WHAT OTHERS ARE UP TO

Marian's students working on FUNDREDS
From left to right: Breann Sokol, Mamie Matassa, Brooke Moss

Marian S. McLellan is a painter, printmaker, and long time resident of New Orleans. For the last 10 years she has taught fine art at Ursuline Academy (http://www.ursulineneworleans.org/). Marian was one of the first FUNDRED Operatives and has been consistently working to introduce FUNDRED making in her community. Marian first heard about the FUNDRED DOLLAR BILL PROJECT through a simple e-mail from Nancy Hernandez, principal at Ursuline Academy...who heard about the project from Lisa Taylor, Associate Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of New Orleans...who heard about the project from Robert Ruello, involved with Transforma Projects...who knows Mel Chin. And so it goes.

Marian sees the project as consistent with Ursuline Academy's values: "Ursuline Academy encourages its students to serve their community and the Fundred Dollar Bill Project was perfect for allowing the students to use art as a catalyst for change." Marian is implementing the project in her Ursuline classrooms and through an on-line Art Appreciation class she is teaching through Itawamba Community College (http://www.iccms.edu/) in Mississippi. Those of us on the FUNDRED TEAM think this is cool and unanticipated to teach the project virtually...and we very much appreciate the unexpected!



We recently asked Marian a few questions and we want to share her words with you.



What is your personal interest in the project?

I am intrigued by the idea of art that goes beyond a static gallery setting. The Fundred Dollar Bill Project conceptually engages and connects a variety of folk, young and old, in a grand scheme to help eliminate a serious environmental problem affecting the children of New Orleans. I find that to be especially appealing, and I like the peaceful, whisper campaign aspect of the project. It's contagious.



Do you have a favorite bill created by one of your students?

Yes, there are a few bills that have been memorable, both for imagery and words. Instead of "In God We Trust," one of my seniors affected by Katrina wrote "Who Can We Trust?"



Anything else you might want to share with us?

I was surprised that one of my high school students wanted to do the project with an aftercare program in Algiers. And that one of my online Art Appreciation students wanted to get students in her Mississippi town to do the project. I was also impressed that several of my online students were enthusiastic about the project, and downloaded, drew, photographed, and then sent their bill to a Mississippi collection site.