Art Over Fear: The Rainforest Art Project
The Rainforest Art Project, is a group of “professional artists and educators who have come together with a strong belief: creativity is the most important skill a child can learn—and it can be taught.” Founded by Dan Evers, the organization operates from offices in San Diego and Chico.
They provide unique hands-on experiences which encourage creativity for students of all ages. Among the benefits of their programs are reducing learning barriers and increasing the confidence of student participants.
In the days following the Camp Fire, Dan Evers was contacted by the Butte County Superintendent of Schools. With a diverse portfolio of artwork spanning communities across the state of California, the Rainforest Art Project’s expertise included a program with pediatric cancer patients – helping to treat trauma by using art to break the cycle of fear and despair. This was the long-term approach the students of Paradise would need.
In the short term, resources were moved by Butte County to address the immediate needs of the students. However, with the ongoing metal health trauma from the fire, it was clear there was need for additional resources to be directed towards students. The arts were to be the key in helping with the long-term healing process. The Rainforest Art Project immediately began working with Paradise Unified School District to develop an action plan for the arts.
According to Dan, “students quickly embraced the idea that they could make a real contribution in the rebuilding of their mountain community through the creation of lasting works of art, such as benches, chairs, signs and medallions.” In collaboration with professional artists, the students helped to beautify their campuses and their neighborhoods. In doing so, they also gained a strong sense of pride and accomplishment that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
At the 2019 Crab Feed, the Paradise Rotary Club raffled off two Adirondack Chairs created, in part, by Paradise Ridge Elementary School students. This effort raised over $ 2,500 to help with the new Honey Run Covered Bridge Nature and History Park. Through the Rainforest Creativity Circle, the Paradise Rotary Club will be helping to design the park, and create artwork for the nature/history theme.
In the month of July, the Paradise Rotary Foundation approved a grant for $6,000 to be used for the creation of a new logo medallion for Paradise High School. This medallion will be proudly presented at the entry of the new gymnasium (photo below). This follows grants that have enabled the creation of new logos for Pine Ridge Elementary School, Cedarwood Elementary School and Ridge View High School. In addition to adding a fresh new look to their schools, these designs will be used on shirts, stationary, and even laser-engraved signs created by students.
The entire Rainforest Team is honored to be working with the “People of Action” at Paradise Rotary Club. To learn more about the Rainforest Art Project, please view their website: https://www.rainforestartproject.org
Student Programs
Images courtesy of the Rainforest Art Project
Project Renderings
Images courtesy of the Rainforest Art Project
To date, the Paradise Rotary Foundation has awarded $24,000 to the Rainforest Art Project, as made possible from the generosity of worldwide donors and community members. Thank you for your continued support.
Do you have stories to share about Grants In Action? If so, please email contact@paradiserotaryfoundation.org.