come join us! I’m logging quotes daily from sources I find that interest me (mostly on the topic of poetry and prose currently) into a special book (I chose a Red-Bubble journal with art from Esther Tharhous, one of the young refugee artists from Nakivale Young Talent Community!)

Are you keeping a commonplace book? If so, drop me a comment! I’d love to follow you!

Leave a comment

April is Poetry Month

As an homage to April, the Poetry Month, here is my favorite poem that I’ve written so far along with watercolor; the full post is on my new personal Substack called “The Hack Shack - A Writer’s Haven”. Check it out!

So I dress

My wound with crimson blooms

Atop the cream of mother’s milk

To form a cup to hold

Lost dreams once more.

In fascimile, she appears

Releasing my desire to resurrect

The ephemeral past.

Joy from my page springs,

Palpable optimism

So close I taste it.

Thank you for reading!

I’ll see you again when the next Creative Convergence moment arises (Next up for me will be planting a garden with my artist buddy!)

In the meantime, I’d love to hear how you are writing for yourself, returning to yourself, cultivating creative cohorts, or spending Spring!

Welcome to the January - March edition of “Nakivale YTC Artist News”! A “month-in-the-life” (although it’s been a quarter!) series chronicling a young refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, September 2024, October 2024, November 2024 and December 2024 posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

Mini-Zine Distribution - 200+ Kids Received!

In December, we wrote about how we wanted to print mini-zines - short stories written and illustrated by young artists - to distribute to the children who learn art at NYTC. We were successful thanks to many RedBubble merchandise purchases and individual donations! Over 200 mini-zines were distributed at the NYTC Christmas party.

What’s more, we raised funds to provide each child with a small gift.

The Christmas party went off without a hitch. A Christmas Eve African Campfire for the older children and young adults was full of story-telling and discussion. Of course, noone slept and they were up early in the morning playing with water guns while waiting for the children to show up.

MEANWHILE… Muhindo Mutundi was working hard on building three guitars, a special New Year’s Eve surprise for the artists.

New Year’s Eve - An Illness Interlude

Unfortunately, after all of the Christmas celebrations, Akon fell extremely ill with Malaria and Typhoid while on a short trip to Mbarara to repair his cell phone. Many, MANY thanks are due to for recommending a clinic for his treatment. Akon’s family members arrived at the clinic along with artist Krehim Sharon; turns out some of them were also ill. They spent New Year’s Eve at the clinic together healing and recuperating, thankfully feeling well enough to watch the fireworks from outside the clinic’s doors.

When they returned to the Settlement, healed and refreshed, Muhindo delivered the three guitars, the first instruments to kick off NYTC’s music program.

Ubuntu International & Stand Up For Justice Support NYTC With Grant Funds

Shortly before the holidays, we learned that NYTC would be the recipient of a grant from Stand Up For Justice and International. In fact, NYTC and two other organizations - ABCC (a school) and GoGreen (a permaculture/skills training organization led by ) - would be a new “Ubuntu Hub”. For NYTC the investment meant a new mobile recording studio, chairs and tables for the art center, and ultimately additional land, a projector and screen, and a photography program. There is so much more to share about these new developments. But, rather than tell you about them, check out the videos and pictures!

Chairs & Tables Arrive

Funding in part purchased cabinets, tables and chairs to support the children’s learning. Children for many months have been sitting on broken benches and the floor.

NYTC Vests & Banner Produced

In the Settlement, all Community Based Organizations must have vests and badges. And, a banner helps when on the move. Here, Akon models the new vest with Ubuntu International and Stand Up For Justice logos. Thank you Rob Dickinson for your inspiring song “My Name Is Love.” [One of my favorites!]

Music Studio Equipment Installed!

Ubuntu and Stand Up For Justice funded a\A mobile recording studio replete with piano, guitar, mics, stands, and recording equipment that arrived in early January. Set up began immediately under the expert eye of a professional local refugee producer named John. Krehim Sharon (pictured below with blue guitar) tries out the equipment.

Check, check, 1, 2, 3! The artists gather to test the equipment.

Preparing for Ubuntu International’s Visit

Early February was the planned date for Ubuntu International’s visit. Preparations were underway, including painting an Ubuntu logo on the Center’s wall.

Finally the day arrived. Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah of Ubuntu International and Stand Up For Justice were greeted with art, dance and song.

No visit is complete without acrobatic Culture Dance!

And communal painting. In foreground, Eric of ABCC with Pato & Antoinette of Ubuntu.

Group shot from an amazing day. Wish I were there!

After the amazing visit from Ubuntu, another surprise arrived. A Smart Projector and screen to connect the kids even more with the outside world. The projector will allow for upcoming art exhibits as well as group meetings with artists and others around the world.

In celebration of Pato Banton and Antoinette ’s visit in early, the artists collaborated with “Culture Dance” troupe to produce this incredible video to Pato and Antoinette’s “Spirit of Ubuntu” song.

Photography Lessons with DR LEE!

Since the Ubuntu visit, more opportunities have opened up. DR Lee has been photographing and using his videography skills to document the artists and their work for at least a year now. He is stepping up, volunteering his skills to launch a beginner’s photography course for up to a dozen young refugees. Documenting their stories and lives, their environment, their challenges, their joys will be an amazing next step for the creativity of these young individuals. We can’t wait to share their photography with you!

Next Up - Mini-Library!

After the cuts to USAID funding, we learned that Alight (the foundation fka American Refugee Committee out of Minnesota) was losing a large amount of their funding. This inevitably affects the Alight-administered Nakivale Community Library, the only library in the community of 180,000+ refugees. Furthermore, the library hours are incompatible with the needs of children, open only when children are in school. A recent visit from Alight Program Director Leah sparked the idea to create a mini-library at the Art Education Center. Why? Because the Center has become a community meeting place (with solar and wi-fi attracting many community members) and is open on the weekends (when the Library is not).

Launching of the NYTC Mini-Library

Leah has graciously provided a list of books for NYTC to purchase. We have a sponsor already waiting in the wings to contribute $100. Would you like to sponsor a book to help support the children’s education, curiousity and growth? If so, DM me, leave a comment, or email me at rainmakerdesign4africa@gmail.com. GoFundMe to come soon. Or just donate here! Each book costs $10. And, yes it’s cheaper to buy there than to donate from here and ship - believe me! When you donate, your name will be entered into the inside of the book and we will send you a message of gratitude. We’ll be posting videos of children reading the books too. What joy!

Donate a Book!

New Art Coming!

This post is already too long but we cannot forget to share that there is NEW art! Soon, soon, there will be a post that shares the new art. Don’t forget, if you want to support the artists, you can always shop on the RedBubble site. All profits benefit the NYTC artists! All of the art pieces look amazing on all sorts of merchandise. We will leave you with Joz’s “Love, Peace & Unity” painting. You can get this as a pair of socks, a shirt, even a puzzle!

Until next time, be well! In solidarity with you and all artists and refugees worldwide,

Welcome to the mid-December near-Solstice edition of “Nakivale YTC Artist News”! A “month-in-the-life” series chronicling a young refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, September 2024, October 2024, and November posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

Holiday Party Appeal!

We are just $150 shy of our Christmas and New Year’s holiday party budget to provide 100+ children and youth with a joyous Christmas celebration and 25+ older artists with a special New Year’s celebration.

Can you help? The best way for you to help is to contribute directly to the Nakivale TipTop Jar. Funds are managed by me and sent directly to NYTC for their celebration.

Donate to NYTC Holiday Party

Funds will be used to provide small gifts of clothing and shoes as well as a festive atmosphere complete with music, food, refreshments, and games for the children served by NYTC.

Blank cards are still available to be purchased on my Etsy store, RainMaker Design, with 100% of net proceeds going to fund the artist collective. And, merchandise is also available for sale on the RedBubble site, like these notebooks and canvas bags. All profits go to NYTC.

Solar for Solstice! Let There Be Light!

In our last issue (November 2024), I referenced the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof of the Art Education Center. Shortly after we installed the community wi-fi, the Settlement experienced a blackout for over one week. No electricity? No wi-fi.

Loss of electricity is a regular occurrence in the Settlement. Only well-funded organizations and essential services are able to ride the rough wave of blackouts by relying on generators. Even so, fuel is expensive and out of reach of many. As a result, many go without electricity. Without electricity, there is no wi-fi and phones run out of charge. People who rely on that technology to stay in touch with each other lose those connections which can produce anxiety, particularly for our artists who rely on connections with each other and the outside world.

We were able to pull together the funds in early December to install solar on the building to bring back the light and the wi-fi. Installing solar also allowed us to put three outlets on the outside of the building, bringing the total number of outlets to 10! NYTC’s Art Education Center, in this way, serves as a free charging station for community members. This new development allows NYTC to set itself up potentially to be a computer lab (applying for that possibility soon!).

Mini-Zine Short Stories

Last month, we shared the cover pages of several new short stories written and illustrated by the older artists who serve as facilitators/trainers. We were able to produce these short stories in a miniature format as “zines”, 8-page foldable booklets.

Five stories were printed and will be folded into mini-zines for distribution to nearly 200 children on Christmas day. And, two of them have since been turned into short video books.

Another Visit to New Refugee Arrivals

In early December, NYTC artists received word that new refugees from several countries (DRC and Rwanda specifically) had arrived in the Settlement. With the arrival area just a 15-minute walk from home, Akon felt compelled to go to bring some amount of hope to them. As Akon told me, “They arrive with no hope for tomorrow. They think their life is dead. Done. I take it upon myself to go and bring some hope. There is tomorrow.”

The emotional energy it takes to go and visit is immense. In addition, visiting new arrivals dredges up the trauma that Akon faced in his own childhood, losing four siblings and four grandparents. Some artists join Akon on trips like these; others can’t stomach it.

I asked Akon why he feels compelled to go visit new arrivals especially given the emotional cost. He answered, “If I do not, who will? If we are all crying to each other, who will be the one to give hope? I go to bring a smile, to play, to help them forget their yesterday if only for a short time,” he says.

I reflect that we all are compelled in some way at some point in life to serve the pain we hold from early trauma.

This time, unlike other times, Akon shared with me 50+ (only 50 here) pictures of the children who were received as new refugee arrivals. Many were orphaned having lost their parents in their home country or along the way. These are unaccompanied minors picked up along the way by adults. Unaccompanied… Unaccompanied…!

As told to me by Akon, adults and children are dropped off and given UNHCR tarps but no food and no water and no understanding of what is to happen next. Akon’s natural inclination was to raise money to feed these children but with limited resoures of his own and my own inability to provide that level of support, the idea seemed unattainable. The larger dream was to build an orphanage and second art school. I still cannot believe how many children arrive unaccompanied and there is no orphanage to house them producing a new generation of street children barely surviving in the Settlement.

We did agree that we would try our best to raise enough funds to invite these children to NYTC’s holiday party, hoping that just for Christmas day at least they will be able to forget tomorrow and start to see that there is indeed life after point of entry. There is indeed life after transforming from Congolese or Rwandan child, child of your parents, member of your village to a refugee living in a Settlement in a foreign country.

Donate to Support the Holiday Festival!

Embracing & Manifesting the Spirit of Ubuntu

We will leave you with this energetic rendition of “The Spirit of Ubuntu”, the theme song to the International documentary called “Spirit of Ubuntu” which is streaming in 2025 and also available with a learning guide to communities worldwide soon! The artists covered the original song, composed and performed by Pato Banton and Antoinette . NYTC is poised to become a partner to Ubuntu in the new year! More information to come soon on a deeper partnership with Ubuntu. There are exciting developments to come!

Art Can Change Our World! Join the Circle!

Thank you for reading the Mid-December Solstice installment of NYTC Art News! We’ll be back in early January with a full report on December’s activities including Holiday festivities.

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donate to Support NYTC

NYTC is not only a refugee-led young artist collective, it’s a community-based organization that provides art education and other creative expressive opportunities for 80 children ages 5 to 25!

My relationship with NYTC has grown over the months, starting with the June 1st Online Young Artist Expo, continuing on to building their new Art Education Center, and hosting the second online expo and art auction in late September.

On a nearly daily basis, I receive stories, pictures and video from their founder Akon Deograce, always rich with detail. I’ve followed their many ups and their many downs over the last couple of months.

It would be a missed opportunity to not share these stories with the outside world. So few people get to be so closely connected to people 8,000 miles away. And, particularly these people who I have grown to consider an extended part of my family.

Refugee Artist Support Circle

I started the Refugee Artist Support Circle section on The Creative Convergence in June to both chronicle their lives but to also offer people an opportunity to support their work.

Read more about the Support Circle, how to subscribe to it as a special Substack section, and what upgrading to a paid subscription means for you and for this young refugee artist collective in this introductory post below!

All Issues Available Now!

Over the holiday, I have finally managed to put all of my weekly notes, photos, and videos (including many that live on my YouTube channel) into monthly stories, backfilling six intense, fulfilling, exciting, and scary months worth of their stories. You can now read them all here for free!

Creative Expression is A Life Saver

Refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and other East African countries, these artists are forging a new life in what can only be considered a temporary home (while many have lived there for a decade or more).

They are doing their best with what they have, buoying each other, keeping hope, staying active, drawing, painting, modeling, dancing, singing, and inspiring others to do the same.

Creative expression with community has become a life saving, life changing opportunity for these artists. They have co-created this opportunity together. And, we, their cheerleaders, donors, and supporters, have been there to help them build and maintain the capacity to keep doing the work.

Join me in supporting these young artists.

You can do so by… reading, sharing, subscribing, commenting, liking, and if you so choose, upgrading your subscription!

You can also do all or some of the above as well as make a donation. I support the artists’ safety, security, health and well-being and it’s hard to do it alone. I would love some art-loving compadres to lend a hand!

Donate here to NYTC Tip Jar

Thank you so much for your time and support!

Welcome to the November edition of “Nakivale YTC Artist News”! A “month-in-the-life” series chronicling a young refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, September 2024, and October 2024 posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

Holiday Party Fundraiser!

Before we jump into the monthly news, we could definitely use your support to help fund a holiday party for the 80 children and youth served by the NYTC Art Education Center.

Using watercolors I sent back in August, Joz, Josby, Mansur, and Sellemani painted holiday cards just for you!

These blank cards can be purchased individually in quantities of 5, 10 or more. Or you can buy a multi-pack set of 5. These and more prints and merch supporting the refugee artists are all on my Etsy store, RainMaker Design, with 100% of net proceeds going to fund the artist collective.

Latrines, Handwashing, and Community Wi-Fi

This month, we made additional strides in the infrastructure of the NYTC Art Education Center, focusing on sanitation, clean water, and connection. Typhoid is rampant in communities like the Settlement where there is inadequate and insufficient access to clean water.

In September, we nearly lost our dear leader Akon Deograce to Typhoid. Ever since then, we have focused on raising funds to prioritize bathroom facilities, proper sanitation and clean water.

Our first step, was to make sure the water collected in the rainwater tank was safe for drinking. We worked with one of the nurses from the hospital that saved Akon’s life to treat the water in the main rainwater tank to kill all bacteria. This reduces the need to purchase bottled water which also reduces single-use plastic waste in the Settlement.

Latrines were next! As we wrote about in the October newsletter, thanks to a generous donation from Stand Up for Justice, a two-stall latrine structure is finally complete! The latrines also have a handwashing station using a smaller tank that is filled manually from time to time with treated water from the main rainwater tank.

Community Wi-Fi Serves a 50M Radius

Refugees in Nakivale receive a USD$5 allowance monthly from UNHCR. With very few to no sustainable income generating opportunities available, people are barely surviving. Imagine then, if you manage to obtain a phone, how might you afford the exhorbitant data bundles to access the outside world? Many don’t. Some do, but they then have no money left for basic essentials. While safety, security, clothing, food, shelter, education and healthcare are all necessities, many of these come at a high price for refugees. And, they are often faced with difficult choices.

Imagine being faced with needing to pay the hospital to save your child from malaria or typhoid or purchasing basic medicine? Many choose to sell their family cell phone which was acquired often at great expense already. Sell your phone and lose your ability to connect with other community members, family and even receive money transfers.

When the Community Chairman and the NYTC artists discussed the idea of putting a community wi-fi router on the NYTC building, I was interested in hearing more. The Community Chairman’s office is across the road from the Art Education Center. The proposal: the artists and the Chairman could work together to provide free wi-fi with a 50 meter range to the community. With the Chairman offering to pay half of the installation, we raised the funds to pay the other half.

Now, with communiy wi-fi installed, the community can come to the Center to access free wi-fi. There is only one other such free wi-fi location in the community that is a considerable walking distance from Kashojwa B village. This was a win-win!

The only downside is that the wi-fi only works when the electricity is running. Currently, as of this writing, the electricity is out in this part of the Settlement and is not expected to return for another week!

Is solar next? You bet! Why? It’s not only smart and cheaper, but it’s more reliable and it’s renewable!

Loss of electricity is a regular occurrence in the Settlement. Only well-funded organizations and essential services are able to ride the rough wave of blackouts by relying on generators. Even so, fuel is expensive and out of reach of many. And, so many go without electricity. Without electricity, there is no wi-fi and phones run out of charge. People who rely on that technology to stay in touch with each other lose those connections which can produce anxiety, particularly for our artists who rely on connections with each other and the outside world. Stay tuned for developments in December. I think we might be able to get some solar!

Take a 5-Minute Tour of the Center!

Impromptu Visit to UNHCR Headquarters

Artists were invited to visit UNHCR headquarters in Isingiro District. They had met UNHCR staff at World Refugee Day in June, gifting a large artwork on the theme “Solidarity with Refugees” by NYTC Program Director Krehim Sharon to the office. They traveled 2 hours by car with their artworks to offer UNHCR staff an impromptu art exhibit and to tell them how the new NYTC Art Education Center is making meaningful positive impacts in people’s lives at the Settlement.

Illustrated Short Stories: Sharing Pain & Hope

For months now, particularly when acrylic paint was unavailable, the artists have been working on writing and illustrating short stories with watercolors. Towards the end of November, they were able to share their stories online with me. Our plan is to create, at the very least, mini-zines to distribute to children in the Settlement.

Here are some of the cover pages of the stories they presented.

For the full recording of their story share, check out the YouTube video below.

Practice, Practice Practice

Art classes continue to happen daily with 80 children served between the ages of 5 and 25. Fridays are NYTC art expo.

Thank you for reading the November monthly installment of NYTC Art News!

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donate to Support NYTC

Should you be interested in purchasing any of these art pieces, please contact me at rainmakerdesign4africa@gmail.com or DM me here on Substack. If you would like a print, you can find some of these already up on my Etsy shop, RainMaker Design or on the NYTC RedBubble site. If you don’t see what you like, message or email me!

All proceeds of sales of art, merchandise or prints are donated to the NYTC artist collective!

This publication is also home to the Refugee Artist Support Circle, chronicling the lives of 15 young refugee artists living, creating, and teaching art to refugee children and youth in Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Paid subscriptions to The Creative Convergence fund the artists' materials, supplies, and free art education programs.

Subscribe now

“This World Is But A Canvas To Our Imagination” - Henry David Thoreau

These last few months, I have been writing primarily about the life and aspirations of young artists and crafters half way across the world. For months, my focus has been external, helping other people realize their creative dreams and birthing them to life.

The September 28th Young Artist Expo and Auction was the culmination of that work (follow-up post forthcoming). I’m so proud of those accomplishments, but found that it was time to take a break and return to my own creative practice and life.

This need for a break coincided with the seasonal pull of Autumn, which to me always signals that it is time to contract inwards and redirect my focus to the internal. I’ve been regrouping, recovering and returning to my self, my family and work obligations. Does Autumn draw you inwards as well? How does the change in season redirect your energy, if at all?

Leave a comment

On Walden Pond: A Photo Journal Essay

One step towards recovering my balance recently was not necessarily internal. But, it had that effect. I said yes to an artist friend’s invitation to visit Walden Pond, that gloriously gorgeous nature reserve made famous by writer, philosopher, and short-term solitary inhabitant Henry David Thoreau.

The enticement of the invitation was two-fold: camaraderie and creativity. The goal was simple: to experience with all five senses the present condition of Autumn in New England. And, to paint with watercolor on site.

As is the case with so much in life, it was the unique experience, the journey itself, that mattered most. We left much richer and fuller than when we had arrived.

It was stepping over knotted roots along the path, treading soft fallen pine needles, and gazing into the mirror-like water that mattered.

It was acorns balanced on stone cairns, fish flipping out of the shallow waters, and summer’s last green reeds standing at attention that mattered.

It was circumambulating a glittering pond on a crisp day together, sharing stories and histories, and pausing to watch Autumn’s last gem-like leaves dance precariously above the mirrored water in the breeze that mattered.

It was the gift of reflection, connection, and introspection that mattered.

This is what you happens when you say yes to a friend’s invitation to meet nature on her own terms. Reflection is what happens naturally when we visit bodies of water. Introspection and connection is what happens when we open ourselves up to the world as “a canvas to our imagination”, in the company of a friend, wholeheartedly and with an open mind, ready to give and receive.

“The Question Is Not What You Look At, But What You See” - Henry David Thoreau

As we walked the perimeter of the pond, stopping now and then to let chatty Harvard University parents pass by, we paid attention with all five senses. We watched the morning light change to early afternoon light, followed the swimmers braving the cold waters, listened to the squeaks of chipmunks and leaf-crunching footfalls of squirrels, felt the chill in the shade and the warmth of solar rays reflecting off the pond, and watched the fallen leaves on the surface of the water lap against stones.

We also paid attention to the interplay of our imaginations with our surroundings. We looked for layered meanings, stories, symbols and metaphor in what nature had to offer to us that day.

Enjoy these 8 seconds of shimmering beauty as the sun bounces off rippling water at Walden Pond

As we walked, we talked of composition, subject, and story. Diffuse light, the mirroring quality of still water, the pixelating effect of tree reflections on moving water.

I was fascinated by the reflections of the birch trees in particular, zooming in to achieve pure abstraction.

There’s a secluded spot nearly half way around the pond, near the original location of Thoreau’s small cabin. Protected from the breeze, the water is so still that the mirrored image of the trees prompts the query: which side is up and which side is down? Which side is root, which side is crown?

There were hidden messages, symbols, everywhere we turned. Nature in its infinite beauty. Do you see infinity in the image below?

Half way around the pond, we came upon some of summer’s last greenery: marshy reeds, soldiers standing guard and at attention as October began to close her doors and usher in a new season. I imagined them as old souls, beings who have stood watch over generations of seasons for eons.

In contrast, signs that trees and other flora were readying themselves for winter’s dormancy were all around us. These hanging luminescent gems (below) captivated my imagination. My friend asked, Why do they matter to you? Why are they interesting? What is their story?

It’s because they are the last that they are the most precious, I answered.

A Return to Balance

We reached the site of Thoreau’s cabin, no longer there but replaced by stone cairns placed by visitors in homage to Thoreau, one of the most well-known writer-philosophers of the American Transcendentalist movement of the mid-1800s.

The stone cairns called to me, reminding me it was time to find some balance. To put me first after putting so many others first for many months…

One cairn in particular caught my attention. Look closely. What do you see at the top?

Aren’t we all just an acorn balancing atop a pile of stones placed there by others before us? I painted this picture when I returned home as my own homage to the experience and the lesson to strive for balance in life.

We Painted in Plein Air

After we made it all the way around Walden Pond, it was time to find a subject to paint. While we were drawn to the scenery, the idea of drawing and painting Thoreau’s cabin was enticing.

I had pre-painted the background in my sketchbook the day before not expecting to draw over it at Walden. But, when we got there, it seemed so natural to use that page for my drawing. The deep blue and green of the background allowed me to let go and imagine Thoreau’s house deep in the woods on a summer’s eve, imagining the yellow as moonlight.

If you look closely, you’ll see that it’s not all squiggles and lines. There are words in those bushes! I wrote all of my feelings and thoughts of the moment into that darkness.

That’s me after an hour and a half sitting under an oak tree in the cold, waiting for acorns to fall and strike. Miraculously, we were spared.

Bodies of Water: An Invitation to Reflect

The visit to Walden Pond was an invitation to reflect, literally because it is a prehistoric body of crystalline water, dug out by receding glaciers eons ago. Water, whether still or rushing, salt or fresh, ocean, pond or river, is a natural beacon that guides us and invites us to reflect. Water is nature’s original mirror. While I never saw myself literally in the pond (didn’t think to try), I think I metaphorically did. I felt more me than I had in a long while. Like attracts like. We are mostly water after all.

Have you traveled recently to a body of water? What did you do there? How did that experience impact you?

Leave a comment

I hope you’ll share some thoughts of your own with me here. Have you been to Walden Pond? What is your local destination for reflection? How are you finding balance in your life?

Until the next creative convergence moment arises, I’ll leave you with another quote of Thoreau’s on nature. There are so many, but this one resonates! Be well!

All nature is doing her best each moment to make us well—she exists for no other end. Do not resist her. With the least inclination to be well we should not be sick. - Henry David Thoreau

Welcome to October! This post is part of a “month-in-the-life” series chronicling a young refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024, July 2024, August 2024, and September 2024 posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

October Ushered In New Priorities

Once the dust settled from our exhilarating September 28th online Art Exhibit and Auction, there were two things to focus on in October:

• send our newly recovered leader Akon Deograce to Kampala to buy art supplies and materials and safely deliver the 14 pieces purchased at art auction to our partner Faces Up Uganda for prompt express shipping to buyers.

• attend to the important business of safety, security and wellbeing of the artists. We had nearly lost our leader and we could not in good conscience run a Center that did not attend to the water quality and sanitation problems. Solution! New toilets and a handwashing station (more to come in November!)

On Top of the World

But first, the artists, anticipating materials and paint, were itching to get into nature for rejuvenation and inspiration. They had already experienced an exhilarating high from hosting their art exhibit, it was time to get that natural high and perspective that can only come from climbing a mountain!

A mountain nearby is a favorite amongst locals to visit. With the help of their videographer friend DR Lee, they were transported in twos and threes by bike to the mountain for a day on top of the world. They danced, they sang

Art Auction Delivery & Art Haul in Kampala

Shortly after the Auction closed (in early October), the artists took the paintings off of their wooden frames, rolled them carefully and sent them with Akon on the 9-hour ride to Kampala.

First, a car from the Settlement to the nearby city of Mbarare and then a bus ride to Kampala. He arrived safely, found lodging, met with some friends, and found his way the next day to the Faces Up Uganda Community Center. At Faces Up, staff received the art and gave Akon a tour of the facility. The next task was to hit the art shops to purchase the precious Peacock Paints, paper, brushes, palette knives, and a case for carrying artwork.

I received my art auction purchases within 7 days! Total cost of shipping? USD$40.

We’re Painting Again! En Plein Air

Immediately after returning from Kampala, Akon and artists set to creating the frames and preparing canvasses for a special all-day “painting in plein air” visit to a local market.

The artists, eager to paint again and inspired by their surroundings, set up their easels at a local market. They painted in front of the community, taking their cues from the buildings, the sky, and the people around them, and answered questions posed by curious children, youngsters, and adults.

Back at the Center, More Painting

It had been three months since many of the artists had painted. They had that much time to work in graphite and in their sketchbooks. They came to the easel with fresh ideas and perspective. And many of them a new style!

To check out all of the new paintings that the artists created in October, visit this new gallery post!

Sanitation & Security!

Clearly something needed to be done about having bathroom facilities and a hand-washing station at the Center. Withou facilities, artists and students must leave and some do not return as they live far away. Together with Stand Up for Justice, now a regular partner for NYTC, we raised funds to build a two-stall latrine with tank and handwashing station. The work will be completed next month!

We also hired a security guard to stay at the Center overnight. The art is now seen as a valuable commodity as are the supplies. The artists, fearful of thieves, requested a security guard and we were able to help them do that. Moise has been with them for half of October and everyone is feeling more comfortable with having a strong man around!

A Visit to Rubondo

The artists rounded out the month with a visit to Rubondo, a location in the Settlement that receives the newest refugees. It is also an area with a mind-boggling number of street children and orphans, single teen mothers, and extreme poverty. The artists as refugees themselves understand the gift of art and wanted to give what they could to the newest group of arrivals.

They played games, sang, and painted the children’s hands. The artists dream of opening up a satellite art education center in Rubondo so that children there, many of whom do not attend school or have any structure or support in life, have an expressive outlet that is safe, secure, and supportive. Until then, the artists commit to traveling there as often as they can.

And, so much more!

This month was just as active as any other month. There's just not enough space to post it all! If you’d like regular updates on the artists, follow the NYTC Facebook page. Or, upgrade your subscription and you will get weekly updates!

Subscribe now

Thank you for reading the October monthly installment of NYTC Art News!

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donate to Support NYTC

Welcome to the September installment of Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) Artist News. This post is part of a “month-in-the-life” series about a refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024, July 2024, and August 2024 posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

September is for Moving In!

After the excitement of the August Grand Opening, it was time to move in and prepare for new students.

In Nakivale Refugee Settlement it is true that if you build it they will come. Parents of young children wanting to keep them busy, off the streets, and also in a safe and supportive environment appealed to NYTC to take their children into their art program. The space can only accommodate two sessions per day, one session in the morning for young children ages 5 to 14 and another in the afternoon for ages 15-22. In total, NYTC is now able to serve 80 children. This is in addition to the 15 teacher facilitators.

Naturally, supplies were needed. Specifically sketchbooks! And so the artists were hard at work creating sketchbooks for the new students so they could start learning and practicing their new-found drawing skills.

Furniture, specifically the chairs and tables that the group has accumulated over the years needed to be repaired.

Artist faciliators gathered to prepare for the new students. Here Program Director Krehim Sharon leads the teachers in lesson planning for the coming week.

The next online youth art expo!

The artists had already made their way through the paint that was purchased after the June 1st art expo. They had produced over 30 art pieces! The new Art Education Center’s walls were adorned with those art pieces. But, now there was no paint left to continue creating new work. We returned to the idea of an art expo to raise funds for more supplies. It would soon turn into not only an art expo but an art auction!

With the Expo scheduled for September 28th, we had just a little over one month to prepare. And, it was going to be no easy feat. This time, it would truly be international! We invited three young artists from Kibera Slums Kenya, affiliated with Future Within CBO, and three young artists from Refuge Art School in Lowell, MA.

Antoinette of Stand Up For Justice and International stepped up to be our primary event sponsors. With her support, we were able to set up an art auction on the GiveButter platform. While the auction is now over, you can see what sold and how much we ultimately raised by visiting the site!

The artists spent the weeks leading up to the event preparing their statements and readying the space for the Expo. There was also time for fun, games, and other exercises to loosen them up and ready them for the big event!

Meanwhile I spent several hours nearly daily producing Tik Tok and other social media shorts highlighting each of the 16 artists who would present on September 28th!

This one by far is my favorite. For all of my artist highlight shorts, visit my YouTube Shorts link!

Stay tuned for a post about our highly successful art expo and auction!

Rainy Season Brings a Flooded Center

September ushers in rainy season. We had not installed a rainwater tank yet due to lack of funds. And, there wasn’t any protection around the entrance to prevent water from flooding the Center. September ushered in rainy season, and threatened to destroy the Center. We had to act.

The only thing we could do was build a retaining wall and then wait for more funds for a rainwater tank and gutter system.

Finally funds were available to purchase a tank and install.

Dear Leader Down

Shortly after the rainwater tank was installed and about a week and half prior to the art expo, we got terrible news. Akon had collapsed at home, was taken to the hospital, and was unresponsivle. While I knew he had suffered from malaria earlier in August and was taking medication and “drips”, it was unclear what had caused his collapse.

And, then we learned that he was also suffering from Typhoid. It had gone undiagnosed and he was in trouble. Rushed to the hospital, his family worried that he would be left to die without treatment. Healthcare is a “pay-to-play” situation in the Settlement. No money? No service. No care? No life.

This was an emergency like no other. I contacted our good friend Elijah at GoGreen Social Initiative to hurry to the hospital and deliver emergency funds to the family. Akon was unconscious, dehydrated and fading fast. As soon as funds were delivered, the doctors began to treat him.

After a day or two of very intensive treatment which included a blood transfusion, Akon returned to consciousness. He was going to be okay. But, the question remained in my mind: how many thousands of others do not share the same fate due to lack of funds? And, how do we prevent this from happening again? I learned later that the water supply in the Settlement is not clean, not safe for drinking. Also, sanitation was lacking. There were no toilets or no place to wash hands at the Art Education Center. This was an urgent problem that needed fixing.

Art Arrived Thanks to Faces Up Uganda!

It was a herculean effort to get our first shipment of art out of the Settlement. Elijah Astute of GoGreen needed to travel to Kampala (9 hour bus ride), deliver the items to Ssekitto Emmanuel of Faces Up Uganda, who then shipped the two pieces I had purchased as well as the piece that International had purchased back in June!

It arrived 10 days later! Here is my goofy unpacking video! My first ever!

More September Activities

It’s incredible to even imagine that we did all of the above and more in one month. But, we did.

Art education programming continued.

They had their regular Friday on-site art expo complete with singing and art presentations.

And, so much more!

This month was just as active as any other month. There's just not enough space to post it all! If you’d like regular updates on the artists, follow the NYTC Facebook page. Or, upgrade your subscription and you will get weekly updates!

Subscribe now

Thank you for reading the September monthly installment of NYTC Art News!

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donate to Support NYTC

The last two weeks have been a flurry of activity. Tomorrow, Saturday, September 28th, is the big day! The World Through My Eyes International Young Artist Expo is here!

And, it’s now FREE!

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5655167416

Just prior to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time, I’ll be firing up the Zoom room while friends and family from across the world will virtually shuffle in and take their seats.

The Preparation Was No Small Feat

This is my second virtual art expo (the first was June 1, 2024) and my first to span three countries and two continents. For me, though, it’s been relatively easy to set up. The most challenging aspect has been outreach and coordination.

For the most part, our three young artists in Lowell, Massachusetts (USA), have also had an easy time preparing. They will be presenting from the Refuge Art School studio at Western Ave Lofts using their own tripods and cameras.

But, 8,000 miles away, the young refugee artists of Nakivale Young Talent Community in Uganda and the Kibera Slum artists of Future Within CBO in Nairobi, Kenya, have had to go to great lengths to prepare for this event.

Tackling Technical Obstacles

In both the Nakivale Refugee Settlement (Uganda) and Kibera Slums (Kenya), power is unstable and unpredictable, internet data bundles are expensive, and technology to stream live is limited.

In Kibera Slums, infrastructure of all sorts is lacking or informal and in disrepair. There tend to be black outs during peak usage in the evening. To avoid any disruption to the Expo which will be 7 pm Nairobi time, Future Within CBO has rented a lithium battery which will serve as a backup energy source for lights and laptops. While a generator could have worked in another setting, Kibera Slums is so densely populated and congested that a generator would not only have to be right outside the door to the studio (and therefore interrupt the expo with its noise) but it would be vulnerable to theft. So, a lithium battery was the choice.

In the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, the young artists of Nakivale Young Talent Community have hired a local videographer to provide the necessary technology - laptop, cameras, mics, and lights. Data plans have been purchased to make sure they can stream the event. Friends who have emigrated to other countries have been invited.

And, thankfully their young founder/director - Akon Deograce - who was just a week ago battling for his life in a hospital from a severe case of Typhoid will be at the helm MC’ing the event locally.

Virtual & Live Audiences!

While we will have audience members from multiple time zones (except probably for Australia!), we will also have a local live audience in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. In addition to testing their mics and cameras, setting up the generator to keep the lights and cameras working, and practicing their presentations, the NYTC artists are also preparing donuts and refreshments for in-person audience members.

That’s right! Thanks to the Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) Art Education Center, there is enough room to host the parents of the presenting artists. This is a “never before” event for these artists. And the excitement is palpable.

This banner was a gift from the local refugee videographer and will be used as a backdrop for pictures with artists and parents.

60-Second Short Artist Cameos

This year has been the year of Canva. I can now make a 60 second reel with music! Here are the shorts I’ve been making to uplift the stories, voices, and art of each artist. Enjoy!

Art Auction

To help raise funds for NYTC and Future Within CBO to purchase art materials and supplies for their ongoing free arts education programming that benefits collectively over 100 children and youth, we are holding an art auction on GiveButter!

While we originally contemplated closing bids on September 30th, we will extend another week to give Expo audience members a chance to bid. Starting bids range from $50 to $100.

Peruse the beautiful art! And, bid! Shipping costs are included in the bid price to make it EASY for YOU! There is art from both Kibera Slums and Nakivale artists.

Please Join Us Saturday

I’m definitely biased, but this is a unique event and not to be missed! [Although it will be recorded and streamed live!] Just like writers are encouraged to write the book they want to read, I created an event I want to participate in. This is a dream come true for all of us!

If you are unable to attend, but want to support this effort (which I am supporting 100% out of my own pocket), you can donate to the Ko-Fi page that I set up for the event (and that I manage).

Donate to Artist Groups

I won’t retain any funds. I’m sending 100% of ticket proceeds and donations to their ultimate destination - to the two organizations that need it the most.

Proceeds will be shared equally to purchase paints, materials and other supplies between the Kibera and Nakivale arts organizations that are sponsoring the artists’ participation:

• Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Kenya

• Nakivale Young Talent Community, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

ReCap on the Event!

The event will be online via Zoom. And is now free! The formal program is two hours long. We’ll leave the Zoom room open for a post-event reception and discussion.

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5655167416

More details:

• Facebook Event

• Eventbrite listing

Event sponsors: RainMaker Design, The Creative Convergence, Future Within CBO, Nakivale Young Talent Community, Stand Up For Justice, Supporting Dreams Project, GoGreen Social Initiative, Refuge Art School, and International.

Thank you!

It’s countdown to my second online young artist expo, the upcoming Young Artist Expo called “The World Through My Eyes.” Sixteen artists from three different countries will come together on Saturday, September 28th at noon (NYC) [or 7 pm Nairobi] to share their art.

They will delight you, inspire you, and move you to action… even if it’s just to pick up a pencil or a brush.

I would absolutely love to see a Substack contingent in the Zoom room. This is no longer a ticketed event. It’s free and we are opening up the Zoom room!

It’s free to join! Come pack the Zoom room to show your support!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5655167416

For more details, including artist profiles, check out the original post promoting the event.

We also have an Original Art Auction!

Starting September 16th and ending September 30th, you can bid on original Nakivale Young Talent Community art. (See the Support Refugee Artist circle to learn more about them).

Incredibly, we have figured out how to ship original art through our partner Faces Up Uganda. I wrote about my amazing art date with Ssekitto Emmanuel, founder and director of Faces Up here…

So, now we can confidently hold an Art Auction! Check out all of the Nakivale Refugee art here… Place a bid! All bid prices include shipping. Net proceeds go directly to the Nakivale refugee arts group to purchase new paints and supplies. They are out of paint and it’s very sad.

Here is the Auction overview: https://givebutter.com/c/nakivalearts

And, the actual Auction is here (just an adjacent tab): https://givebutter.com/c/nakivalearts/auction

Over 24 art pieces are up and minimum bids are set at $75 and $100 (some at $50!).

Here are some art pieces that I purchased prior to the Auction on my own (the small one called “The Beauty of Africa” was purchased by Antoinette of International’s). They are gorgeous, vibrant and incredibly light weight. I can’t wait to stretch my two pieces on frames and hang them.

My post is literally this short!

That’s right. No extra fluff. This is a time is of the essence sort of post.

Come join me to celebrate young artists!

I referenced my upcoming weekend crochet sesh with the Nakivale Women’s Crafter Collective in Uganda as an example of a creative convergence moment. I promised a story about that crochet sesh. Here it is!

Have you ever spent hours making something special, sent it far away, and then seen it in a picture or better yet in a video in the hands of someone else? This summer, I sent my crochet 8,000 miles from home twice. It blew my mind both times. And, I think I need your help understanding why!

The first time this happened was when I sent some of my crochet items with a friend to Kenya. After a lot of logistical coordination, she delivered crocheted dolls (that I purchased from a friend of mine; I’m not that talented) and crocheted hats and bags that I made to my good friend .

I told Omito in advance, “Do with them what you will.” I fully expected he would hand the items out to the girls in the community. He did. But, he also gave a one-of-a-kind (“one-of-a-kind” because I swore the whole time I made it and therefore also swear to never make it again) purse to one of the elder women in his village so she could “keep her things in one place”.

What a surprise! I labored over that darn thing for hours, no days. Originally I thought I would try to sell it. Then, I considered giving it to a friend’s daughter, but then thought she wouldn’t appreciate it. Then, finally, enough time had passed and I was ready to let it go. I sent it to Kenya, thinking some young lady would love to have this purse.

In the end, this is exactly where this purse belonged: in the hands of an elder in Kenya. As I look at this picture, I can’t help but wonder… after all of that time and energy, does a part of me live in that piece that now lives with her and holds her things?

The second time I experienced this odd sensation of seeing my work in the hands of someone 8,000 miles away was this weekend with the Nakivale Women’s Crafters Collective in Uganda.

Crocheting in Community, Virtually

I’ve always crocheted solo. But, this year, that changed.

Earlier this spring, when of Go Green Social Initiative in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda told me that there was a group of women using his education center to crochet together, I jumped at the chance to meet them.

We managed a few crochet sessions over Zoom this Spring and Summer. Despite the language barrier, the women and I were able to share our love for crochet. We also laughed. We taught each other patterns. I learned some French and Swahili. They practiced their English.

This short 5-minute video is from a 2-hour Zoom crochet sesh this Spring where I tried to teach them soap sacks (it was partly successful). Neema Chiribuka (master crochet trainer) in return tried to teach me about hand socks (think baby washcloth). I forgot how to count in French. Skip to minute 4:20 for Noela dancing for my impending 50th birthday!

Over the summer, I continued to send money to the women to purchase yarn and I followed their progress. Impressed by their persistence and passion, I incorporated their stories into my RainMakers & ChangeMakers 61-day art and story telling project by highlighting Neema and the crafters.

RainMakers & ChangeMakers

Neema, Nakivale Women's Crafters Collective

Meet Neema Chiribuka, a 44-year old teacher, mentor, and leader of the Nakivale Women’s Crafters Collective housed at Elijah Astute’s newly built Bio-Green education facility in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Neema, like the other 8 women ages 14 to 43 whom she mentors and teaches, is a refugee. Her home country is the Democratic Republic of…

Read more

2 years ago · 9 likes · 1 comment · Emily Kaminsky

Needless to say, I have fallen in love with these women over the last few months. I’m a Neema Chiribuka fangirl and I want to be Noela’s best friend.

So, when recently I had the chance to send yarn, hooks, and some of my crocheted items to them with a friend who was traveling back to Uganda (see Follow That Yarn Part 2 for that story), I jumped at the chance.

Over the last two weeks, 25 women have been learning how to crochet with my yarn and hooks! That means more women are joining the Collective! This past Saturday, we got a chance to meet some of them and crochet together.

A Piece Of Me In Every Piece

Our Saturday Zoom crochet sesh was a blast! About a dozen women were there crocheting when and I logged on. We made our introductions, all of us fumbling, smiling, and giggling through awkward introductions.

We met Latitia, featured recently in this cameo piece by Elijah Astute. She was crocheting at a rate I don’t think I will ever be able to achieve. By the end of our one hour crochet session together, I had made the crown of a hat. Latitia had nearly finished a child-size poncho.

During our sesh, Neema Chiribuka paused to show us some of her finished products. As she went through her bag of finished work and WIPs (works-in-progress), I saw something familiar. It was my black-and-white water bottle holder (see :45 in the below video). I had sent it so that they could see how I made it and practice from the model.

When I saw my crocheted water bottle holder in the hands of Neema Chiribuka, not to mention my cute little mandala doily that I had sent her in her lap, my heart soared. Worlds collided and I fell even deeper in love with the craft of crochet and sharing with these women.

It was like a piece of me was there with her, 8,000 miles away. The yarn was just yarn. It always is. But, once we make it into something, put our energy into the stitches, are we part of those pieces? I spent the hours making those pieces. My energy was sitting within that work. And there she was holding that work. My imaginative, sentimental self asks, “Was I in some way there with her? Was she holding me?”

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Crochet Takes Forever. That’s Why It’s Special

If you crochet (or knit or embroider or quilt, etc), you know the jokes. You can buy pre-made labels for your crochet and knitting items on Etsy with the following quips:

This took forever, so you better like it.

Enjoy. Because I am never making this again.

Made with love and a shit load of time and money.

There is a kernel of truth in each. Crochet takes forever. I can’t crochet a decent hat in less than 3 hours. A pair of gloves takes me two hours. I spent Christmas Eve last year crocheting 8 hours nonstop to make four pairs of gloves. Why!?

Because we love to make. And, we love to give. The surprise and delight on the face of the recipient is all worth it.

Crochet Kept Me Sane During COVID

Despite the amount of time it takes to make one darn thing, I crochet and I love it. It was my COVID hobby. It kept my hands and mind occupied. It provided solace after my divorce. It gave me something to do during hard times and gave me extra income when I needed it most. If you engage in a craft, how has it impacted you?

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Crochet has also helped me help others. I used it to raise money earlier this year for a project in Kenya, specifically Omito’s project! For more on that story, read Follow That Yarn Part 1.

Hands down, in my book, crochet is the bomb. It’s satisfying, if you get some soft yarn it’s also comforting, and it looks pretty cool.

Anyone who wants to learn crochet, please don’t hesitate. Go get yourself a hook and a skein of yarn and turn on YouTube! I want nothing more than others to have the same joys as I have crocheting.

Creative Convergence Moment

This crochet sesh was a creative convergence moment because many of my interests intersected and overlapped in one activity. I organized the event, I was in community, we were all crocheting at the same time, we were learning languages, it was cross-cultural, and we were in solidarity as women.

You can create your own moments! I’m a firm believer in squeezing the most juice out of life. Sometimes opportunities present themselves. But, sometimes it helps to arrange and align people, places, and opportunities to create these moments. You can create opportunities by intentionally planning, aligning and overlapping your interests and passions.

As I said in my note…

Overlapping our passions in ways that are unique to us creates opportunities to express our individuality. I call these “Creative Convergence moments.” Where our passions converge lies a sweet center, a place where we feel more whole than if we had kept ourselves siloed on separate interest paths.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood. But, what if they converged instead?

Multiple roads converged in a yellow wood. Overlapping them has made all the difference.

Come Celebrate & Elevate the Perspective of Young Artists from Kibera Slums, Nairobi (Kenya), Nakivale Refugee Settlement (Uganda) and Lowell Massachusetts (USA)!

On Saturday, September 28th, 12 noon EST (7 pm Kampala/Nairobi), an international and cross-cultural collaborative presents a Young Artist Online Art Expo. The theme is “The World Through My Eyes.” Participating artists come from:

• Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda - 10 artists

• Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya - 3 artists

• Lowell, MA - 3 artists

Scroll down for our list of participating artists and even further for their pictures and bios.

This event is now FREE! We want to pack the Zoom Room!

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5655167416

However, if you would like to donate, you can donate to the Ko-Fi page that I set up for the event (and that I manage). 100% of ticket proceeds will be shared equally to purchase paints, materials and other supplies between the Kibera and Nakivale arts organizations that are sponsoring the artists’ participation:

• Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Kenya

• Nakivale Young Talent Community, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Donate to Artist Groups

The event will be online via Zoom. The formal program is two hours long. We’ll leave the Zoom room open for a post-event reception and discussion.

Event sponsors: RainMaker Design, The Creative Convergence, Future Within CBO, Nakivale Young Talent Community, Stand Up For Justice, Supporting Dreams Project, GoGreen Social Initiative, Refuge Art School, and International.

Young Artist Presenters

• Wesley Otieno (Wex), Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Danny Seskar (Scar), Future Within CBO, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Christine Okech, Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• Maritza Flores, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Nophea Vicheth, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Daryan Kong, Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA

• Krehim Sharon, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Mansur Kabera, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Nathalic Sindano, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Esther Tharhous, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Joshua Casinga Ashuza (Josby), NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Manasse Katuruba, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Sellemani Williams, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Javan Musafiri, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Marjolaine Furaja, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Joz Josvas, NYTC, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Event Video with Artist Profile Compilation

Artists from Future Within CBO in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

Wesley Otieno (“Wex”), Age 21

Wesley Otieno (aka Wex, artistic name) is a 21-year old visual and digital art artist who lives in Kibera Slums in Nairobi, Kenya.

In his own words: I started drawing when I was young, but took art serious when I was at high school. I mostly draw from observation, from feelings. I use art to express moods, feelings, emotions or even making stories.

I am specialized in doing cubism art and abstract art that helps me pass messages to people and also to express my feelings. Besides cubism art and abstract, I also do other types of art like landscapes, portraits using different mediums like charcoal, paints (oil or acrylic and water colours), pencils, pens and pastel (soft, oil).

When I finished high school, I already knew how to draw and also came up with my own art ideas concerning cubism art and abstract art. Apart from being an artist, I am also an art teacher who helps kids from Kibera with Future Within CBO to nurture and grow their talents in making art.

My experience with the kids has been good because the kids are improving on their skills. My vision is to teach, help and nature more young artist in Kibera Slums to grow in art and gain more experience about art.

Danny Seskar, (“Scar”), Age 19

Scafel Ochieng, aka Danny Seskar (“Scar” artistic name) is a 19-year old visual artist living in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya.

In his own words: I started art 5 years ago. I love doing surrealism. It is my way of expressing myself. I also enjoy teaching the kids at Future Within CBO, sharing with them what I know.

Living in Kibera is a challenge because once you are successful you start thinking about ways of getting quick money and that gets you to make decisions like starting to do drugs or stealing. In Kibera, if you start stealing that will be the end of your life.

The challenge I encountered was finding a place to practice my artistic dreams, because living in Kibera there are not a lot of opportunities and that's the reason why I want the best for the kids that I teach at Future Within. I want them to have the opportunity I struggled so hard to get. I also want the kids to be busy so they won't have any time to think about drugs and crime.

I am grateful for having something to do because I don’t know where I would have ended up.

Congratulations Danny on the sale of your art! (Painting at left was sold recently).

Christine Achien Okech, Age 22

Christine Achien Okech, is a 22-year old visual artist living in Kibera Slums, Nairobi, Kenya.

In her own words: I am a passionate artist with a vibrant soul, creating stunning Afrocentric art that celebrates the rich tapestry of culture, history and beauty. Infusing bold colors and powerful imagery , my work captures the essence of the African diaspora with every stroke. It is a reflection of the vibrant colors, patterns and traditions which have shaped our identity.

My artistic journey began three years ago and since then, I have honed my craft by constantly exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Through my art, I aim to not only showcase the beauty of Afrocentric designs, but also to inspire others to embrace their cultural heritage and express themselves through creativity. It is my hope that my art serves as a source of empowerment, representation and unity for all who encounter it.

I have journeyed through breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes of a largely male dominated field. I paint a world where women’s voices are heard and creativity knows no bounds.

Embracing heritage and creativity, I invite you to experience the richness of my artistry and the feel of my soul on canvas.

Artists from Nakivale Young Talent Community, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Sharon is a 20-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Sharon’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Mansur is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Mansur’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Nathalic (sometimes Nathali!) is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Nathalic’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about her.

Meet Nathali Sindano, an 18-year old Congolese refugee who came to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda with 12 members of her extended family in 2018. She has been a facilitator at the Nakivale Young Talent Community since 2023.

I like teaching young children because I know that I am teaching the leader of tomorrow and making the world full of love and unity because that is what I want for the world.

She is an aspiring professional artist. “I am a free artist, I draw according to what I am passing through and my community.

Her preferred medium is acrylic paint although she also uses graphite and colored pencil. When she is not painting and teaching, she is singing  

When I’m engaged in creativity, I feel like I am in another world full of love and inspiration.

In her nuclear family of 6 she is the only artist. She has been drawing and painting for 5 years. “I have hope, even though things are not going like the way I expected and sometimes I feel like giving up. When I look at my family and the goals I have I feel strong again and thus I continue working hard.” 

If I could do anything in the world it would be to help orphans, supporting them in different ways like providing for their basic needs such as education and food. 

Profile to come!

Josby is a 15-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Josby’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Manasse is a 14-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Manasse’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Profile to come!

Javan is a 18-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Javan’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about him.

Marjolaine is a 17-year old Congolese refugee artist. To read more about Marjolaine’s art journey, visit this RainMakers & ChangeMakers article about her.

Profile to come!

Artists from Refuge Art School, Lowell, MA, USA

Maritza Flores is a 21-year-old refugee Mexican-American artist who has lived in Lowell since 2016. She specializes in mixed media, blending painting, drawing, ceramics, and fabrics to craft expressive narratives. Her work is driven by a desire to heal from cultural trauma and to inspire others to create. In addition to her cultural influences, Maritza finds inspiration in everyday life, politics, and societal issues such as misogyny and sexism.

Nophea Vicheth is an 18-year old artist from Lowell, MA based in Boston, MA currently pursuing further education in fine arts with a focus on artistic activism. Driven by a deep passion for empathy, compassion, and communication, Nophea's work aims to inspire these values through creative expression. Constantly exploring various forms of art, Nophea engages in art direction, tattoo design, henna, and live painting, always seeking new ways to connect with others through visual storytelling.

Daryan Kong (AKA Nayrasix) is a 21-year old Cambodian-American artist from Lowell, Massachusetts, who has spent the past few years honing her painting skills. Her art draws inspiration from her background, childhood, and interests in internet culture and music, reflecting her personal experiences and emotions. While painting is her primary focus, Daryan also enjoys creating public art, contributing to installations, and participating in mural projects. As a free spirit, she encourages others to embrace their creativity and let go.

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Thank you for supporting emerging young artists!

Welcome to August! This is the third installment of Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) Artist News. The series is a “month-in-the-life” of a refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

To catch up, read the June 2024 and July 2024 posts!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

The Refugee Artist Support Circle (RASC) is a special section of The Creative Convergence. Subscribe for free or ugrade to paid for $8/month to enjoy artful perks from the NYTC artists!

The month was off to a harrowing start. The NYTC artist collective had been operating in a makeshift learning space built in the backyard of a local supporter. Made of sticks, UNHCR plastic, and tin roof, it is a jerry-rigged structure exposed to the elements. It also apparently has unsafe electrical wiring.

On August 5th, NYTC artists were at the space composing and practicing their new theme song (more on that below!) when all of a sudden they saw sparks flying off of the wiring.

In a panic, they raced to get help, call an electrician, and put out the fire. Ultimately, the only one hurt was Akon and thankfully only a minor burn at that.

Nevertheless, the artists were spooked and scared. And, so was I. How could we in good conscience allow them to occupy such an unsafe space and continue serving children there? The owner of the property was also not very pleased with the electrical fire even though it was likely due to his own negligence.

It was then that I agreed to fast track their New Art Education Center GoFundMe to help them finish what they had already started so they could move immediately.

We had already started “Phase 2” of the building in July using the funds from the art classes I was teaching. A beautiful progress video can be enjoyed here on my YouTube channel. But, the artists needed to move immediately to the new space. With thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, we were able to substantially finish the space so that could accommodate all of their art and all of the new students that they had attracted due to recent outreach.

Everyone pitched in to make the work move quickly.

The happiness leading up to the Grand Opening was palpable. None of us could believe that so much had been accomplished in such a short time.

On August 29th, the artists held a grand opening attended by over 100 people from the community of their new Art Education Center. Here is the post I wrote on that day celebrating the event. And, here is the video from the festivities! I was on Zoom watching remotely for about an hour and a half!

Family Portrait Surprise

An unexpected surprise happened his month. The artists, with the remaining paint they had decided to paint a family portrait for us! Of course, I was incredibly honored and humbled, but unsure what to do with it. We agreed that they would hang it in the Art Education Center. There we are, hanging on the wall, with Mansur in the foreground who on a precarious wooden ladder hammered in the nails.

Krehim Sharon Sings Boy Who Cried Wolf by Passenger / We Buy His Guitar Painting

The month of August was also punctuated by songwriting, singing, and music. I did not know until know that many of the artists know how to play guitar and actually compos their own music. Program Director Krehim Sharon in particular has a gorgeous voice and guitar skills. He sang two cover songs for me. Here is one, a cover of Boy Who Cried Wolf by Passenger.

Behind Sharon, as he sings, is an artwork of two guitars. I had seen it before, always thought it beautiful, but had never see it in context. I had no idea how large it was!

Immediately, my husband and I deceded we needed to buy it. We knew that doing so would give us great joy and would also help provide income for Sharon and his family. He accepted and we dreamed of receiving it soon.

NYTC Theme Song

At the time that the electrical fire happened at their old location, the artists were practicing their new theme song written by Krehim Sharon and Akon Deograce and sung in both English and French. Here they are practicing the song at one of their homes. Notice the art that surrounds them; noone felt safe anymore. And, they certainly were not going to leave their precious art at the old location anymore.

They ultimately finished writing the song and performed it as an ensemble. “No matter the tribe, no matter the nationality, we live as a family!”

Connecting with Faces Up Uganda

Serendipity and opportunity abounded in August. Ssekito Emmanuel, Founder and Director of Faces Up Uganda, an art education program in Kampala, Uganda was in the United States on a Mandela Fellowship program. I knew of him and his organization because several of the NYTC artist facilitators had participated in Faces Up Uganda art competitions, namely Javan Musafiri and Josby. I reached out to Emmanuel, found out he happened to be visiting Boston in August, and proposed a meet up and artist date at the Multi-Culural Art Center in Cambridge. He accepted!

I wrote about the meeting here. Ssekito agreed to take back with him crochet for the Nakivale Crafters Collective as well as art supplies for the NYTC artists.

Not only did I meet up with Ssekito in Boston but also saw him the following week in New York City where we both attended the screening of the new documentary by International called “The Spirit of Ubuntu.”

It would turn out that Faces Up Uganda would be the key to us shipping original art worldwide. Without Faces Up’s collaboration and cooperation, the art auction we planned for late September would not be possible.

Spirit of Ubuntu Screening: An Opportunity to Promote Art

August 8th was the screening of the documentary “The Spirit of Ubuntu”! Before I headed down with my family to NYC for the screening, there were a few presents I wanted to bring to Antoinette who is in the film with her husband Pato Banton (she composed the music too!). The NYTC artists, also fans of Ubuntu, were also keen on sending her a gift. Mansur drew a portrait of Antoinette a week before the event, in time for me print it out, frame it and bring it along. My children and I also ordered shirts with NYTC art from the Red Bubble site I created with their art. We were decked out and ready to go!

Other News!

The modeling arm of the organization also held an August modeling show in the center of the village.

For my husband’s birthday, I ordered three portraits! One of our dog Yoshi, one of our cat Kiki, and one of him with our cat, Bowser, who passed away several years ago.

Thank you for reading the August monthly installment of NYTC Art News!

Up next in September, International Online Young Artist Expo!

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donate to NYTC Tip Jar

Today is a special day!

It’s the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Day for the Nakivale Young Talent Community’s new Art Education Center. The Center is a new home for this youth-led, refugee-led arts collective and education program for children and youth located in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda that serves 65+ children and youth. It was built in part by the artists themselves and ushered along to “near” completion with funds I earned this summer teaching art to children in my community. While it’s still not done (visit this link to help me help them complete it), it’s functional enough to open today!

To celebrate this auspicious day, I’m also officially launching the “Refugee Artist Support Circle”, a special section of The Creative Convergence devoted exclusively to supporting these young refugee artists’ journey and their free art education programming. As a GiveBackStack (check out the GiveBackStack Directory for more details), The Creative Convergence will use 100% of your paid subscription for the sole benefit of supporting the NYTC artists: paints, canvasses, paper, brunches and even a modest lunch program. All content here will remain free but by becoming a paid Refugee Artist Support Circle subscriber, you not only show your support for the artists but receive fun and artful perks. This initiative is dedicated to uplifting and empowering these talented individuals, ensuring they have the resources and community they need to thrive.

For more information, visit the Refugee Artist Support Circle landing page or go directly to the “Join the Circle” post which includes a gorgeous video with original music by pianist Antoinette of International of the artists in action.

Art Education Center Opening Day

What a joyous event! There was a ribbon cutting, dignitaries, speakers, cake cutting, a Young Africa fashion show (the youngest was maybe 5?), a dance troupe recital, and a tour of the Art Center for friends and families.

These young artists - who fled to Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement from their home countries of Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and other African countries (some with parents, some without, and some alone) - have built a new home for their artistic journey.

Today’s opening day is an incredibly profound and inspiring moment for them, their families, and their community. The Art Center is not only an art education center, it’s a resource for the community. And as founder Akon Deograce put it: the Center is our “hope away from home.”

The full celebration was captured on Zoom and streamed on FaceBook live. And, is now on YouTube (all 2 hours of it) for you to enjoy.

A Short History of the NYTC Arts Education Center

In 2021, 15 young refugee artists (all under 20 at the time) formed an artist collective and started a free arts program to teach art to children and youth in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. For more about the organization, check out the interview I did with their founder Akon Deograce for RainMakers & ChangeMakers Substack.

Up until now, the artists have been operating in a makeshift sticks-and-tin-roof shelter built off the back of a community member’s home.

A recent electrical fire shocked, literally and figuratively, the artists into speeding up the work on their Art Education Center which they started in Fall 2023 but could not complete due to lack of funds.

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After the electrical fire, it was clear the artists needed to move and I was out of money. But, due to a complete creative convergence, a local family in my community saw my art on social media, and asked if they could pay me to teach art. I said “Absolutely!”

With funds from my summer art teaching gig plus donations from other generous supporters, we were able to get the Center to a stage functional enough to move their operations.

The video above was taken just a few days prior to the Grand Opening celebration.

Despite all of the progress, the Center is not yet complete. We are still raising funds to add latrines, a small rainwater tank, flooring, plumbing and electrical. You can support that effort here! (By the way, did you know that photos on Substack accept hyperlinks? Give it a try, that photo below is clickable!)

They Asked For An Art Expo, I Agreed. The Rest is History.

I connected with the artists in Spring 2024. I was mostly impressed by their talent and passion. The more I came to know Founder Akon Deograce and his artist friends, the more I came to know their values, hopes, and dreams. I was touched by their consistent care for each other, their environment, and the more vulnerable amongst them.

So when they asked “Can we have an art expo?” I couldn’t help but say yes. We did it. In less than a month, Akon of NYTC, of GoGreen Social Initiative, and I pulled off an online art expo. And, it was a hit. Read more here about our June 1st Online Young Refugee Artist Expo.

It was so much fun that we are doing it again on September 28, 2024. This time, we have invited 3 young artists from Kibera Slums in Nairobi, Kenya and 3 young artists in Lowell, MA, USA to join us. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite for $20 and 100% of proceeds will be shared between the Future Within CBO in Kibera Slums where two of the Kibera artists teach and Nakivale Young Talent Community.

For more details, check out the article below which will be updated with artist profiles and pictures as they roll in.

Non-Stop Nakivale Arts

Here is a summary of posts currently up on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section as well as a few other links for you to peruse:

• Refugee Artist Support Circle Landing Page - an easy place to start

• Join the Circle Introductory Post - learn about paid subscription perks

• June 2024 “Month-In-The-Life” of NYTC Artist Post

• NYTC Artist Profiles - learn more about each artist

• Non-Stop Nakivale Arts Gallery - view their work!

• June 1s Art Expo complete with link to 2-hour YouTube event

• YouTube Playlist of NYTC Artists Presenting their New Art - July 2024

• Purchase prints, tshirts or bags on my Etsy shop - 100% of proceeds benefit the artists

• Contribute to the Nakivale Artists’ Tip Top Jar (that I manage on their behalf) to support their material and supply needs.

• Contribute to the GoFundMe to help me help them complete the Art Education Center

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Everything is converging for me these days in big ways.

Before I met the artists, my own art practice was stalled. I credit meeting and working with them for reigniting my passion for drawing and painting.

Needless to say, my life thanks to the NYTC artists is overflowing now with art, writing, and organizing. It’s also full of laughs, creativity, and connection. While they are 8,000 miles away, we are in communication daily allowing me to have a unique insider view (yet from the outside!) of the life of a Nakivale Young Talent Community artist.

Thank you for joining me today to celebrate! However you choose to be involved - as a reader, subscriber, contributor, art expo audience member - on behalf of the NYTC artists, you are always welcome to the NYTC family!

In closing, enjoy the NYTC theme song! “No matter the tribe, no matter the nationality, we live as a family…”

Note: This post is your landing page for all NYTC news and will be updated regularly.

Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) is a community-based organization founded by Akon Deograce, a 22-year old artist, community organizer and changemaker, and several artist friends in 2021. NYTC has since developed into a full-fledged young refugee artist collective of 15 emerging artists ages 15-22 that provides free arts education program 6 days a week to over 50 children ages 5-18.

Where in the world is Nakivale Young Talent Community? NYTC is located in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, home to over 170,000 refugees from 13 countries experiencing war, conflict, food insecurity and climate change. NYTC artists are primarily from Democratic Republic of Congo, which is still suffering from a decades long war, and Burundi and Rwanda.

Want to see a fantastic video of Nakivale? Check out this “One Day Tour” YouTube video produced by who was featured on Day 27 of the RainMakers & ChangeMakers art and storytelling series.

Become a Paid Subscriber, Support the Artists

The Creative Convergence is a GiveBackStack! 100% of your paid subscription benefits the NYTC artists. While most of the content here remains free to all, there are some perks and benefits for paid susbscribers.

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Read the “Join the Circle” post to see a gorgeous video of the artists at work and learn about how 100 percent of your contribution benefits the artists!

You Can Help In Other Ways Too

There are other ways to support the artists. Choose the one that works for you!

1. Contribute to the Tip Jar. The Nakivale Artist Tip Top Jar which I manage on their behalf (100% goes to materials and supplies)

2. Contribute to their GoFundMe building fund. the Grand Opening of the Art Education Center is August 29th. But, there is still more work to do!

3. Purchase a ticket to an upcoming Art Expo. Our next one is September 28th. 100% will be shared between NYTC and their Kenyan counterpart Future Within CBO.

4. Purchase a print or tshirt from the “Support Refugee Artists” section of the RainMaker Design Etsy site (my site) that has a growing collection of NYTC art.

5. Purchase an original art piece. It is possible! I’ve done it and am awaiting two pieces to arrive in the United States thanks to shipping support from partner Faces Up Uganda. Check out the NYTC gallery for available original art.

A Month-In-The-Life of NYTC

Every month I write a monthly post with input from Founder Akon Deograce and other NYTC artists chronicle their artistic adventures. Fifteen young artists between the age of 15 and 22 collectively make up the Nakivale Young Talent Community. Together, they teach ar to over 50 children and youth.

Online Young Artist Expos

09 | 28 | 2024 “The World Through My Eyes” International Expo

Join us for this engaging and eye-catching international online expo celebrating emerging youth artists! Nakivale Artists collaborate with three Kibera Slums artists and three US artists to produce their second online expo. More artists will be listed as we get closer to the date.

06 | 01 | 2024 “Nakivale Young Refugee Artist” Expo

Did you miss the June 1st Online Expo? 10 NYTC artists showcased their work and raised enough money to purchase materials and supplies to produce 30+ new artworks! Read more here:

Non-Stop Nakivale Arts

The easiest way to view the work of NYTC artists is this compilation page. Portrait practice, professional commissions, and expo art!

Meet the Artists!

Read more about each of the talented emerging young artists on the NYTC Artist Profile page.

Welcome to the second installment of Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) Artist News. The series is a “month-in-the-life” of a refugee artist collective called “Nakivale Young Talent Community” in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This and related content is located on the Refugee Artist Support Circle section of The Creative Convergence.

Did you miss our first installment! Check out the June NYTC post here!

Subscribe specifically to this section for free (click here to go to your settings for subscribing to The Creative Convergence to toggle on or off subscribing to the the Support Circle). As a subscriber you receive monthly digests full of stories, art, videos and pictures featuring the struggles and successes of 15 talented emerging young refugee artists living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Upgrade to paid and you can become part of the Refugee Support Circle; 100% of your $8 monthly subscription goes directly to NYTC to support their material costs. Plus you receive artful perks! Learn more more about that here.

“Beauty of Africa” Sold to Ubuntu International

Mansur Kajib Kabera, 18-year old Congolese refugee and one of NYTC’s art facilitator/trainers, sold his painting titled “The Beauty of Africa” in July!

It was great cause for celebration. The painting has inspired so many: the artists themselves, the audience at the June 2024 Online Art Expo, me, and Antoinette Rootsdawtah of Ubuntu International who ultimately purchased the piece. The artwork will be proudly displayed on all Ubuntu team member tshirts.

Before the art piece was shipped to the United States, the artists got together to share the inspiration and the love for this piece.

Tshirts and canvasses with the image can be purchased here on my Etsy store: RainMaker Design. 100% of profits ($20 per shirt or canvas) go to Mansur directly and the NYTC collective.

Nakivale Artists Are On YouTube!

A playlist of videos profiling each artist and their World Refugee Day art pieces is up on the RainMaker Design YouTube channel

Almost every one of the artists that produced work for the June 20th World Refugee Day celebration outside of Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda was able to present their artwork in front of the camera. A playlist of those videos can be found here on my YouTube Channel. (The list is not complete, but will be rounded out soon with videos once the audio is polished to remove background noise).

The artists have established a relationship with videographer DR Lee, a Congolese refugee in the Settlement who provides videography, editing, and photography services. More on him later! He is a behind-the-scenes resource that we rely on to make sure we get high quality images and videos of the artists, their work, and the expos we organize!

Artists Visit New Refugees

This week some of the artist faciliators visited Kabazana. Every week, new refugees are arriving to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Many if not most are from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where a decades-long war rages. Over 6 million have been killed, 7 million internally displaced and 1 million are refugees living in settlements and camps outside of the DRC in Kenya and Uganda or elsewhere around the world.

We went for a visit and to refresh our minds and so that artists could get more ideas because they draw what they see. But, actually we find people in that community are suffering. Mostly children. Many children told us they want to start learning art but there is no where they can learn art and there are no facilitators. My heart was broken actually. - Akon Deograce.

To help the children get their minds off the trauma of fleeing war and conflict, they dance, sang, and played with the children. Many enjoyed looking at pictures of art on Akon’s phone (see picture below, bottom right).

Many if not all of the NYTC artists have experienced their own traumatic deparure from their homelands. This visit which included one particulary traumatic event where a young mother collapsed and died from a bullet wound during the visit resurfaced pain and grief for the artists. Many of them left family members behind or lost them to violence. Some were witnesses to that violence. While art is an incredibly therapeutic modality, mental health support and counseling is critical but unavailable to most living in the Settlement.

Storytelling & Illustration

While the artists wait to raise more funds for paint (their preferred medium is acrylic paint) and canvasses, they have been using the watercolor paints and paper funded by the June 1st art expo ticket sales and a donation from California-based nonprofit Stand Up for Justice.

Javan Musafiri and Nathalic Sindano are shown here working on their illustration. The storylines are being written by the artists in tandem and individually. Their plan is to produce a collection of inspiring refugee stories to publish and share with children in Nakivale as well as worldwide.

Portrait Practice Makes Perfect

Weekly, from Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm, the artists are teaching art to children ages 5 to 18. When the children leave, that’s when the artists get their own practice in. For more portraits produced by NYTC, visit the Non-Stop Nakivale Arts post, a post that will feature all Nakivale art!

Sketchbooks for Students!

In late July, NYTC received a $100 donation from Smart International to create sketchbooks for primary students. I sent additional funds so they could purchase pencils and erasers.

July Fashion Show

Did you know that NYTC sponsors fashion shows? In June, they hosted in the center of the community a large fashion show for youth and young adults. Fashion shows are incredibly popular in the Settlement and are seen as an opportunity to bring together people from different countries. The Settlement is home to over 170,000 refugees from 13 countries and organized into dozens of villages. Fashion shows like the one organized by NYTC and faciliated by Akon Deograce (who has experience as a model) have a positive impact on community relations. For a glimpse of Settlement fashion shows, check out this video from May 2024 organized by Akon.

In July they hosted a fashion show for children at one of the local primary schools. Akon Deograce, Founder of NYTC, who is only 22-years old, missed his childhood always on the run from violence. He tries to recapture his youth on a regular basis by spending time organizing activities and games with young children.

Thank you for reading the July monthly installment of NYTC Art News!

Up next in August, the opening of the new Arts Education Center! And, plans for a late September Art Expo.

If you prefer to support with a one-time donation, add your tip to the Nakivale Tip Jar here! Managed by me, Emily, of The Creative Convergence. Every penny helps. Funds pooled for the NYTC collective and arts program purchase paints, brushes, paper, canvasses, and fund a food program for the children that attend free art education Monday through Saturday year-round.

Donation to NYTC Tip Jar

A growing list of talented emerging young refugee artists living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Click on each image to read a full interview!