From crayon to hearts; portraits of Honduran children

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent The portraits are archived in clean minimal silver frames, keeping attention focused on the subjects. The clean dark lines of the Conté crayon merge into deliberate curves of faces with defined features, soft smooth skin and piercing eyes. From one portrait to the next each face drawn with remarkable grace capturing the child’s essence, they all share a simple beauty, a stoic pose and piercing eyes. But it is the eyes that beckon the viewer to step closer and listen to their stories.   It is the eyes that look so familiar, as if you have met the subject somewhere.	Mark Krieger
“The first time a child sits in your lap and looks up at you, you’re dead,” says artist Mark Krieger, who met the children in small impoverished village of Honduras known as Flor Azul. For the past eight years, he has traveled to the country with Hope for Honduran Children Foundation and brought back sketches, in hopes of helping viewers understand and relate their lives. “The moment you land you know you’re a different world,” said Krieger. He illustrates the internal struggle he felt. “My hope for my drawings is that these young faces can speak to us about what may well be the central fast confronting the 21st century; address the imbalance between the unsustainable abundance of our lives and the burdensome poverty of theirs.” Twenty eight of them are on display at Intown Club. The opening reception held on Jan 13, 2012 drew in more than 70 guests who marveled at the larger than life faces, chuckled at the stories and found themselves relating to children far away. He feels a calling to this project: “If I drew enough of these kids and drew them good enough, I can make a difference,” he said.  Krieger realized the impact of the large sketches while negotiating funds for a specific project. Laying them out on the table he sensed the dynamics shift; “It was like having the children in the room with us,” he said. Krieger makes an effort to capture the pride in their appearance, the neatly braided hair, the little trinkets of jewelry, laundered clothing. “These are universal,” said Ingrid Angel of the portraits, “You will find a child who looks like this anywhere in the world: Palestine, Mexico, and even here in Cleveland.” Accompanying each portrait is an eloquently written caption that brings life to each—from the tale of two sisters abandoning an abusive household who walked more than a 100 miles to find refuge with the Foundation run village; to the seventeen-year-old boy burdened by the second unexpected pregnancy of his younger sister. Some sketches are void of any background, while others capture the environment, and the hidden lives of many children with every stroke. “I don’t like using photographs,” said Krieger, and the two hours or more he spends with the children brings unusual meaning to their lives. Karen Donovan Godt, founder of Hope for Honduran Children Foundation said his sketches are a sense of pride for the children the respect and time he gives them validates them for the wonderful people they are, letting them forget the hardships they endured before arriving to Flor Azul. Eighty percent of Hondurans live in conditions of extreme poverty, and children are often neglected, abandoned, or orphaned. History of foundation  The foundation was formed seven years ago when on a trip she and friends discovered 25 abandoned children struggling to survive; “We decided we could not walk away from that.” In partnership with of Sociedad Amigos De Los Niños based in Tegucigalpa, the foundation’s mission is to serve the abandoned children through healthcare, education, but often more importantly, shelter and food. The foundation also provides an opportunity to travel to the village and experience Honduras first hand.  “We want to immerse people in the culture and get to know each other,” said John Godt. Every six weeks, the foundation arranges a one-week tour to Honduras, taking care of lodging, transportation, and air fare. Krieger is retired from a 32-year career as an art teacher, and wants to increase the portfolio of portraits to 100 – 150 to exhibit. When asked of the impact these portraits have made on his students, Krieger said many simply cannot relate, “Our kids are very busy,” he said. He is amazed by the spunky, intelligence, and gratitude of the Honduran children, “They look you in the eye.” He joked he often had to remind himself after returning to the U.S. not to look teenagers in the eyes and smile, “They would roll their eyes, or suddenly get very uncomfortable.” He said people often feel the call to help as much as they can while there, “But you always leave richer, you can never repay them for what they give you in return.” Portraits are priced between $350 to $950. To learn more contact Krieger at: markkrieger@sbcglobal.net To learn more about the Hope for Honduran Children Foundation visit: markkrieger@sbcglobal.net and www.hopeforhonduranchildren.org/index.php
Copyright © 1989 to 2012 by [LaPrensa Publications Inc.]. All rights reserved. Revised: 01/17/12 13:23:54 -0800.

 

Three Kings bring gifts for Cleveland youth

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent City of Cleveland’s Community Relations Board presented Fiesta de Reyes in honor of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ, on Jan 6, 2012. Also known as Three Kings Day, the celebration renewed a sense of wonder in 360 children attending the festivities at Hispanic UMADAOP’s Youth Center on 3115 Scranton Rd.

 

WIN hosts 2nd Holiday Celebration

Worldwide Intercultural Network- Cleveland hosted its 2nd Annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland’s Diversity on Dec. 1, 2011 at Cleveland City Hall. WIN is committed to celebrating Cleveland’s multicultural communities through collaboration and cooperation on initiatives that promote the prosperity of the region and its people.	WIN Board member, Arooj Ashraf presents Cleveland Mayor Frank G Jackson with a painting , "Cleveland's Diversity Tapestry" which represents the city's vibrant cultural and national diversity.

 

NSHMBA Cleveland marks fifth year

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent The Cleveland Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs celebrated its fifth year on Dec. 12, 2011 at University Hospital Case Medical Center (UHCMC). Scholarship recipients, local corporate sponsors were recognized, and new leadership for 2012 was presented.  Nearly 50 guests enjoyed music, raffle prizes, food, and networking. Current president Carolina Schneider said the chapter has experienced highs and lows but accomplished its mission of supporting MBA students through the help and support of corporate sponsors, “We have grown as a chapter.” She said the chapter has awarded 40 scholarships in the past five years, and signed 25 sponsorship agreements for future financial support. Schneider said through Education development programs and partnerships with Latino organizations, like the Hispanic Roundtable, Young Latino Network, and Esperanza, Inc., the chapter is ensuring a pipeline of emerging leaders. In partnering with the Society of Urban Professionals, NSHMBA is offering dual memberships to enhance networking possibilities.

 

Julia De Burgos celebrates seasonal festivities

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent Julia De Burgos Cultural Art Center celebrated Parrandon Navideno 2011 on Dec. 16, with more than 400 people attending to enjoy musical performances, plays, and games. Children’s favorite characters Dora, and Elmo made a special appearance while the Three Kings passed out candy. Home Depot volunteers helped children make toy cars. This year’s program was hosted at the Cleveland Public Theatre to accommodate guests and surpassed expectations. Students from Latino Unidos of Cleveland State University dressed as Three Wise Men and helped alongside the Young Latino Network and Advocated of Culture and Knowledge. Students from Esperanza Inc. performed an adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and found themselves relating to the moral of the story. Gabriela Johnson, an eleventh grade student from Strongsville High, played the role of reindeer Blitzen; “It is never OK to hurt someone for any reason,” she said.  Johnson said she has experienced bullying, name calling, and taunts by other students growing up and relates to the pain Rudolph feels.

 

University Circle hosts annual CircleFest

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent Cleveland: University Circle hosted the 18th Annual CircleFest Dec. 4, 2011 attracting more than 4,000 people to join in festive winter activities. The opening day offers free admission to surrounding museums with activities for children and adults alike. Julie Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at Cleveland Botanical Gardens, said the festival is a wonderful time for families to visit and explore the garden, “We are trying to create traditions for families,” she said.  The Gardens holds competitions for best gingerbread houses for professional and amateurs. This year’s winning gingerbread structure is a miniature replica of Russian landmark, the St. Basil’s Cathedral.  Adorned with M&Ms and other delicious candies, JoAnn Van Luntern captured the beauty of the church and amplified the tastiness of the gingerbread house to win first place in the adult amateur category. Other notable gingerbread structures included an Eifel Tower replica, an Apple desktop, and a treehouse. Anderson said three judges from media and local bakery chose the winning pieces.

 

Remington College & Esperanza, Inc: Low Latino graduation rates cause for concern

By Arooj Ashraf, LaPrensa Correspondent   In an effort to increase Latino student enrollment by 10 percent, Remington College is partnering with Esperanza Inc. and Cuyahoga County’s Department of Education & Economic Development and El Centro to address the barriers facing non-traditional students in pursuing post-secondary education. In a community forum held at Remington College West Campus on Nov. 18, 2011 representatives from the agencies gathered to discuss the state of education in Cuyahoga County. Beth Dawson, Director of Workforce Development at Remington College, said non-traditional students face multiple challenges, from economics, language barriers, lack of basic proficiency in core subjects; but the most detrimental is attending a college or university that does not cater to their specific needs.

Remington presenters: Beth Dawson, Jessica Cartagena, Melanie Rodríguez, Luis Santiago, Justin Bibb, Jonathan Pérez, and Victor Ruiz Remington panel: Jessica Caragena, Gary Azotea, President of Remington College West, Luis Santiago, Melanie Rodríguez, and Jonathan Pérez

 

Spanish American Committee celebrates 45 years of service

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent Cleveland: The Spanish American Committee (SAC) celebrated forty-five years of service on Nov. 18, 2011. As the agency began its New Era, staff, board members, clients and supporters took time out to reflect and honor the contributions of many whose legacy is intertwined with success and challenges of the organization.

 

CIA brings 5 Cuban artists to Cleveland

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent Cleveland Institute of Art is shifting perceptions of Cuban art and culture by hosting five distinguished contemporary Cuban artists for 8 week teaching residencies.  Artists will teach classes and create work in Cleveland, and exhibit their work at the Museum of Contemporary Art.	In the Arooj Ashraf photo are Alejandro de la Fuenta, Alejandro Aguilera, Dr. Maria Pujana, Osmeivy Ortega Pacheco, and David Hart.

 

Ohioans, groups recognized by OCHLA at annual gala

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission (OCHLA) presented 9 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, 5 Nuestra Familia, and 4 Latino Military Service Distinction awards  at the “¡Celebración!’ Gala held on Oct. 7, 2011 in Columbus.	Chief Warrant Officer Kenneth Ramos (US Army, Army National Guard), Master Sgt. Tamara Gonzáles (Ohio Air National Guard), Col. Blanche Aviles Casey (US Air Force, retired), and Corporal Luis Martínez (United States Marines Corps, retired) received the Latino Military Service of Distinction Award.
“Today we celebrate our community heroes, those individuals who wake up every day and dedicate themselves to ensure that everyone in the most rapidly growing demographic in Ohio has the opportunity to realize the American Dream,” said OCHLA Chairwoman Mary Santiago.

 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents a glimpse of Cleveland ethnic diversity      By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent Cleveland is a vibrant tapestry of cultural communities and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum brought many of them together for World Festival on Oct. 9, 2011. As the sun shone unusually bright and warm for an autumn day the Rock & Roll Hall filled with sounds and sights from across the world.

Wind and Sand Dance Company

 

City of Cleveland celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Corespondent City of Cleveland Community Relations Board hosted a celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month at the City Hall Rotunda on Sept. 15, 2011. Two hundred and fifty guests joined Mayor Frank G. Jackson to honor the ‘Many backgrounds, Many Stories… One American Sprit’. Mayor Jackson thanked the Latino community for its contributions to the city and presented Deputy Chief of Police Hector Luis Cuevas with recognition for outstanding service in the Cleveland Police Department. Jackson in the past six years as mayor said he could always turn to Cuevas for stability: “I believe Cleveland is a better city, safer city and that the command staff in the police decision is a better and more respected division for the work that DC Cuevas did.” Cuevas began his association with Cleveland Division of Police in 1986 and became in charge of Police Division’s Internal Affairs Unit in 1999. Commander Harold Pretel praised Deputy Cuevas for his leadership and eye for detail, and said the department and officers serving under him are better for it. Pretel said Cuevas best demonstrated his leadership after the September 11, 2001 attacks and helped the department improve and move forward through challenging transitions.

Meenakshi Singh, Jacqueline Muhammad, and Shari Clouds Lucy Torres (Hispanic Liaison to the Mayor) with Nano Cabrera (International singer from Puerto Rico) and Eduardo Romero (Master of Ceremony). Lucy Santiago sings the National Anthem for Photos by Arooj Ashraf.