I always enjoyed art as a child and went on to get a degree in art in college. Drawing and painting have been an important part of my life and I know how much children benefit from expressing themselves with even basic art supplies. As a former elementary school teacher, I also know every child is an artist and providing them with the materials to make art can enrich their lives and inspire hope and joy in children who really need it. Art for the Nations makes this happen and I'm a huge fan and will continue to suppport their great work.
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This was the first time my family was able to do charity work together as a family. We all participated in painting our own bags (which the kids loved) and stuffing bags with art supplies for kids in other nations who do not have access to such luxuries/supplies. Art For The Nations delivers your hand painted bags and supplies to kids in parts of the world that have never even seen a crayon. Our family got a picture in the mail of the person who received the bag/supplies. It was very rewarding to see the results of our project and to put a smile on the face of other children. A good learning experience for all of us.
We were informed about this organization by a young woman who had experienced their helpfulness before. When we contacted them they were very accomodating and quick to respond. We have received two sacks of very easy to use craft materials, all pre-prepared, with clear instructions and all inclusive tools. This kit is going Guinea next week and will be very well used. I hope they can continue to develop their materials and continue to be a support to those of us who can really use this type of resource.
Art for the Nations is a local organization providing a valuable way for linking the resources of our community with children in third world nations. Its brilliance is in its simplicity. Mission workers, international aid staffers, National Geographic employees and ordinary tourists traveling to poor nations serve as conduits, delivering art supplies during their travels, thereby avoiding expensive shipping costs. Packets of art projects are assembled by volunteers so that operational costs are kept to a minimum.
Lisa Ambler, the visionary artist and founder of this non-profit, is a remarkable soul. I have volunteered with friends in assembling bags of projects with her and am in awe of her energy, dedication and humility. To walk into her bright workspace and view photos of children's faces from around the globe who have been the recipients of her art supplies, is an honor and a source of delight. Her drive to enhance a spirit of creativity in children whose lives are marked by poverty of opportunity is indeed laudable.
I am the volunteer Mission Coordinator for Vineyard Church of the Rockies. I have served in that capacity for the last 4 years. During that time we have taken an average of 12-16 mission trips per year with teams of various sizes. The Art for the Nations bags have been truly a Godsend! We have used the bags in Puerto Vallarta and Fresnillo, Mexico, Jinotepe and Managua, Nicaragua, San Juan and Mayaguez Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Haiti, Jordan, Austria, Costa Rico, and Uganda. The Uganda trip was 16 Vineyard Pastor wives from all over the US going with Compassion International to serve together in Uganda. We have used them in buildings, on the sidewalk, for church planting outreaches, for kid's camps, in orphanages, etc. They are so versatile and it is so helpful to have the instructions printed in the necessary language. Additionally, Lisa and her team from Art for the Nations are so devoted and passionate about the kids and always ask about our trips and how things went, etc. What an amazing and priceless ministry! Blessings to one and all at Art for the Nations.
I have taken my kids down to the store to help decorate bags and pack them for the masses. I have also taken the bags to multiple different countries and shared them with many kids. My kids love the art projects and love showing other kids how to do them as well.
Everyone at Art For The Nations is very friendly and helpful. Fun place to shop and just visit with the artists and staff.
I have taken bags of the wonderful art supplies to an orphanage in Guatemala City. The children loved doing the crafts and the staff were very appreciative to receive them, since they do not normally get these types of activities for the children. The extra supplies were taken to their school for classroom use.
I have also purchased many of the items available in the Art For The Nations gift shop. The hand painted items done by Lisa, Gabe and others make very special gifts for friends and familywho appreciate getting gifts that support such a wonderful organization. .
I love working with Art for the Nations. We took bags on an around the world outreach to 8 different nations. My favorite was sharing the art projects with a children's home in Durban, South Africa during the World Cup. School was cancelled and many of the children had no place to go. We had the privilege of using the art projects with so many children. This gave us opportunity to spend time with them in smaller groups and invest in their lives.
Art for the Nations is a great organization that brings art supplies to kids in developing countries. I have participated by helping to create supply bags that volunteers take when they visit these countries.
I heard about Art for the Nations from a friend on Facebook. She knew I was going on a missions trip to Ethiopia and suggested I contact them. When I called they told me to come by and they would give me art supplies for the 500 children we expected to serve in the mountain village of Gojjo in Ethiopia. Little did we know that we would have 2,300 children!!! The supplies were wonderful. We just wish we had taken more. Many of the children had never even colored with crayons. They were so proud of their artwork - they brought back their projects every day to show to us.
I've had the privilege of both volunteering with Art For the Nations and serving on the board since the early days in Lisa's home. The art projects that we prepare are so simple, like folding paper dolls and packing glitter and glue, yet I know they will become a wonderful treasure to needy children receiving them. I've always been impressed that the projects are designed to focus on the value, worth, and individual identity of each child, regardless of language or culture. The shop now has walk-in hours and is a very comfortable space, so volunteering is fun and easy!
I love going to Art for the Nations with groups of friends! We all always have such a great time together. It is such a fun way to give back.
I have been volunteering for several different non-profit organizations throughout the last 5 years. Art for the Nations is the ONLY non-profit that I have come back to time and time again. Never have I felt more welcomed before. Never have I felt the spirit of Christ working through me. And never have I found my work to so worthwhile. I whole-heartedly recommend Art for the Nations for anyone looking to make a real difference around the world.
What a fun and creative way to volunteer and reach out to kids! I always bring a group of friends with me to Art for the Nations and we have the best time painting bags and filling them with craft supplies. The atmosphere is welcoming and charming and it is such a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. I absolutely love that one bag can hold the supplies for kids to do over 200 crafts! I am always excited to go back to Art for the Nations over and over and have such fun while giving back at the same time. Thank you for providing an amazing place!!
I work with schools in Haiti and contacted Art for the Nations after a friend told me about them. They send me some Art kits for the schools I work with, and now they are on their way to Haiti.
I am going to use them to help Haitian children get in touch with their innate creativity and to find an outlet for the stress of living through the earthquake and cholera epidemic.