Happy Halloween!!!

Here are just a couple photos from my Halloween Decorating this year. I will try to post more later.

My Vegan Blood Red Beat Chili in progress. 

You can see more fantastic decorating ideas on Pinterest.com 

13 Anti-Trafficking Resources

With estimates as high as 27 million slaves world wide and hundreds of thousands in the US it is obvious to me that much of my time needs to be spend on the topic of human trafficking.  Through research that has gone into my Lily Pads series I have found a vast array of resources addressing human trafficking and would like to share some of my favorite with you.

IJM - Simply put IJM is a human rights organization that aids in the rescue of trafficking and other victims.  IJM can be found on Facebook.  There are advocacy pages for many states that can update you with specific information for your state.  Find the Wyoming IJM Advocacy Group page here.  To find your state search "___________ IJM Advocacy Group."  If your state doesn't have one contact JusticeCampaign@ijm.org.

Photo taken in Art Alley, SD to use for inspiration.

Arts Aftercare - Arts Aftercare helps create art therapy kits to send to aftercare facilities throughout the world. Art is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to working with children, people who have experienced trauma, and when there is a potential language barrier.  Currently 10% (or more) of all my sales will go to Arts After care.  You can see more on the Arts Aftercare Facebook page.

JUBILEE - Curtis Romjue founder of Arts Aftercare is also a part of a not-for-profit band raising money for Arts Aftercare and other aspects of fighting slavery. You can find JUBILEE on Facebook.

Polaris Project - The Polaris Project has an international hotline that you can contact about all things trafficking.  They have several databases and registries for all of the state and provide a plethora of other resources including a variety of trainings.  As you read this enter their toll free number into your phone. 1-888-3737-888 Polaris Project Facebook

Truckers Against Trafficking - Truck stop prostitution plays a major roll in underage sex slavery, human trafficking, and underage prostitution in the US.   TAT Facebook page
     
Not For Sale - This organization is working on behalf of vulnerable communities and offers apps that allow you to check how products have been made. 
     Free2Work - This app grades brands on a A-F scale based on how they relate to child and forced labor.
     Slavery Map - Maps stories of slaves world wide
     The Underground Church Network - An invitation to all who have a faith based community.  There is a specific branch for the Jewish community.

End Slavery Now and the New Underground Railroad - Your organization, church, or you can be added to this list.

HumanTrafficking.org - This site has many resources.

XXXChurch.com or X3Church.com - Triple X Church helps people with sexual addictions.  Anything from porn stars and producers to the every day consumer.  Find XXXChurch on Facebook.

Obama's Speech on Trafficking

Here is a list of 7 organizations to follow on Twitter.

Many women's shelters, safe homes, police departments and other organizations have some training or knowledge on the topic.  Though there is a good chance that they are not fully qualified to handle a trafficking situation.

What are some of the most helpful resources you have found on human trafficking and sex slavery.

Creepies+Crawlies

Lizard, Aprox. 15x22, $145 (print)

Close up view.

Creepies+Crawlies is an art series featuring several of my snake and lizard watercolor paintings.  They will be up in The Grounds coffee shop starting October 23 and remain up for several weeks (The show will most likely come down sometime in December). The opening reception will be held on Tuesday, October 30.

Get more information and updates on the Event Page.

Water Lily Roots + Trafficking

Water Lilies are beautiful plants but the ecosystem that they have adapted to survive in is not so glamorous.  The root system and underground workings of the plant are extremely complex and parallel the system that supports trafficking.

Reminiscing About WOW

One of my past jobs involved working for Works of Wyoming (WOW) a non-profit with the purpose of helping artists turn their art into a career.  I had several positions in the two+ years there.  As a volunteer my roles included curating and hanging shows, graphic designer, teacher, retail clerk, marketer, and social media expert.  As the social media expert I created and ran the WOW blog for a short period of time.  Since the blog is no longer active, I would like to share some of my favorite blog posts with you via my art blog.

1. Work and Play - Using Social Media for Marketing
2. 12 Alternative Art Venues - Although many of these specific venues are in Laramie many cities have a variety of places that would fall in each category.
3. Beginner Twittering - Some simple tips
4. Top 10 Art Biz Blog Tips - This is by far my favorite business of art resource and certainly one of the best out there.
5. Websites - DIY website guides
6. $mArt$$Money$ - A list of resources where artists can apply for grants and fellowships for their art.

If you are ever in or around Laramie WOW is a fantastic source for Wyoming art.  Even though I am not at WOW nearly as often it is still a wonderful resource for artists and the arts community in WYO and I am proud to continue to promote them and their services.  Promote what you Love! and I do love WYO art and Artists.

Yellowstone Summer Inspiration

My Facebook profile says it all.  I had a blast in Yellowstone!!! Yellowstone National Park is one of the mot awe inspiring places I have ever been.  Though scientifically I have a basic understanding of how the colors and thermal features work, in reality I have no idea how the incredible place exists on this planet. 

In honor of the park I thought I would share a few posts of my photography from the trip (but you may need to wait a while).  Even though it is not extremely political or social justice-y it certainly applies to my art in a couple ways.

1. Protecting the environment and knowing how to treat the earth with respect when hiking or camping important.
2. The incredible beauty of creation plays a huge role in my spirituality.  I have always been a Christian and activities like camping, hiking, and snowboard really help me to connect with God.
3. My images from Yellowstone would work well for the background of a meme or handbill.  I have a variety of inspirational quotes I plan to illustrate.
4. There is always the possibility of using one of these photos in a graphic design or other project.
5. I took several Lily pad photographs while on the trip and as well all know (or if you don't know read my blog posts about water lilies a human trafficking) they relate to sex trafficking and human slavery in a variety of ways. 
6. And I am writing a proposal to possibly do some sort of project at Yellowstone in the future.  The project would likely involve educating people about the outdoors and creating plein air paintings on site.  We will see if anything comes of it.  Either way, I plan to return to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and will of course be inspired by the beauty once again.

How do the outdoors inspire you? 

Send a Greeting and Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Waterlily hand printed greeting cards. Blank on the inside $5 each. $1 per card goes to Arts Aftercare (an organization dedicated to helping people through the arts). If you want me to write in and send a card I am more than willing just message me the text.

You can find these cards and other products in my ETSY shop or message me on Facebook if you have questions.