Important Notes

LETTER TO ALL START HERE SUPPORTERS, sent through the START HERE Facebook Group:


Hi everyone!

First of all, it's finally November 26 and we're closing the submission time for START HERE artworks. BUT if you still want to contribute, don't hesitate to send your piece to starthere.rebuild@gmail.com. We'll figure out a system for it and will announce it as soon as possible. We understand that everyone's busy and artworks take time to make.

Also, I've got a bit of bad news to share. We have decided to forego working with WE Philippines because we've been having trouble getting responses from them. Elbert and I really want to be able to donate the money we raised as soon as possible, hopefully before the year ends. However, we still believe in what they do and admire them for the great effort that they put into trying to change poverty and provide more educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

So, with that said, if you guys know of any organization that's continually working to help the Ondoy survivors, please send us a message with the name of the organization and contact details so we can reach them.

We're currently looking into PCF (The Philippine Christian Foundation). They are working to improve the quality of life in poor communities through education, nutrition, health, medical and family enhancement programs. But we're really open to any suggestion, preferably those who are really focused on Ondoy survivors and rehabilitation.

Another thing, we already have Php13,400.00 that we can donate and we're hoping to raise more. Thank you to Comics Every Thursday for sharing a portion of their proceeds during the Mangaholix last week to START HERE. We will be releasing a complete list of benefactors soon, just to thank them for all their support.

Finally, to those who have submitted artworks this past week, we've received them but we're sorry that we haven't had the time to post them yet. Work and school have been really hectic but we'll make sure to post them. Thank you so much for submitting. [Arvin de Leon, Marjorie Limbonhai, Hazel Lynne Tan, Jerusha Ong, Emereauldine Eliseo, Pauline Garcia, Kristy Anne Ligones, Jejomar Limbo, Jackie de Luna, Moe Twain]


- Lorra

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Apologies

To those who have submitted new artworks to the START HERE e-mail account, we have received your submissions but have been unable to upload them these past 2 weeks because of how hectic school/work has been. Rest assured that we will respond to your e-mails as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding.

Again, last day (as of now) for submissions is tomorrow, November 26.

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Deadline Reminder

November 26 marks the 2-month mark since Typhoon Ondoy ravaged the country.

It also marks the deadline for submissions of hopeful artworks for this online exhibit. Hurry and send in your masterpieces!

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START HERE Sketch-a-thon is featured in the Philippine Online Chronicles

Fidelis Tan writes about the Sketch-a-thon. Read statements from artists who attended and see some of the photos taken during the event.

Click here to read the entire article.

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Sketch-a-thon Artworks Up!

Hi everyone!

We're so happy to finally have uploaded the artworks made and photos taken during the Sketch-a-thon last Sunday. Please head on to the START HERE Multiply site to view them.

I'm trying to figure out how to make sure that the artworks aren't copied and posted elsewhere so if anyone knows, please leave a message.

Thank you and enjoy,
Lorra

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Recover by Rochell Bonamy

Artist: Rochell Bonamy
Title: Recover
Description: A man seen salvaging whatever he can. This was taken the day after the great flood. (Philcoa, Q.C.)

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Heal by Adeline Bendicion

Artist: Adeline Bendicion
Title: Heal
Description: "...I will be still and know You are God."

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Let's Help Together by Honey Den Marquez

Artist: Honey Den Q. Marquez
Title: Let's Help Together
Description: This piece represents that the bayanihan spirit lives on. Mapabata o matanda, kahit sino ka man, puwede kang tumulong sa lahat.

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START HERE Sketch-a-thon

We can't express our gratitude enough to those who attended, drew and donated during the START HERE Sketch-a-thon. We filled up the entire Forum area of Fully Booked Boni High Street with artists, art enthusiasts, children, parents and wonderful individuals. We made new friends and collaborated with old ones.

It was great! And it was a big plus that we raised some money as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We'll be posting a link to the photos taken during the event and the artworks soon.

love love,
Lorra and Elbert

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START HERE on the Philippine Online Chronicles

START HERE has been featured in the Philippine Online Chronicles through an article written by Fidelis Tan. Some of the artworks found in this online exhibit has been included in the article.

To read about it, head on to START HERE uses art to help Ondoy victims.

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Rain bath by Kristina Joy Panogot

Artist: Kristina Joy P. Panogot
Title: Rain Bath
Description: Taken from our third-floor balcony during Ondoy. I was only going to take a photo of the rising water, then I realized that I had inadvertently captured something else in the frame... our neighbor across the alley had put a bench in the flooded alley, stood on that, and was taking a bath from the pump.

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Optimism by Dale Liwanag

Artist: Dale E. Liwanag
Title: Optimism
Description: Though disasters strike Filipinos countless times, we still make the best of whatever situation we are in.

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Helping Hand by Dale Liwanag

Artist: Dale E. Liwanag
Title: Helping Hand
Description: In times of great devastation, all that we really need is a helping hand to recover and to rebuild once more.

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SMILE features START HERE

The November issue of SMILE, the Cebu Pacific Inflight Magazine, is already out and START HERE is featured as one of the ways people can help the Ondoy survivors.

Hooray! *confetti throw*

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Rainbow after a Storm by Celine Sugay

Artist: Celine Oposa Sugay
Title: Rainbow After A Storm
Description: Although a cliche, rainbows have always been a symbol of hope. Rainbows can be seen even during a storm. The sight of a rainbow has never failed to make people smile or to even amaze them, no matter how young or old a person is or how many rainbows they have seen in their life time.

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Professional artists agree to do commission work for donations during the START HERE Sketch-a-thon

Here's a list of the professional artists (official invitation includes comics artists, children's books illustrators, traditional medium artists and graphic design artists) who've confirmed their participation in the commissions for donations part of the START HERE Sketch-a-thon.

I will be adding to the list as soon as the others confirm.

If you want a sketch from any of the artists listed here, join the Sketch-a-thon on November 15 at Fully Booked Boni High Street. See you there!

Note: Click on the list (photo) to view in a larger format.

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Lorra and Elbert ask...

ARE YOU READY TO ATTEND THE SKETCH-A-THON?

WE ARE SO EXCITED FOR IT!

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God Amidst the Storm by Marge Magtoto

Artist: Marge Magtoto
Title: God Amidst the Storm
Description: Whatever the storms that we encounter in our lives, let us always remember that God is in control, and that He will never harm us. Let us TRUST IN HIM. I believe that we have learned a lot from this calamity. Let us thank Him for giving us another chance.

(NOTE: The words in this artwork is from the Christian song "Still" by Hillsong. It is a very inspiring song, I recommend that you listen to it.)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

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Bahay by Almira Joy Dalida

Artist: Almira Joy N. Dalida
Title: Bahay
Description: During times of calamity, the Filipino people show their natural values and traits like bayanihan, love for fellowmen, resiliency and hopefulness. That's how Pinoys are.

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Color Me Happy by Mark Jason Alcantara

Artist: Mark Jason A. Alcantara
Title: Color Me Happy
Description: Children will always be the source of hope for a brighter future. Their imaginations are limitless and so are their dreams.

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START HERE Sketch-a-thon

Finally! I can reveal the event that Elbert and I have been planning to generate more artwork to showcase in START HERE's online exhibit.

The START HERE Sketch-a-thon is a free one-day drawing event open to everyone and anyone who wants to share drawings and doodles of hope, creation and rebuilding to inspire the survivors of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

It will be on November 15 (Sunday), at The Forum, 4th Floor, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, from 10am-7pm. Please drop in at the time that's convenient for you!

All drawings made during the event will be scanned and posted here on the blog's online exhibit.

Also, we have invited professional artists who have agreed to taking on commissions. All money gained from that will benefit the survivors.

We hope to see you there!

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Faith Hope Love Be Enough by Hannah Francesca Candano

Artist: Hannah Francesca A. Candano
Title: Faith, Hope, Love. BE ENOUGH.
Description: Sometimes it only takes one good song to make a difference...to keep the faith, to give hope, and to spread some love. No wonder Filipinos love music. :)

"Faith, hope, love. BE ENOUGH."
- Faith, Hope, Love by Starsailor

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Building Blocks by Kate Bingcang

Artist: Karen Kate D. Bingcang
Title: Building Blocks
Description: ...Building the nation step by step, block by block. May we never lose hope and the smiles on our faces.

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Reunited by Lei Canlas

Artist: Lei Canlas
Title: Reunited
Description: Our families will always be the source of our hope.

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Drown One's Sorrows by Lei Canlas

Artist: Lei Canlas
Title: Drown One's Sorrows
Description: One can still find joy, peace of mind and hope amidst life's hardships.

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Water is Life by Michelle Tandoc-Pichereau

Artist: Michelle Tandoc-Pichereau

Title: Water is Life

Description: I dream of the day when there would be water for everyone who needs it. I believe it is possible, achievable even in our lifetime, so long as we work together.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),

It's always our self we find in the sea.

- E.E. Cummings

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Good News

I received a message on Facebook the other day from a contributing writer of SMILE, Cebu Pacific's Inflight Magazine, that she wanted to feature START HERE in their November issue. The article will be talking about the many different ways to help out the survivors of Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng.

This is really good news for us. Hopefully, through that feature article, more people will be informed about our project and will join our cause.

Another piece of news is that Elbert and I are organizing an event for START HERE and we'll be updating everyone about the details as soon as everything's polished and finalized. We're really excited for this and we hope that everyone can join. Invite your friends too!

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Pagkamulat by Kier Arellano

Artist: Kier Marion D. Arellano
Title: Pagkamulat
Description: A child will someday see what this world has to offer, so naturally, like pouring rain.

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In Flight by Teters Enrique

Artist: Teters Enrique
Title: In Flight
Description: Birds don't unlearn how to fly...

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Gǔlóu (Drum Tower) by Domingo Cui

Artist: Domingo Cui
Title: Gǔlóu (Drum Tower)
Description: Bells and drums were musical instruments in ancient China. Later they were used to tell time and became watches for the officials and common people as well. The Bell and Drum towers were the center of time telling during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

Although the Bell and Drum Towers have lost their function of telling time (The function was completely lost in 1924 when the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty was forced to leave the Forbidden City), one can still hear the rings of these ancient timepieces even now.

A few months ago, it was said that a tourist died after a fall from the tower. Due to this terrible incident, the Drum tower had to be shut down. It was then renovated, repainted and embellished. It has become more beautiful than it ever was. But its new facade can never cover the tragic event, hence the conversion into black and white.



Other photos can be found in Flickr.

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Sun Shines After Darkness by Domingo Cui

Artist: Domingo Cui
Title: Sun Shines After Darkness
Description: It was a very cold morning when I took this photo in Shir Du, China. I was walking with my pregnant wife and my son, and they were getting uncomfortable. The sun was not up yet when we went out. But as the sun rays beamed over those gorges, we were silenced and there were smiles on our faces. We were amazed at such a beautiful sight. I hope i can share that smile.



Other photos can be found in Flickr.

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A Little Heart Goes A Long Way by Lorra Elena Angbue-Te

Artist: Lorra Elena Angbue-Te
Title: A Little Heart Goes A Long Way
Description: Even the smallest act of kindness can help make the world a better place, what more if we all do our part to share, smile and inspire.

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Slogans by Tina R. Araneta

Artist: Tina R. Araneta
Title: Slogans
Description: These two designs were inspired by the selflessness and heroism that my fellow Pinoys have displayed after Typhoon Ondoy wreaked havoc. Truly, we are inconquerable.

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What Would You Do by Ray Lucero

Artist: Ray Lucero
Title: What Would You Do
Description: What would you do if you home gets washed away? What would you do if your home was spared?

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From Little Things, Big Things Grow by Alyssa Paras

Artist: Alyssa Paras
Title: From Little Things, Big Things Grow
Description:

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Smile by Danielle Emile Varona Chuatico

Artist: Danielle Emile Varona Chuatico
Title: Smile
Description: A simple representation of the Filipino attitude in this time of crisis. Hopeful, optimistic, and still with a sense of humor. Rain or shine, the Filipino will always smile.

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We Can Do It by Gedrick Roldan

Artist: Gedrick Roldan
Title: We Can Do It
Description: We are facing a tough time but I know we Filipinos can get through this. We can do it! \m/

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You Cannot Break Us by DJ Labrado

Artist: DJ Labrado
Title: You Cannot Break Us
Description: Ondoy, you may have ravaged our seas and land, but we're still here. You cannot break us.

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Liwanag sa Dilim by Stephanie Esguerra

Artist: Stephanie Esguerra
Title: Liwanag sa Dilim
Description: This eternal symbol of hope also brings to life the undying spirit of compassion, generosity, and resilience of the Filipino people.

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People Need The Lord by Kim de Jesus

Artist: Kim de Jesus
Title: People Need The Lord
Description: In times like this, prayer is the most powerful weapon that we have. Keep on praying.

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Hope by Kim de Jesus

Artist: Kim de Jesus
Title: Hope
Description: Such an innocent face reminds me not to give up nor ever lose hope.

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Rescue by Anjello Gabriel Briones Espino

Artist: Anjello Gabriel Briones Espino
Title: Rescue
Description: Soldiers heading to the drop off points to give out the relief goods

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Paper Boat by Elbert Or

Artist: Elbert Or
Title: Paper Boat
Description: I wanted to juxtapose the image of a paper boat with the flood, to hopefully show that amidst the destruction that the typhoon wrought, the resilience, creativity, and hopefulness of humanity shows through.

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Let's Pack Goods by Sheena Kristen Sy

Our first entry. Yey!

Artist: Sheena Kristen Sy
Title: Let's Pack Goods
Description: A scene from one of the many relief operations in the country; a true testimony of the 'bayanihan' spirit. The Filipinos are definitely worth it all.

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Traditional Artwork

To those who wish to submit traditional artwork (paintings, mixed media art, , etc.), you may do so as long as it follows the format.

Please use an 8" x 8" canvas with a 1.5" wood backing. If you're using another kind of surface such as watercolor paper for watercolor paintings, kindly mount your artworks on an 8" x 8" frame that's 1.5" thick. Keep your artworks until a few weeks before the exhibit time because as of now, we don't have a place to store them. We'll be asking you for them before the exhibit takes place. For the blog exhibit, please take a picture of your artwork and submit to our e-mail. That photo (if you want a scanned version) will be representing your artwork in the blog.


TRADITIONAL ART FORMAT:
8" x 8" canvas, with 1.5" wood backing (mount to something similar if using another surface)
follows the theme of hope, creation and rebuilding

PLEASE SUBMIT ALONG WITH:
digital representation of your artwork (photo or scan)
your full name (or names if it's a collaboration)
title of the artwork
a short description of the artwork
contact number
e-mail address

BY:
November 26, 2009

TO:
starthere.rebuild@gmail.com


Can't wait to see your beautiful visions! :)

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Photos of Hope

Hi everyone,

I hope all is well in your part of the metro. Anyway, Elbert and I have decided that it would be a good idea to also accept photographs that fit into the size and theme of our project. This was brought to our attention because we received an e-mail from a 3rd year college Indonesian student in Japan who wanted to join our cause but wants to submit photographs.

If photos are of a different size, you are still free to submit to us and we'll place them up on the blog but we can't promise that they'll be printed and included in the exhibit since we're sticking to the 8" x 8" output size.

aiming to inspire,
Lorra


FORMAT FOR PHOTO SUBMISSIONS:
colored or black and white
8" x 8" (unless not intended for the exhibit)
300 dpi
JPEG or TIFF when sent in
follows the themes of hope, creation and rebuilding

PLEASE SEND IN WITH:
your full name (or names if it's a collaboration)
title of the artwork
a short description of the artwork
contact number
e-mail address

BY:
November 26, 2009

TO:
starthere.rebuild@gmail.com

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Artwork Format

Hi artists!

Here are some guidelines for the submissions. The limitations are simple and few. We really want you to be able to have the freedom to express your thoughts about hope, creation and rebuilding.

Good luck to all!


ARTWORK FORMAT:
8" x 8"
JPEG or TIFF
300 dpi

ALSO INCLUDE:
your full name (or names if it's a collaboration)
title of the artwork
a short description of the artwork
contact number
e-mail address

PLEASE SUBMIT BY:
November 26, 2009

TO:
starthere.rebuild@gmail.com

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The Reasons Behind

You already know why we're doing this but there are some things that haven't been shared yet.

To further inspire you, here are the mini-stories behind START HERE.

ONE : BEHIND THE PROJECT
The project came to be because I was feeling like I wasn't doing a very good job at helping out with the survivors of Typhoon Ondoy. I was mostly helping online by informing and updating, creating awareness through Facebook status messages and blog posting albeit some time donating and volunteering for the Ateneo Task Force Ondoy and Ondoy Relief Collection Aid.

I knew I could do something more and it was going to be through doing what I love doing. I voiced this out to Elbert Or and he said that he was thinking the same thing so we came up with this project. We both love art and believe that it's a powerful tool to communicate, educate and initiate. Brainstorming and planning were done over a 10-minute walk and a 20-minute drive and thus, START HERE was born.

TWO : THE NAME
I'll have to thank Elbert's brilliant brain for this one. It's pretty obvious that we wanted to incorporate "art" in there because that's our avenue of fundraising.

THREE : THE SIZE
8" x 8" makes a square because we believe that in this project, all sides are equal. Everyone is equally capable of sharing something and everything we do is equally important as actually donating or volunteering or being with the survivors themselves.

Plus, 8 symbolizes infinity and we want this project to have a lasting impact on our society and our country's future.

FOUR : THE LOGO


During the brainstorming session, we both agreed that we wanted to incorporate the circle in the logo because we wanted it to symbolize our starting point but you, as the artist, can choose where to go from there. That is also why our circle is hollow because we need your visions to fill it up.

We won't push you towards any direction because art is self-expression, is created because we have something to say. All we ask is that may our artworks inspire hope, creation and rebuilding.

FIVE : THE COLOR
Green, they say, symbolizes fertility and life, self-respect and well-being. Green is also the color of balance. Green conveys learning, growth and harmony and has an ability to sustain changes which is necessary for growth.

Put some green into your life when you want a new state of balance, when there's a need for change or growth and to promote the freedom to pursue new ideas. (SOURCE)

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Inspiration to Action

Dear artists,

If you've got the talent but don't know what to create for START HERE, read on.

Don't think of the tragedy that happened on September 26 2009 in the Philippines because of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). Instead, think of what we can do to help rebuild the communities that were severely affected by the heavy rainfall and flooding.

Think of all the people who have come together to bring hope to the survivors. Let this be our inspiration. Let's also inspire hope and initiative in others by doing what we do best, through art!

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment on this entry or send an e-mail to starthere.rebuild@gmail.com. And don't forget to tell everyone you know!

Thank you,
Lorra

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START HERE, artists can help the survivors of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines

On September 26 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) hit the Philippines, causing a multi-city flood reaching up to two storeys high or around eight meters in the entire Metro Manila area and 25 provinces nearby. Areas most devastated by the 24-hour rainfall brought by the storm are Marikina City, Pasig City and the municipality of Cainta in the province of Rizal.

Four days later, Ondoy is gone from the Philippines’ territory of responsibility but has left 246 people dead, 38 people missing, countless families displaced and sheer indescribable ruin in its wake.

But there is one more thing that Ondoy left with Filipinos that day and it is hope. There has never been a more united effort to help fellow countrymen that this generation has seen than the volunteerism of people from all walks of life and of all ages in the many relief centers set up all over the entire country.

This is what’s happening now but we have to ask ourselves, where do we go from here?

START HERE is a collection of artwork inspired by Typhoon Ondoy relief efforts that aims, in turn, to inspire others to help in rebuilding the Philippines. The hope is that we can eventually set up an exhibit in the future to further help those who were affected by Typhoon Ondoy.

Why art? It is our belief that art is made because we have something to say and this is the perfect time to say something meaningful and in our own special ways. Art moves, not just our hearts but also towards a positive direction that we can choose for ourselves.

Say something. Move with us. Share your art visions of creation and rebuilding.


---


START HERE is open to artists from all over the world who want to help the survivors of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines and inspire the rest of the world through art.

Please keep artworks to 8” x 8”, 300dpi, and save to JPEG or TIFF format. Include your full name, title of the artwork, your short description of the artwork, contact number and e-mail address when you submit to starthere.rebuild@gmail.com.

Submissions will be accepted until November 26, 2009.



Please help spread the word.

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