Things are moving quickly as we gear up for the debut of Castles in The Air, and the launch of The Genie Projects. I am so excited as I can see my dreams unfolding right before my eyes. I sent out a letter today regarding donations and more info about the project, and people responded well. Everyone responded soo kindly and gave such positive feedback that I have yet to digest it all. I am so grateful for people who are willing to donate their time, money, supplies, or send good vibrations our way. The excitement inside me is building like the uphill ride on a roller coaster and I can’t wait to go reach the top. Below is the letter I sent out:

 “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso

Dear Art Enthusiasts,

I hope I assume correctly when I say that we probably share a common interest: Art. No matter what form it takes, it’s something that has changed our perspective or life in some way. For some it’s music, others its painting, writing, sculpting, jewelry making, photography, or even when we look at our children.

Through my art I express emotions and dreams that have impacted my life in many ways. Art has helped me pull through tough times when things seem to be falling apart and has aided in the discovery of emotions I didn’t know existed. I started drawing at an early age, but it was only a year ago that the use of thick acrylic colors became my first choice for creative expression. Despite painting being relatively new for me, I will be having my debut art show entitled “Castles in the Air” in collaboration with the launch of The Genie Projects, a program inspired by my life purpose: Empowering children to realize their highest potential.

The goal of The Genie Project is to connect with the community and provide a mentorship program specific to the child’s needs. There is an old proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. Even though it is an old proverb, it is still relevant today as children who are not raised in a stimulating and nurturing environment will often fail to reach their fullest potential. However, with community involvement we can give hope to children by inspiring them through art. Together, we can shift the paradigm to more conscious awareness by giving children the support they may lack as a result of broken homes, abuse, or disabilities.

The Genie Project is excited to have on board founder of *The ContempArt Collective and Dana Cataldi. With a group effort, our goal is to aid children in self awareness, self discovery, and turning this into art as an investment for their future. 10% of my sales and 100% of the child’s sales will go towards a program unique to their needs along with the sales from any other donated items.

This is where your help is needed. Because art is my life but not my career, I am in need of donations. The space for the art show has already been donated (thanks to *Laura Alvarez) but the following are items also needed to make this art show possible:

• Canvases
• Acrylic paints
• Oil paints
• Paintbrushes
• Money donations (used to purchase items the child and their family might need as well as or devours for the opening night of “Castles in the Air” )

If you are able to donate (even used material can be utilized), your name and business will be acknowledged on flyers, brochures, or any other media we might use to promote the art show. I thank you for your help in this matter, any leads you may have, and any donations you can give. Thanks so much!

Yvette Lopez

For Donations Please  email thegenieprojects@gmail.com

*The ContempArt Collective is a non-profit platform made up of a creative tribe that expresses itself through a variety of mediums, including installation, photography, music, painting, digital media, literature, sculptures, design, short films, documentaries and motivational speaking. The Collectives goal is to voluntarily collaborate with a mixed media artist once a month in affiliation with a cause that the artist contributes their work to.

*Dana Cataldi is an active member in the community, most notably, One Voice, a non-profit organization helping families living at poverty level in LA.

*Laura Alvarez is a studio teacher who uses the Reggio Emilia approach when developing programs that support children in becoming comfortable with a variety of media. Laura values the whole child and believes students are not vessels to be filled, but come with their own experiences or ideas http://www.paradisoarts.com.