GET HIGH ON ART, SAY NO TO DRUGS
Mission of the Artist is not only a fiction/fantasy novel but contains truth about one of the most damaging elements in society, being the destruction of drugs. Although drugs have falsely been claimed to help one’s creativity, this is a lie perpetrated by psychiatry, as they actually do far more harm than good. More info at: Citizens Commission on Human Rights, CCHR - Nonprofit Mental Health Watchdog)
Barbara decided to take this project right out of her book, and bring it into the real world. GHOA stresses channeling one’s energies into creative pursuits and dreams, and exposing the truth about drugs.
Artists for a Better World has put this project into action through their various activities where they set up tables with paper and colored pens where kids and teens do drawings that depict the message on a poster that states: “What is your vision of a better world where creation is encouraged and drugs are discouraged?”
As drugs are a huge problem with people of all ages, and kids are often introduced to them early on, it is important that their deadly effects are known about. Therefore, they also give out booklets from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World – a top drug education program which has caused a decline in drug use in areas they reach. Information About Illegal Drugs & Alcohol Abuse - Drug-Free World (drugfreeworld.org)
In 2013 GHOA was the theme for the Visual Art Competition at an annual Art Day event – a holiday celebrating the importance of the artist. Artists submitted works that communicated the message of the project.
One attendee stated: “Art is better than drugs; drugs tear you down; art puts back life into the world.”
The following is feedback from a couple of the winners:
“I really enjoy the relaxing and calming effect that art gives the body and the mind. I've worked with children for over 20 years and still enjoy helping creative minds become more creative! I would hope that those who are fighting the good fight to keep our world drug free will also seek to share how things in nature, that aren’t detrimental to the body, are so much better!” Sonia Weatherall
“I love singing, drawing and dancing. I would choose art that communicates why creation is good and drugs are bad because it puts your attention on creating art and making it clear that it’s not right to do drugs! And ‘why one should create art instead of do drugs.’ This is because it helps to bring you to the present, and in a great way,” Kristin Dungan.
Glendale Open Arts and Music Festival - 14 Sept 2019
Artists for a Better World had a double booth at the Glendale Open Arts and Music Festival with 10,000 attendees, and it was a big success! Members of the group had beautiful art that adorned the booth. The Get High on Art Say no to Drugs table was a big hit and dozens of kids and parents were drawn to a sign which asked: “What is your vision of a better world where creation is encouraged and drugs are discouraged?” The kids were asked if they would like to draw something that fit this message and they lit up. Some of them had first hand experience of the dangers of drugs and knew the importance of getting the truth out. Two hundred and fifty Drug Free World Booklets and hand-outs about drugs were given to their parents who were interested in the information.
GHOA goes to The Gambia
Drugs have been devastating the lives and livelihoods of those in communities in poor African countries including the Gambia.
AFABW founder Barbara Cordova answered the call for help last year by Fabakary Sanneh, a top educator in The Gambia. She helped him implement the Get High on Art Say No to Drugs program and also got him connected to Drug Free World so he could get materials to educate his young students. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/
After a successful pilot of the program last year, she took it a step further by donating funds for a generator to reach areas without power so more schools and communities could benefit. This has helped the campaign to reach many more youth on a regular basis.
The children are saying no to drugs and telling their peers not use them, especially at a young age. Their parents are also very thankful and support this movement.
Kids have not only been doing drawings to show their vision of a better world where creation is encouraged and drugs are discouraged but also getting educated on the harm of drugs through educational booklets.