For the very first time, I am excited about the New Year!

I have been inspired by the organization called Faces of Mankind (www.facesofmankind.org) for a few years now. I wanted to join them… my goal was to open a chapter in New York City… but I never got a response from them.

A few weeks ago, I went out on my own visiting the homeless individuals and encampments in the East Village asking these people to be part of MY OWN “Faces of the East Village”.

To my surprise and delight, every one I interviewed agreed to let me photograph and paint their portraits. The subjects will be the recepients of the proceeds from the sales of the paintings.

It will take awhile, as I am alone in this…and I will have to beome a legal Not-For-Profit.

However, I am undaunted, and have begun my first painting…Eduardo.

It has been quite humbling to hear people’s stories about how they got where they are.

I hope you will check out Faces of Mankind…it is quite remarkable.

I am including photos of some of the people I met on the streets.

FACES OF THE EAST VILLAGE, Eduardo