Directed by Glenn Holsten & Daniel Traub and screened

A visually stunning and deeply emotional film, THE BAREFOOT ARTIST chronicles the long and colorful life of Lily Yeh, a Philadelphia-based artist who has committed herself to creating community-based art projects in some of the world’s most troubled areas. Beginning with an unprecedented sculpture garden in the projects of North Philly that, eighteen years later, became known as “The Village of Arts and Humanities,” the film also shows Yeh in action in various far-flung locations such as Kenya and Rwanda, where she teaches survivors of war and calamity to make murals and build sculptures drawn from their own experience. Working with Yeh on these projects, they are able to regain hope, a sense of purpose, and a belief that life can be about creation as well as destruction.

Lily Yeh is a global artist who is fueled by a belief that art is a human right, and that artists can create a foundation for profound social change. Slight of frame, but large in spirit and vision, the 70-year-old artist was born in China, lives in Philadelphia, and now, as constant traveler, the world is her canvas.

WHAT IF…

In collaboration with the Rosamond Gifford Foundation, ArtRage Gallery screens films depicting community efforts to improve their communities and the world. The 2015 spring series of three films runs March thru May. Films are selected by community members and are shown twice monthly on different days and locations. Each screening is followed by a facilitated discussion. All films are free to the public. No reservation is required.

The spring series has ArtRage partnering with a variety of  local community organizations. The Barefoot Artist partner is Community Folk Art Center.