Photo images were taken in June 2006, on a visit to as a volunteer for Partners of the . Partners of the are an organization with a 40 year commitment to Latin America . The goal of Partners is to promote social development and cultural exchanges through people to people volunteer projects. The Massachusetts chapter of Partners of the has worked exclusively with since 1976.

This photo essay hopes to capture and the people to people nature of Partners of the and hopes to contribute to its cultural exchange mission by presenting . What was captured was important issues and situations that people abroad might not be conscious about. The exhibit portrays lesser known aspect of and a connection to our own way of life.  

  The photograph titled “Killer Actors” is an example of a situation that is improving  -Had it not been for the community theater started 10 years ago by a group of college students their lives could have been completely different …that of assassins for hire.  Art and theater have become a life line and an incredible resource that is actually changing society from a kill or be killed environment to that of hope and aspirations. I shot them with my camera and they shoot back a look. This kind of exchange would have been impossibleor extremely different just 10 years ago. 

 

 

 

I would like to express a sincere THANKS to Partners of the and Artists-at-Large for the opportunity and encouragement to create and present this exhibit.  It means a great deal to be able to share and educate people about .  I hope you enjoy the exhibit.

Please consider making a donation to Artists-at-Large online .  It is safe, secure and easy through Kevin Beacon's  Sixdegrees.org. Just click on the link below.

http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/PersonalCharityBadge.aspx?pcaid=102552

 

  About the Sandra Patricia Castillo

 

Born in Bogotá,  grew up and works in East Boston . Graduated from Boston Latin School and studied International Relations at Boston University . Has a home studio in Medford .

Member of the East Boston Artists Group (www.eastbostonartistsgroup.org)

 I enjoy meeting and working with artists especially while exhibiting. My current show “Capturing Colombia”, presented by Artists-at-Large has been extended till the end of Jan 2007, at the Riverside Theatre Works, 45 Fairmont Ave.,  Hyde Park 02136.  It is my first photo exhibit. The exhibit portrays lesser known aspect of and a connection to our own values and way of life. 

 Recent shows include "Colombian Art in Harvard Yard" at Harvard University, "From Colombia with Love" presented by Artists-at-Large ( www.artistsatlargeinc.org) at the Riverside Theatreworks, Hyde Park, "The Art of Being Latino" at Brandeis University.  Hyde Park Open Studios 2006, 

Previous shows include  Logan International Airport and Boston City Hall and East Boston

Open Studios 2005 (co-organizer) and "Colombian Art in Boston" at the Colombian Consulate in Boston . 

  My digital work shown on HelloBoston.com, focuses on the flow of life thru transitional stages. "Unfurnished Soul", part of the LOVE SMALL show at Artspace @16 (www.artspaceat16.com), is a great example of my love of color and desire to project the living energy that surrounds us on to canvas.

I also paint meditative pieces using acrylic on canvas  that are more minimalist linear or abstract. 

Through my art I seek to collaborate with my subject and  my audiences, to create a third space, hopefully to  help myself, and others  to connect with one another and get people to start thinking about how they connect with their surroundings/environment (be it physical, emotional , or psychological )

 My goal is to help create a transnational dialogue between people of different cultures because despite being from being different cultures we all share the same aspirations and have similar problems to solve in our daily lives.  However, the dialogue starts with your self and hopefully leads to a feeling of connection after you share your insights with others.

 

 

  In this endeavour I hope to connect with other artists and organize exhibits that showcase the talent of Colombian and Latino artists, and combine it with other artists.   

 

 

I am also a volunteer of Partners for the Americas.

  http://www.partners.net/know_us/partnership_profiles/Massachusetts.htm

  And it was through their generous sponsorship that I traveled to as the Projects and Planning Co-Chairperson. 

Please our website and contact me if you would like more information about becoming a volunteer or if have projects ideas or suggestions.

Feel free to contact me if  you have any comments or would like more information about my work or organization I work with.

 

Sandra