"Communities, Disaster & Change" is a traveling exhibition coordinated by the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive, in Valdez, Alaska. It provides a twist on the fiftieth anniversary of the Good Friday Earthquake commemoration through its connection with other communities and other disasters. The exhibit will travel around the state as well as to Oregon, and Hawaii. The full travel schedule and complete online gallery of the exhibit can be seen here.

This blog serves as a place to host a global conversation about the indomitable nature of the human spirit and communities' reactions to change, how they survive disaster and how they rebuild for the future. We hope this can be a tool for people like you, all across the world, to reach out and share your stories on survival and the will to carry on.

If you have seen the exhibit whether online or in person we want to know your reaction to the work of these twenty-eight Alaskan artists. Please join us in an ongoing conversation, and chime in with your thoughts, views and your personal stories of your community, disaster, and change.

10 October 2014

Myanmar Artist, San Zaw Htway, Helps Children Through Art




Myanmar artist, San Zaw Htway, spent thirteen years jailed as a political prisoner. To cope with his containment he used recycled materials, whatever he could get his hands on, to create art. After his release in 2011 he began instructing children who were orphaned by natural disaster or infected with HIV how to make art from used materials.

San Zaw Htway travels throughout Myanmar teaching children who have been effected by displacement, as well as, war and poverty. Some of his classes hold 20 to 25 children. In one class he demonstrates how to turn colored plastic bags into works of art.

He hopes one day to compile artwork from children who have suffered into a book.  He wishes it will bring joy and hope to all those struggling.

San Zaw Htway is in the running for 2014 Artraker Award. This award is given to art students who experience tragedy. The candidates for this award have presented their artwork in London's a/political gallery this Fall.

Please check out San Zaw Htway on google images for his latest work.


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