1231651_10151590350646384_801348339_nThere is such complexity, vulnerability, and sometimes obscurity in being an artist, but I’ve learned the most crucial of life lessons from artists only. As they put their insides on display for the world, they manage to set themselves apart and show talent that is so raw and rare. At 24, Gustavo Garcia is already a real architect of change. This born and raised Texan has a BA in Art and a minor in Nonprofit Management. He currently works for a youth arts organization called SAY Sí as their Development Associate.

He first got involved with Invisible Children in 2007 and was given the opportunity to work as a Roadie for us during the fall of 2012 (Shout-out to Team Texas).

Gustavo says, “I personally believe that it’s my responsibility to educate others or let others know about extreme injustices in the world around us, but it’s not enough to just inform them.” Wholeheartedly believing just that, he dove into our #zeroLRA campaign face first and decided to contribute the way he knew best…his art.

Gustavo gets his artistic motivation and inspiration from issues of social injustice, particularly Josephy Kony and the LRA. He says, “My work currently depicts images inspired by the LRA conflict. Everything from the stories I’ve heard, the articles I’ve read, and the face to face experiences I’ve had inspire me and the work I do.”

Child Soldier piece by Gustavo

Child Soldier piece by Gustavo

Gustavo teamed up with Lady Base Gallery and held an art exhibit to provide viewers with information about the LRA conflict and inspire them to take action. 100% of donations received at the exhibit opening and a percentage of each piece sold would go towards funding Invisible Children’s protection and recovery programs.

Art Exhibit Opening Flyer

Art Exhibit Opening Flyer

Gustavo says, “I raised $200 in those two and half hours, which is incredible. It was really great to have family, friends, fellow artists, and people from the community come up to me at the opening and tell me about how they were inspired by what I’m doing and were glad to offer their support.”

He continues, “I’m hoping to use my art to create a positive impact in my community. I hope to inspire them and give them opportunities to be able to create their own positive change – whether it is in a big or small way, and whether it is in their local community or the global community.”

Child Soldier (Black)

Gustavo began the campaign by creating a Facebook event called “100 for #zeroLRA” which was intended to inspire 100 people from his Facebook to donate $10  each, resulting in him reaching his fundraising goal of $1,000. He says “The support online has been wonderful!” He has also been selling our Ugandan reed bracelets and donating $25 from his own paychecks to reach his goal as well.

Gustavo is doing it right- Follow his example and use your talent and passion to help put an end to the LRA. To begin, set up a fundraising page today.

How else can you help? Get Gustavo to his goal of $1,000 by donating to his fundraising page. You may even receive a special something created by him at the end of the campaign . Remember, he is an artist!