photos courtesy of Charles Peterson I headed North to Seattle this weekend to attend a pretty unique fundraiser event at the Greenwood Collective. Inspiring, entertaining and educational, the event featured performances by World B Boy champs, the Massive Monkees, and showcased work by legendary Seattle photographers, Charles Peterson and Stuart Isett. Stuart has been documenting the Tiny Toones movement since their infancy, and his imagery truly celebrates the strength, hope and vibrant spirit of an incredible group of Cambodian children. Check out some of his photography here.
Tiny Toones was born in the Bassac slum area of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and provides free HIV/AIDS, health, drug awareness, performing arts and language education to underprivileged youth. It also serves as a community center where hundreds of children have a positive environment to channel their energy into learning and performing arts. The group, 600+ strong, was founded by Tuy Sobil, originally from Long Beach, who brought his b boy dance talents to the streets of Cambodia to help the country struggling to rebuild after 30 years of war.
All in all, it was a spectacular evening. Met interesting people. Checked out exceptional art. Witnessed mind-blowing break dancing and dedicated speakers. Heck, I even exposed my breakdancing talents (or attempts) to the crowd. The energy was consuming and contagious, and it was exhilarating to see such a diverse group of people being brought together via art and dance with a common mission and goal to raise funds for such an inspiring cause.
-Kate
