Local artist to collaborate with Israeli and Palestinian artists

Is it possible for a group of artists to inspire peace in a region torn apart by war and conflict for nearly a century? Perhaps. In July, a team of North American, Israeli and Palestinian artists will meet to collaborate on art projects and discuss how art might play a role in peace and reconciliation.

Local artist Georgia Taylor has been chosen to travel to Israel with more than a dozen other artists, writers and musicians from North America. This artist residency trip is a part of a project called Hope Equals Art and is sponsored by Christian Reformed World Missions. It won’t be a typical mission trip, however, as participants will share art and ideas instead of religion.

Taylor is the founder of Salon 477, a Grand Rapids-based art movement that supports, mentors and provides opportunities to artists. Her own art is somewhat eclectic and includes portrait drawings, photography, paintings and graphic design. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Kendall College of Art and Design and later interned with renowned artist Paul Collins. Taylor currently teaches graphic design at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT).

As a first-time passport owner, Taylor admits traveling to Israel is a bit scary. She’s curious how she’ll be perceived as a woman and what it will be like to be surrounded by a constant military presence. The expected cultural differences intrigue and frighten her at the same time.

“You think you’ll respond a certain way, but you don’t know until you get there,” says Taylor.

During the two-week trip in July, Taylor and the other artists will attend workshops, lectures and many of the historical Jewish, Christian and Muslim tourist sites. Artists will work together on art projects, integrating their respective cultures into the final pieces.

Taylor expects the collaborations with the Israeli and Palestinian artists will influence her artwork in some way. She also believes the experience will be invaluable to her as a teacher and she’s eager to help her students at WMCAT “understand that there is so much more than what’s in Grand Rapids.”  

The Hope Equals Art residency trip is not free and Taylor estimates she’ll need approximately $4,000 for airfare, ground transportation, hotel, meals, admission fees and other expenses. To raise money, she’s contacted friends, relatives and business acquaintances and also set up a fundraising campaign online. Those who donate will be invited to a viewing of Taylor’s new artwork this fall and, for $25 or more, will also get an 8”x10” print after her trip.

When asked why people should support her, Taylor responds by saying it’s a way to support a local artist and nurture the creative community. She plans on bringing what she’s learned back to Grand Rapids and making the arts community richer here.

“I’m not going anywhere; I’m true to G.R.,” Taylor adds.

If you believe in supporting peace and your local arts community, here’s how you can help Georgia Taylor:

-    Learn more about her and Salon 477.
-    Like Salon 477 on Facebook.
-    Learn more about the Hope Equals Art project.
-    Donate any amount on Indiegogo.
-    For larger, tax-deductible donations made through Christian Reformed World Missions, contact Georgia Taylor at (616) 710-1428.

Source: Georgia Taylor, Artist
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor

Photos by Jonathan Timothy Stoner