Raise a glass while raising funds to bring Brush Fire’s innovative painting program to the students at Hilltop High School for pregnant girls.

Enjoy drink specials, a raffle & more at EXTRA HAPPY HOUR!!

Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Time: 6 to 9 PM

Place: Madrone Art Bar (500 Divisidero Street @ Fell)

Suggested donation: $5

This painting is about my mom. She is bright and peaceful and fun! ~Tia

If you can not attend but would like to make a donation, please go to <https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=1380>
Don’t forget to choose Brush Fire Painting Workshops from the pull down menu
under “Which fiscally sponsored project will benefit from your donation?”

These paintings are from the summer Brush Fire workshops at the Youth Guidance Center. As always, the girls inspire with their courage and honesty. Please let  us know how you feel when you look at the paintings.

I am trying not to be afraid of people and try to let people love me & not let them go away. I wanna start something new in my life. I don’t want to look back at my past because it hurts me so much. ~ Diana

A time I had a strong feeling is when I was really young, at the age of, say, about three because my mother abandoned my sister and brothers. As soon as I was three she wanted us back in her life, but they’ve been divorced since I was a newborn. ~ Amanda

This painting is about the worst day of my life – when I got locked up this time. I felt sad, mad, and disappointed because I left my loved ones alone out there and I let my mom down. It reflects how I feel – gloomy. It feels like a separation. ~ Alexandria

The worst day in my life was probably when my dad died. Even though he wasn’t my biological daddy, he was my world. I feel abandoned. Who was gonna save me from my mom? I was so alone! Why would he leave me?!?! Look at what all happened after. I have no one to turn to…That’s why I am so independent and not trusting. ~ Tia

I just can't trust nobody. I can't love nobody because I feel like they are gonna let me down. This painting shows how afraid of people I am. No matter how I try to hide, they are always there. ~ Diana

The person I admire the most is my mom because through everything I put her through, she still stands by my side and never leaves me when I need somebody the most. This thing I hope to learn from her is the courage and patience it takes to raise my child when I have one. ~ Alexandria

The first painting workshop of the school year is starting next week and we could use some volunteers to help staff it!

The class will take place at the historic Bay View Opera House www.bvoh.org at 4705 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94124.

Starting on Tuesday, September 7^th from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, we will embark on a journey with our students into the realms of unbridled creativity.

Volunteers work with a skilled facilitator to help foster imagination and manage logistics of the class.

Skills needed:

* Nonjudgmental approach to art

* Curiosity about creative process

* Interest in the well being of youth

~NO art experience necessary!

~Must be available for 8 weeks of class

Duties include:

* Setting up for class

* Talking to painters about their work

* Providing materials for students during workshops

* Cleaning up after class.

Interested? Want more information? Send an email to naomi (@) paintbrushfire.org

We look forward to hearing from you!