Big Picture Foundation History In the summer of 2015, I was puzzled by the lack of global response to the Syrian crisis that had quickly gained attention in the news.  As the new school year began, I asked my middle school art students if they were interested in working on art projects that could help child refugees of war.  All the students passionately engaged in efforts to make a small difference in the lives of kids in refugee camps. First, the students gathered unused and unwanted art supplies from under beds, in attic and basement storage bins, and buried in desk drawers to send to the Za’atari Refugee Camp, in Jordan.  Then, the kids created over 140 hand-made sketchbooks and they used online translation programs to write text in hand-made cards. After we sent the care package to Za’atari, the kids made art to sell at a show at the local Rye Arts Center.  They also each raised $20, to have their art professionally printed on blank gifts cards.  Packs of cards were sold at the show.  From that effort, the kids sent $3000 to the Blossom Hill Foundation’s programs for kids in conflict zones. Finally, last summer, in collaboration with the museum staff, with the Church World Service refugee resettlement staff, with the United Nations Association and supported by many businesses and generous individuals, I organized a trip for 24 recently resettled refugee children to the Metropolitan Museum. I love working with kids who are empowered to use art to affect their world.  Their curiosity, their contagious passion, and their positive energy contribute to the world we should all aspire to share. Please click here for articles and videos about referenced events from the last year. Kids all over the world are invited to join Big Picture Foundation efforts, individually or with a group.   Kim Tamalonis