I never thought that I would enjoy inhaling oil paints, climbing ladders, and getting bumps and bruises; however, my recent trip to Marrakech proved that I could.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege to be invited on a service trip to Marrakech organized by my good friend and creative force Maggie O'Neill, co-founder of creative design firm Swatchroom. As small business owners, Maggie and her partner Warren Weixler have made local and international service a priority for Swatchroom. One of the beneficiaries of their service is Project SOAR, a young non-profit organization based in Douar Ladaam, a community 20 minutes outside downtown Marrakech. Project SOAR's mission is to provide extracurricular arts, health, and sports education to the young girls in this small community.
Maggie first traveled to Douar Ladaam a few years ago on a project for boutique hotel Peacock Pavilions. Peacock Pavilions was the vision of Maryam Montague and Chris Redecke, two individuals who also had visions of making a positive impact on the community right outside of their hotel walls. Maryam and Chris created Project SOAR, and Maggie was asked to join their Board. As a Board Member, Maggie organized creative service trips to Douar Ladaam, and this year I was lucky enough to participate in one.
The primary purpose of our service trip was to get our hands dirty painting, staining, and decorating facilities used by Project SOAR girls. Our Swatchroom Service team spent a week painting a new mural on a wall next to a basketball court the girls use to play, ombréing, staining, and stenciling the tent walls for their yoga tent, and painting the brand new Project SOAR headquarters building.
We were also fortunate to participate in a Project SOAR Sunday where once a week, 40-50 young girls ranging in age from 4-14 participate in extracurricular programming. Programs range from yoga and basketball to lectures on health and hygiene. Our Project SOAR Sunday was centered on the arts. The young girls helped put the finishing touches on our wall mural and yoga tent walls.
It was incredibly heartwarming watching these young girls light up as they picked up paint brushes. We may not have been able to communicate linguistically, but we were able to connect through art. It was also incredibly satisfying completing and accomplishing our projects with friends. It is a service experience I will never forget and a fantastic way to begin the new year.
I must give a shoutout to my fellow 2015 Swatchroom Service teammates Shannon Case, Zoe Feldman, Dominique Fierro, Paige Speyer, and of course, our fearless leader, Maggie O'Neill. Check out these amazing women:
Zoe Feldman: Zoe Feldman Design
Dominque Fierro: Dominique Fierro Photo and Design
Maggie O'Neill: Swatchroom & Maggie O'Neill Fine Art
Paige Speyer: Wink
