“In general my research revealed the vital importance in the link between the cultural practices of indigenous artisan weavers and wood carvers [whose] work expresses the wonders of nature and the natural world to those actively working to preserve it. Clean waters, flora, fauna and marine life will be represented and pictured in my work...Read More

“In general my research revealed the vital importance in the link between the cultural practices of indigenous artisan weavers and wood carvers [whose] work expresses the wonders of nature and the natural world to those actively working to preserve it. Clean waters, flora, fauna and marine life will be represented and pictured in my work...Read More

In September of 2016, artist Courtney Leonard traveled to Switzerland, to conduct a two day exchange program in coordination with the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, where Ambassador Keith M. Harper was serving as the United States Permanent Representative to the United...Read More

“As a full time working faculty member at Denison University and a full time gallery artist…the hours I have in a week to myself are extremely limited. I feel like the days spent in Prague and Pilsen were worth the time spent away from my daily schedule. To see and understand the Czech artists and...Read More

In March of 2016, artist Catherine Opie and Philip Taaffe traveled to Madrid to speak to and engage with Spanish art students and art professionals about their work, and their artistic connection to Spain.Read More

In March of 2016, artist Catherine Opie and Philip Taaffe traveled to Madrid to speak to and engage with Spanish art students and art professionals about their work, and their artistic connection to Spain.Read More

“Facts, pedagogy, mythologies, policies can be readily found and shared over the internet, but the unexpected occurs when people come face to face. I went to Riga with much curiosity. I left Riga wanting to return and further engage with people there.”Read More

"In May of 2016 I was lucky to find myself in Paramaribo, Suriname, following an invitation by the U.S. State Department, to come - see - meet – learn and explore. The sheer vastness of the Suriname Rain Forest with its thousands of tree and plant species including important medicinal herbs and plants, 674 species...Read More

“I found it fascinating to see up close how positive the role of the American Embassy can be and found that it was all I could have hoped for.”Read More

“First of all it was an honor to be asked by the U.S. Ambassador to have one of my sculptures. I am truly appreciative of that. Second it has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons for making positive contributions and interaction with other artists around the planet. The more we exchange ideas, the closer...Read More

“The first step in understanding a diverse culture is taken through language. When we meet people from other cultures their new language is like music. We may not understand the meaning but we can hear the rhythm of speech. Rather than focus on our lack of understanding we should revel in the rhythmic poetry of...Read More

Today I went to meet the curators of the zoological collection at Anton de Kom University. Great visit with yet another set of absolutely delightful, charming and kind people. And generous with their time to allow me to take photos of bugs and spiders and butterflies, when I know they have much else that needs...Read More

“Seeding friendships and future opportunities to share my work and collaborate on exhibitions and talks in the future. The overall experience affirmed my purpose as an artist.”Read More

“As an artist who has contributed to the Art in Embassies program for over 40 years, I felt honored to be asked to participate in the artist exchange and I felt a responsibility to represent my country as an artist citizen. Art is universal with a language that can be understood and appreciated no matter...Read More

"Presenting my work in another culture put to the test the assumptions and expectations of my efforts. Overall, the experience allowed me to gain insights into various aspects of my work. Also, I think I was able to hone in on what actually is the initial appeal of using smoke. Professionally speaking, the experience has...Read More