On July 29, 2005, the Coordinadora inaugurated the Tunalmil Art Gallery in San Nicolas Lempa, El Salvador.

This project is possible thanks to the support of generous donors and hundreds of volunteer hours by the young artists participating in the Rays of Light Art Project.

The opening of the gallery, the first of its kind east of the capital San Salvador, was covered by the national media, including El Diario de Hoy.

Inside, young artists from the Bajo Lempa region display their works, including oil and water color paintings.

The Rays of Light Art Project, now beginning its fourth year, provides a positive alternative to rural youths, many of whom would have otherwise become involved with drugs and gangs.

The Tunalmil Gallery represents an opportunity to begin earning a living with the talents they've developed through the project and their teacher, Joalgar.

Several hundred community leaders, students, and their families attended the official opening of the gallery.

Located on CA-2, one of El Salvador's main highways, the gallery is one of the most colorful and eye-catching buildings for miles around. To draw extra attention, the students launced a small hot air balloon on inauguration day!

For more information on the art project, click the links below:

• Art Project Year 1
  
  
• Art Project Year 2
  
  
• Art Project Testimonial