Artists in Action

The ARTISTS IN ACTION blog features artists, young and old, who use their artistic talents to make a positive impact in their community. If you would like to be featured, please contact Maryam at suficafe@suficommunities.org

Our first post in this series features:

Rachel Mauser

Rachel (Rahima) lives and works in Louisville, Kentucky. She is part of a generation of children/young adults who grew up under Sidi’s watchful eye. Her artistic mediums include, but are not limited to: painting, screen printing, book binding, stained glass, and pottery.

Here Rachel is demonstrating screen printing to a teen.

Rachel and her good friend Caitlin Kannapell co-founded Steam Exchange in the Smoketown neighborhood of Louisville, KY. The Steam Exchange offers free after school programs, summer camps and more to inner city kids who would not otherwise have these opportunities.

Rachel and her crew have painted some amazing murals in Smoketown. They bring color, life, hope and community pride to the neighborhood.

Rachel, a lifelong Girl Scout, started a Girl Scout Troup for Steam girls.

Rachel and her staff get the kids out of the city and into nature through a variety of summer camps. Some of these children had never hiked in a forest!

The children have the opportunity to learn many art forms from video making to fashion design to screen printing (and much, much more!). They also can get help with their homework and have a safe place to meet their friends. Most importantly, they are loved!