Question: Can art be used to fight poverty?
Answer: Yes it can.

In 2007, I developed and created - Brush Out Poverty -  a way to engage young people to learn about the issues surrounding poverty and AIDS. 

The concept behind Brush Out Poverty is simple.

• North American students create and gift a 16” x 20” painting to a child in an African Orphanage – orphaned due to AIDS and its effects.

• African children living in orphanages create and gift a 16” x 20” painting to a student in a North American School.

• Brush Out Poverty (BOP) is meant as an exchange of cultural perspective and ideas. The term Poverty is not meant as a label for those living in third world conditions. Poverty - in this case, reflects our perceptions and misperceptions of wealth and privilege. The intention of Brush Out Poverty is not meant to give to the poor. BOP is meant to educate, inspire and foster insight - on both sides of the world.

Brush Out Poverty was a five year initiative.  At it's peak, this UNESCO recognized program engaged thousands of students across Canada, Uganda and Tanzania.