Prints with Purpose

Painting of Isabella by Juan Carlos Morales Agudelo

Back in 2014, I accepted a volunteer position in Colombia as a photographer at the non-profit organization Fundación Montecito. Every day, my job was to catch the local bus and capture the quiet, undisturbed towns with my camera that make up the region of Sugamuxi. The goal of this project was to create a portfolio of photographs to help promote responsible tourism - which in turn will help fund conservation efforts for the region. 

One day, I wandered down a cobbled street of one of these pueblos. There I found a woman and her 10 year old daughter smiling at me. When I asked if I could take their photograph, they obliged. The mother Olga waved me to follow them to their finca on the side of the mountain. In their adobe farmhouse, Olga made us all lunch on an old, wood-burning stove. She introduced me to all the animals they care for - some fifty sheep, four dogs, a dozen chickens, few cows, and a donkey named Cleopatra, who would barge through the door for a share in our meal. I met her 6 year old son later that afternoon when he returned from school. When it was time for me to go, I promised to return later that week to give a copy of a photograph I took of them. And thus began my friendship with Olga, Isabella, and Benjamin.

The Pandemic

Over the years, we have kept in touch. In 2017, I returned to visit and stay with them for a week. I was quickly adopted into the family, and the children have called me their ‘hermano’ ever since. In March 2020, I was prepared to spend an entire month with them. But as the pandemic spread throughout Colombia, the government announced an emergency shutdown of all public transportation. By noon the following morning, there would be no buses until further notice. I remember their faces when I said I couldn’t stay anymore. My brother and sister begged me not to go. But with teary eyes, I waved from the window of the last remaining buses heading home. I was heartbroken. When Isabella turned 16 in 2020, I wished her ‘happy birthday’ from 3,000 miles away. It eventually dawned on me how much they have grown since the day we met. And I wanted my next visit to be special. I know I will never be able to give to them as much as they have already given me. But with this campaign, every print purchased helped provide a college fund for my Colombian sister and brother - Isabella and Benjamin.

Thank You (2022 Update)

Back in October 2020, I announced my Prints with Purpose campaign, where every print helped create a small fund for my brother and sister - Benjamin and Isabella. Because of you, I was able to raise $1,500 for a Colombian family I adore and make a small difference in their lives. And earlier this year, I was able to give it to them in person. As this Prints with Purpose campaign comes to a close, I want to thank all of you who contributed and express how incredibly grateful I am for your generosity.