A Conspiracy of Hope

It was supposed to be a normal event – display inmate art, talk to folks, and hope it doesn’t get too hot. Hermiston (OR) isn’t a big place, and our expectations might have been a bit short, but we should have known God loves to create stories in very creative ways.

We set up in a short side street that had been blocked off for the various vendors. Mind you, this was a very short side street and a total of seven booths were being set up with room to spare. There must be more peddlers. Nope. Well, this can’t provide a large audience, and the day might be a long one. We settled in, chasing the shade as the hours passed. Patience is when you could get hurried, but you choose to remember who you are doing this for. 

About three hours into the day a couple came by. They glanced at our display, hesitated, but came closer as a piece caught their eye. As folks linger just a bit, it provides an invitation to give the 30 second elevator speech about the whole project. This usually slows people down to look closer and ask more questions. This was the case as a significant amount of time was spent answering questions and telling stories of AIC (Adults In Custody) artists and Ugandan orphans.

One small piece was chosen at a price of about $45. Just before payment there was a suggestion that the price should be negotiated. Well, we have been known to do such things, as the purpose of the art is to generate any funds for the kids of Otino Waa Children’s Village, not hold out for maximum price. The gentleman said, “This is not the price I would like to pay. Would you accept $250? That is a quick way to produce great joy. Of course we will!

This contributed to the overall success of the day and after five hours we packed up and headed home. Similar events lasting two days have generated much less with much more work. (At an event last year there was a re-enactment of the flood of biblical proportions.)

About two days later, we received an email from the same folks and were blown away by the creativity and expressions of gratitude from them. Here’s what was written.

I’m so glad we met on Saturday at the fair in Hermiston. Your work and the connections that are made are quite moving. I hope to stay in touch.    L. Morris

A Conspiracy Of Hope

It was a small art fair

in a town we weren’t familiar with.

We weren’t looking for art.

We were looking for coffee.

However, the white canopies

and our curiosity

for local artists

drew us in.

I asked a simple question

to a man at an exhibit

“What is the medium for that painting?

The color is beautiful!”

“The artist of that painting

makes his own paint,

by taking left over colored pencil lead, grinding it up and adding oil.”

It turns out the artist is in custody,

as are all the artists

of the work display that day.

Also,

years ago

the artists began supporting

an orphanage in Uganda,

when the idea came,

to sell their art

to support the children

in the orphanage.

Those in custody are helped,

the children are helped

and the buyers of art

are a part of an international

conspiracy of hope.

We were looking coffee

and found a story of hope,

alive and amazing,

better than caffeine.

FYI – In case you were not aware, since the beginning of the relationships of the AIC and Uganda orphans, the efforts of the AIC, with sponsorships and art, have contributed over $203,000 to Otino Waa!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,

as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

– 1 Peter 4:10