In the Mood for a Random Quote

"Living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year."

- Unknown

Animal Refuge 2008 Calendars On Sale

2008 calendars from the Inti Wara Yassi animal refuge in Villa Tunari, Bolivia are still available. Thank you Nena for the opportunity to photograph it. Here's some background info:

In Bolivia, there are black markets full of wild animals being sold to hotels, private homes and circuses. These animals are usually obtained by hunting down the parents or group leaders and then taking the babies to be sold. In many cases the animals are endangered species. They are usually kept in small cages, with little or no protection from the elements. Many are malnourished and some badly abused.

This refuge is run by Bolivian volunteers and part-time international volunteers who come from all over the world to work for a minimum of two weeks. They help build and maintain cages, prepare food, tend to sick animals, create new trails, and give explanations to tourists.

The wildlife refuge houses and rehabilitates animals like pumas, ocelots, monkeys, macaws, coatis, bears, and reptiles. Rehabilitating the animals really is the main goal. The refuge provides these animals with the respect they deserve and works hard to ensure the utmost freedom possible for each individual animal, when rehabilitation is not possible. The philosophy is that no wild animal should be abused or kept as a pet.

Since the park is an NGO that relies on donations and volunteer contributions, the annual calendar is one of the major sources of income the park generates. Your purchase will allow the park to not only buy medicine, food, and supplies for the animals, but to also buy back the land it is currently renting.

The calendars have been produced in a CD desk calendar format, and cost GBP 5.95 each (or only £5 each if you order 3 or more). To order your copy of this year's calendar, please send an email to Dave & Fanz saying how many you would like. Their email address is: d_r_walters @ yahoo.co.uk.

the micro-MACRO exhibit @ HOLGAS

Being in Phoenix at this point is exciting because I’ve been eager to bring back all this work and to share it with my community. It’s thrilling to finally convert it from files to real prints; to get it off my computer and up onto walls, blown up for viewers to see. The kids over at HOLGAS were nice enough to share their gallery with me for the May 2nd first Friday art walk downtown. In keeping with the theme for the night, the micro-MACRO show, I showed the motel series, the church marquees, OJOS nuevos and the bedroom series from the home for girls in Chile. There were a lot of fun ways to push the whole micro-MACRO idea from printing little magnets and mini framed photos, to selling the girls’ work – because, after all, they’re little people…that fits with the theme, right?!

In closing, Kristin C. of Phoenix, wrote an account of Holgas online. I thought it was kind of funny considering I was so excited to show there...

"It's so hard to score this place. I've gone a few times and seen some really amazing pieces. But most of the time....it's not so great.

Super space for showing art. They've done great with a limited space. But man... go there on a busy First Friday and the place is stinky and sweaty. People just cram in here and once you are in it's tough getting out. I think I've let out a moo here and there from getting pushed with the rest of the herd. Kind of hurts the ability to see the art. It's awesome that so many folks want to see the stuff, but they either need to institute a doorman policy on those nights or institute a serious "No Soap, No Service" policy. Or maybe invest in a few more fans? And to go through that when they are having one of their many off nights isn't any fun at all.

If the place looks clear - jump on it. Even if nothing catches you eye, you can be out in seconds. If you go in with the herd, it could take 5-10 and you won't be able to see anything lower than the average person's shoulders.

Bonus: The apartment/studio complex that is also a "part" of Holgas, yet not their gallery has had some awesome things. Spend some time checking those out as well. They will also often have some cool bands or a light show going on out front that bring folks in from all around during a First Friday event."


p.s. *Thanks Johanna for the collage of memories*