PHOENIX — A new art movement is beginning to blossom in the Valley, and it all began with a little boy's wish to bring smiles to our most vulnerable.
"This is my handprint," Taven Johnson-Kerns said, explaining how he was going to give his artwork featuring his handprint to “the old people.”
He is the brain behind Operation Senior Smiles. It's a recently formed Facebook page calling on kiddo art to share with senior care facilities.
The idea came to Taven while he was helping put together care packages for his grandparents.
"He mentioned, 'What about the grandmas and grandpas who don't have kids to send to them,” his mom, Jen Kerns, said.
Jen said in the time since, he has created about 200 pieces of art.
Now the little man the neighborhood refers to as "the mayor" is calling on his fellow kids to help!
Older artists are welcome too.
“Our need far outweighs his manufacturing abilities right now,” Jen said, “so I'm more than happy to have the support of local artists."
One final note – from the mayor: “don't forget to smile!"
To share your art with Taven and Operation Senior Smiles, mail the work or drop it off.
Mailing address:
Operation Senior Smiles
PO Box 5025
Phoenix, AZ 85010
Community Dropbox:
Bricks Studio
4550 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
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