Concentration... (Click to enlarge photo - 59KB)

The ball started rolling, gathering momentum. Miki studied art in Chicago - so it was pretty easy to communicate.

For the gallery it was easy as they knew exactly what to do. The gallery brought in an 'agent' who photographed samples of my work, decided a suitable target group and sourced students, 20 in fact (all from a local hairdressing salon chain). There were many more who were interested, but there just wasn't enough space.

The gallery also provided materials, easels and remuneration. Before the course had finished, they had already arranged for a selection of the drawings and paintings to be exhibited in the youth oriented "X Gallery" in the bustling shopping area of Kosei-cho. The Okazaki arts mafia is close knit....

Soon I was teaching through demonstrations, mime, English and Japanese. It wasn't long before eager pencils and wet paint created music to my ears.

So what can you do? Think about your skills, spread the word and go for it!

You may find interest where you least expect it.