Geremias, my host and “celebrity” promoter in southern Brasil, contacted me about a year ago to see if I was interested in possibly coming to Brasil to paint murals. Anyone who really knows me would already know the answer before the email was finished. I replied, “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” If I had had any clue as to the kind of welcome I’d get in Brasil, I would have doubled the number of times I said "Yes!"
The JAA A Gincana jamboree, that I wrote about earlier, is celebrated every six months. During the last occasion, in June, Geremias began the talk that brought me to South America. And, several unique plans, marketed in many ways, worked together to bring this unknown gringo artist into their midst.
I seriously wish I would have known about the people in Mambore before leaving the country. This was the location of the radio station where I had my very long – and oh, so fun -- live interview. I should have given the JAA kids a shout-out. I am now. These kids had the very clever idea to rent out the local cinema one night a week. They showed a film and sold soft drinks. And, they did this every week for six months to help raise money for my murals. The team even had T-shirts with # Phillip Martin on the back. Certainly, that is a first for me. I’m so glad that at least one member of that group participated in the first mural. Mari, Emelin, Dionei and the rest of your crew, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The Midnight Partiers in Marumbi, where I sprained my ankle playing Twister for the last time ever, sold cheese bread to raise money. And, my friends, I wish I had known before or after the sprain to thank you. You know I really want to repay you on my next visit with a mural. Just no Twister, please.
My interpreter, Alisson, and his girlfriend, Viviane, worked equally hard to raise money. They sold drinking cups and key chains with the A Gincana logo. In addition to that, Viviane made desserts that looked like they came from a chocolate boutique. The one I had was a waffle cone stuffed full of Nutella and then dipped in chocolate. Can you ever seriously have too much chocolate? If there is any doubt in your mind, let me assure you now that the answer is no. And, there is no doubt that my experience in your country would not have been the same without your support, friendship and English. Obrigado.
A large portion of funds came from the really nice sweatshirts with the A Gincana logo that Geremias and Dalillah sold. If I had known about that, I would have bought one to help towards the next project. However, there honestly wasn’t room in my suitcase for it. But, next time I’ll have room. And, there really needs to be a next time, sooner rather than later. If I tried to tell you how much I appreciate all you did for me, there would be three people crying. You know what you mean to me.
I’ve always said that the best thing about my murals is the community spirit that is a major part of the project. I truly believe it. However, this is the first time that I remember when such a community spirit kicked into gear before I set foot on the mural location. I cannot stress enough the family feeling that is ever present with this JAA community. And now, gratefully, I am part of the family.