Mary Ann Carmel
| Year Joined MKLM: 2010 Country: El Salvador City: Izalco Focus: Economic Development People Served:Children, youth and adults of the community Project Goal(s): Be part of the start up of a Art school for the indegenous people of Izalco |
 |
Personal Data:
In addition to my Bachelor’s degree in Education, and earned credits in ESE (Exceptional Student Education), specifically in hearing and learning disabilities. I am also a licensed art teacher. I have taught art at our old Book Nook for 20 years in Key Largo, and also taught art to many in Gainesville and to Children at Queen of Peace Summer Camp, as well as at St. Pat’s School. I see art as my primary means of ministry to others – motivating people, organizing community projects to do mural painting in public places and training in cottage industries. Additionally, I see art as a way to bring healing. I have done volunteer work with minority gang members painting murals; teaching art to blind, deaf and disabled children; and regularly visiting the sick and elderly.
Current Ministry:
The Indigenous Art School is a major important beginning for the Local Indigenous population who will be able to represent and identify with their rich cultural heritage. They want their stories to be told and displayed through public murals and paintings, crafts, dance, music, poetry, the Nahuat language, food, and traditional medicines. The Art School will also train mentors to teach, students to paint murals and paintings to sell.
They are beginning this project with help from the local government (Alcadia) who are supplying the space for free in the existing House of Culture as well as furniture. There will be some help from ADESCOMIIZ (The Community Development Association of Indigenous Women of Izalco),and CCNIS (The National Indigenous Council). The local government will also help with a computer and printer. Carmen Dominguez, is the President of ADESCOMIIS, and also acting President of the Art School. They will need help with art supplies, and Teaching/Mentor Scholarships for youth and adult job training once the school is continuing. Presently, the teachers for art, Nahuat Language, dance, and music are volunteers and missioners. With my background in art and being a teacher in this I hope to help them grow in their artistic abilities. It is my hope that in time they might be able to sell some of their art work and gain meaningful employment. Keep the flame alive of Nahuat people and have a legacy for the generations to come.
