Community Stepping Stones Kids Tell President Obama How They Feel About Gulf Disaster in Letters & Art
Monday, July 12, 2010, Tampa Florida – The youth of Community Stepping Stones in Sulphur Springs have created an 8 foot x 8 foot piece of poignant public art illustrating their concerns about the Gulf Oil Spill. At 3pm on Tuesday, July 13, they will make their feelings known to President Barak Obama from their riverside studios.
The young people will send a large poster of the public art they created along with a detailed letter they have written to the President of the United States. It will be also be copied to Governor Crist, Florida State Senators and local public officials.
At 3pm, the children plan to do a public reading of their letter to the President and then have all the contributors sign it. They will unveil their public artwork and have a discussion about what they’ve learned in this process. Community Stepping Stones is located along the Hillsborough River, an estuary area that connects to Tampa Bay. Manatees and other sea creatures that frequent brackish waters are often seen here by the children.
“When these young people learned of the extent of the oil disaster, they wanted to do something to help the sea animals. Through this process, they are learning that even children have a voice if they speak up,” said Sigrid Tidmore, the guest artist and volunteer instructor behind this art project.
Community Stepping Stones is a largely volunteer organization serving children and youth in the low income, mixed neighborhood of Sulphur Springs (the poorest neighborhood in Tampa.) The focus is on using art as a means of teaching, mentoring and intervention.
Sig, you are amazing. Miss You!