When Kathy Gotshall and I started ArtReach back in 2004* I don’t think we imagined the impact it would have on our city and especially our world.  Here are a few stories happening right now that shows the impact that the idea of ArtReach is having.

- ZIMABAWE, AFRICA – Last week we had a record number of attendees at ArtReach, it was a great time to have Kim Jewell there to talk about her relief efforts in Zimbabwe, Africa.  Kim is a part of Operation Joseph – a ministry of Youth With a Mission (YWAM).  ArtReach will be partnering with Kim to create 2 fresh water wells that will provide people with clean drinking water; something that is very scarce in Zimabwe.  It will cost about $1000 dollars to build 2 wells.  I believe that ArtReach can easily reach this goal.  We will be hosting a fundraiser in the fall to accomplish this goal.  Learn more about Kim Jewell by going here.

- PARIS, FRANCE I met on June 25th with Chad and Traci Jackson, a wonderful couple that I met at the International Arts Movement (IAM) conference in New York City.  We instantly hit it off, in spite of my first experience with motion sickness thanks to an hour long stint on the subway.  The three of us were late for the first session and rather than walk in and embarrass ourselves we decided to wait it out for the next session. We then spent the evening touring the Chelsea art district and had dinner.  As usual I was eager to talk about ArtReach and learned that they are moving to France in about a year to start an ArtReach-esque program.  The program will be a tool to build relationships with people in France and to begin discussions about faith, spirituality and Jesus.  Art is a wonderful way to connect with people, as it breaks through social barriers.  Learn more about Chad a Traci here

So anyone up for a road trip to Paris next year?

PS…as I was typing this I was having a conversation with Richard Fudge a friend of mine from Memphis:

Richard: I’m going to take the ArtReach direction, and start a Tues gathering
there is an other church i’m friends with, they do a weekly jazz night at 7p on tues
this week my artist group is going to crash it and doodle etc in the back of the room
jfoxrox: sweet.
Richard: we’re going to work through Psalms and doodle prayers etc
jfoxrox: thats how we a started!
Richard: i know. im stealing what works. ;)
jfoxrox: Im going to post this conversation on my ArtReach page would that be cool?
Richard: sure
jfoxrox: wanna say hi to everyone?
Richard: hi ArtReach peeps