Paraguayan Art in Newton!

The art exhitition, “Images of Paraguay”  is currently running in Newton at the  Kauffman Museum in North Newton, Kansas, along with the Carriage Factory Gallery in Newton.  Both galleries  will jointly host a special exhibition of art from Paraguay from

February 27 through May 23, 2010.

“Images of Paraguay” explores the diversity of Paraguay’s people and the depth and challenges of the country’s history. Contemporary works, many of which feature images of political protest and social justice, will be on display at the Carriage Factory Gallery in downtown Newton.

The  Kauffman Museum, on the Bethel College campus, will focus on ethnographic and folk art ranging from Ayoreo feather body ornaments to fine lacework introduced during the colonial period. Pieces in the show are drawn from private and public collections in Kansas.

The Newton exhibition of “Images of Paraguay” follows the highly successful 2008 exhibition of Paraguayan art shown at the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University in Topeka. Dr. Reinhild Kauenhoven Janzen, Washburn professor of art history, organized the Mulvane project for the 40th anniversary of Kansas- Paraguay Partners.

KPP members are cordially invited to attend two special events. The grand opening celebration will be held at the Carriage Factory Gallery, 128 E. 6th Street, Newton, on February 27 (time to be announced). At 3:30 pm on March 14,

Dr. Janzen (pictured below)   gave an illustrated lecture on the arts of Paraguay at Kauffman Museum’s Sunday- Afternoon-at-the-Museum series (27th and North Main, North Newton).

Other programs are being planned. The joint exhibition is supported by grants from KPP and the Kansas Arts Commission.

For more information visit the museum’s website.

Contact Rachel Pannabecker at Kauffman Museum (316-283-1612), rpannabe@bethelks.edu).

Emergency Preparedness FAQ

       Nearly all fire protection and emergency services in Paraguay are organized

through volunteer organizations. Local volunteer fire companies are linked by

the National Corps of Voluteer Firefighters of Paraguay (CBVP).

      CBVP coordinates communication, training and resources. About 150 volunteer

companies scattered over an area the size of Kansas and Nebraska serve a

population of 6.5 million. These volunteers are extraordinarily dedicated and

effective in spite of resources that are extremely sparse by USA standards.

Paraguayan firefighters have observed and consulted with counterparts in

Kansas communities. Plans are pending for Kansas firefighters to travel to

Paraguay. Topics have been identified for research in Paraguay that may yield

significant benefit to Kansas counterparts.

     Some resources have been shipped to Paraguay. Plans are pending to collect

and ship significant quantities of surplus equipment. The Paraguayan National

Corps of Volunteer Firefighters will arrange for shipment of filled containers of

equipment.

 

Significant needs for the next stage of the project include:

• Assistance to cultivate and solicit donations of equipment.

• Technical assistance for proper cleaning, packing and perhaps limited repair

of donated equipment.

• Identification and support of appropriate Kansas firefighters to travel to

Paraguay for short and intermediate term cultural exchange.

 

Ways to Become Involved

 

KPP Emergency Preparedness Project Needs

Volunteer Involvement

KPP Emergency Preparedness Committee needs more volunteers to develop

this project. Connections and expertise with emergency services are welcome!

Equipment Needs

There is an acute need for “almost any type” of usable equipment and supplies.

In addition to firefighting and personal protective gear, there is a wish list for EMS

related items. Ultimately, vehicles in serviceable condition are also sought.

KPP seeks donations through appropriate surplus channels and priorities that will

be usable in the Paraguay context. Simple, low-tech, and sustainable solutions

are highly desirable.

To see the complete FAQ document for this Emergency Preparedness project,

please download the two-page summary of specific volunteer and equipment needs:

 

Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet

 

Kansas Paraguay Partners welcomes opportunities to develop appropriate

collaboration with Kansas fire, EMS and emergency response agencies.

 

To offer donations or inquire about involvement or details,

please contact Steve or Lorraine Richards

at slrichards@cox.net or 316-284-2042.