May 11, 2007

#19: Make Your Surroundings Beautiful (Friday, May 11)


When you think of NYC taxi cabs you probably think drivers cutting you off in traffic, the inability to get one if you're going to Brooklyn (or if it's New Year's Eve), and convenience. With their bright yellow color, they're certainly distinctive, yet few people would go as far as saying they're beautiful. I recently got involved with a project that might help New Yorkers to appreciate the beauty of NYC taxicabs.

Garden in Transit is an art project that paints flowers on New York City taxicabs. The majority of the painting will be done by children through youth networks such as schools, hospitals, and churches. Not only will it give participating children a creative outlet, but it will also provide an opportunity for them redefine their immediate surroundings through art.

The Idea: Make your surroundings beautiful. Sign up for an open paint-in session at Garden in Transit studio. If you are not in the New York City area, find out what similar "social art" projects are going on in your city and volunteer to help make it come to fruition.

The Cost: A few hours of your time.

The Benefit: You'll get to see the impact of your efforts on the community, and you'll get a valuable lesson in how to make the best of your surroundings.

Testimonial: I'll be hosting an open paint-in session on Saturday, May 19. You're welcome to come along!

(P.S. The pictures from "Roll Up Your Sleeves" [Good Friday #15] and "Celebrating Mother Earth" [Good Friday #16] are now available.

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