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Each season we share news and updates about our work that impacts students and teachers around the world!
Dear Friends,
Last week I received this message from Natalia, one of our partner teachers in Ukraine:
“We deeply value our partnership with Global Voices – ArtLink , which fosters understanding, creativity, and meaningful connections across borders. It is through initiatives like these that we strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect, proving that art and culture have the power to unite us even in the most difficult moments.
Your belief in freedom, equality, and global interdependence resonates deeply with us. We, too, share these values and continue to stand strong, hoping for peace and justice for our country and the world.”
In the midst of daily news bulletins of political retrenchment and uncertainty, it is these types of heartfelt responses that keep us hopeful and motivated to provide students around the world with connections that encourage and empower them to become empathetic global citizens – caring about those with whom they share this planet.
After a successful 6-month run at the New Canaan Library, we have just taken down the 50-piece international student art exhibit “My Story Revealed: The art of global culture & identity”. We are dedicating this show to Susie Salomon, our beloved past Board member and generous supporter who passed on last week. While greatly saddened, I will always remember the delight Susie took in the art that poured into our offices from participating young artists.
I want to thank the New Canaan Library staff, and specifically their Exhibition and Community Engagement Coordinator, Miki Porta, for making this exhibit possible.
If you missed seeing the exhibit in person, later in this newsletter you will find a link to a
remarkable virtual experience, a tour of the art show. I invite you to dip into this interactive tour to experience the artwork and stories shared by Global Voices-ArtLink students from 28 countries over the past 30 years.
Finally, as always. I sincerely thank you all for your support and your interest in our work.
Onward and upwards!
With warm gratitude,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and former Board member, Susie Salomon.
Susie was a joyful and passionate advocate for our mission, always promoting our work, sharing her insights, and helping us improve our programs. She had a special love for art, particularly children’s art, and was always delighted by the stories and creativity behind each piece.
We dedicate in her memory My Story Revealed: The art of culture & identity.
We will always remember her for her kindness, love, humor, vision, and unwavering support.
To donate in Susie’s honor, click below.
A recent IVC (Interactive Video Conference), facilitated by Annette Thompson, CC’s Program Manager, proved to be an inspiring global exchange. Students in the US shared their robotics projects with students in Ukraine, sparking a powerful discussion on the impact of technology in education and its potential to support communities around the world.
The joint interest in 3-D printing was evident as the Ukrainian students explained their country’s dire need for prosthetic limbs due to war injuries and how such innovation could help out. The American students were eager to share their knowledge of this technology.
In mid-April, we’re excited to welcome James Musyoka, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kenya Connect, our GV-ArtLink partner educator. He will be promoting his new children’s book, The Boy Who Read Newspapers, an inspirational story about his personal journey as a reader.
We’re excited to announce our virtual art show of My Story Revealed: The art of global culture & identity!
This virtual exhibition features a 360-degree tour of the Lightburn Gallery at the New Canaan Library, where the show was displayed for the past six months.
You’ll also get a closer look at 50 selected pieces of artwork from students in our Global Voices – ArtLink program, each telling unique personal and cultural stories. Meet some of the artists, explore their work, and stay tuned for additional educational resources.
This art show is dedicated to Susie Salomon (1936-2025).
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Global Voices – ArtLink classroom sponsors!
Your support directly provides students with the opportunity to share their personal stories through art, connect with peers across cultures, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Because of you, many young artists in our programs are given the opportunity to express their identities, build empathy, and become thoughtful global citizens, without financial barriers.
Congratulations!
We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of Annette Thompson to Program Manager.
Annette has expertly shepherded hundreds of partner teachers here and abroad in carrying out our multi-faceted Global Voices-ArtLink program, Her dedication, caring, knowledge, and hard work have been invaluable over the past many years.
Miguel Barreto, former Global Voices Program Director, has decided to pursue other professional opportunities. He brought passion and expertise to his work with us over many years, ensuring that our participating students’ cultural and global perspectives were broadened and deepened. We are incredibly grateful to him as a valued colleague and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
Creative Connections’ Founder & President, Alan Steckler, recently took a trip to Belize, where he explored the local culture, wildlife, language, and traditions.
We are accepting applications for Global Voices – ArtLink!
This is a unique opportunity for your students to connect with peers from around the world through art and live videoconferencing, sharing their stories and voices while having the chance to build cross-cultural relationships and empathy.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to bring the world into your classroom, please apply on our website today.
We are committed to keeping our programs affordable for schools. Your gift helps to deliver essential, multi-month, interactive and interdisciplinary learning experiences that make a lasting educational impact.
Every contribution, every individual, matters – just as every student, in every classroom, matters and deserves to learn and engage in the world.
Each season we share news and updates about our work that impacts students and teachers around the world!
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303 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
USA
1 203-803-4376
Mathews Park,
303 West Avenue,
Norwalk, CT 06850
USA
1 203-803-4376
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