Much of the impetus behind developing An Arts Awakening comes from my visits to Africa (South Africa and Zimbabwe).  During my travels there, I learned so much about how Africans embrace the arts as intricate parts of their individual lives, as community builders and as social justice markers.

(updated 3 Mar 2006) I experienced an arts awakening in Africa, and it has shaped my life and ministry!  My first journey to the continent of Africa took place in Dec 2000.  I arrived in South Africa and was positively overwhelmed with the soul of South Africa:  the wild drumbeats, the multi-layered harmonies, the unabashed dancing, the rainbow of artistic flavors!

I returned to South Africa in Dec 2004 and learned what I feel I had subconsciously gleaned from my first visit.  For many Africans, the arts are not afterthoughts...art is life and life is art.  Waking up in the morning, going to work, walking to school, grieving a lost loved one, taking a stand for equality...these actions become the next song on the lips, or painted image on the wall or passionately delivered monologue.  Eating, sleeping, breathing...

THE RHYTHM OF LIFE...A POWERFUL BEAT!  What a lovely way to live...

(below)  Posing with Patrick Matsikenyiri in Mutare, Zimbabwe; click on the image for more about this talented and international musician!