Dan's Papers - July 18, 2008

When Pope Noell, a 20-year artist of Montauk, dreamed about building a school for children in Nicaragua, he never dreamed it could become a reality. But with some financial help from an artist friend, Frank Roccanova of Amagansett, and much dogged determination, he saw his dream come true when the school opened this past February.

On July 12, thanks to more support from their fellow artists of East Hampton, Noell and Roccanova managed to raise almost $40,000 at a benefit for Una Escuelita, a school for children that teaches subjects through the use of art.

"For roughly the same cost as a private high school in the Hamptons, $18,000 a year, we can send 30-45 kids to Escuelita for a year," said Noell. "After opening this school last year, we had no idea how many kids were going to come, so we needed this extra funding to stay open."

On July 12, Pope and Roccanova were joined by about 20 other local artists, each of whom donated one or more paintings or sculptures for a silent auction. The benefit was held at the waterfront Springs home of Ann and John Mullen, who are avid art collectors. Money was also raised from ticket sales, at $100 per ticket.

Lynn Blumenfeld of Montauk, who is an advisor to the Una Escuelita school board, helped to organize this benefit with Erica Broberg Smith and Paula Schiff, both of East Hampton.

"We knew that Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the world, and we knew we had to have a fundraiser in the Hamptons," she said. "We decided to get everything donated, from the auction items, to the food, to the house and the catering staff, which was mostly provided by volunteers." The food was donated by Exquisite Food.

John Mullen, an architect whose house overlooks the scenic Louse Point Bay, said that as an avid art collector, he was "more than happy to have this wonderful event" in his home filled with art, to help support local artists and this great cause for children.

"I wanted to donate a painting to this event," said Tracy Harris of East Hampton. "Who wouldn't want to support this wonderful cause and inspire young artists?"

During the event, Roccanova, a professional photographer, showed pictures on a big screen of the Nicaraguan children painting and drawing in their new, two-story wooden school, which is located in a little village called Limon #2. Last year, Noell and Roccanova hired local residents to build the 3,750-square-foot school in a barren field, where they had to put in a road and electricity, and dig a well for hot and cold running water. In an area which has no electricity, running water or plumbing facilities in any homes, "it was a big deal," according to Roccanova. The school also has air conditioning, beautiful tiles and furniture hand-crafted by the local people.

"We wanted to make this place comfortable for the students, and also for people from the Hamptons who wanted to come down and maybe teach here, and also help us with donations," said Roccanova, who has made six trips to Nicaragua so far.

He and Noell were going to buy a small resort in Costa Rica, but when Noell discovered Nicaragua in 2006, through his interest in surfing, he asked Roccanova to join him there. They looked at properties and thought of building a school or daycare center. As artists, they decided on a private school where children could learn through the process of art.

"Since Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, we could see how these kids had nothing to play with - just maybe twigs and branches," said Roccanova. "When we showed them art supplies, and even toys like dolls and trucks, it was magical. It just made us feel good inside."

Thirty children attend this school from 1 to 4 p.m., after going to their public school from 7 a.m. to noon. "But their public school, like everything else in this country, is erratic and disorganized," said Noell, who has been living in Nicaragua for the past two years. "Sometimes their other school is open, and sometimes it is not."

For the school, he hired two teachers from the local community, and one German volunteer who comes in three days a week to teach English. There is also a cook. They are also hoping to start a literacy program.

"We try to hire people from the local community, because I think it's important to involve the locals so they feel they own the school, and will take care of it," said Noell. He and Roccanova are now trying to find people to sponsor two young American women who want to go to teach at his school as volunteers.

"It would cost only about $15,000 a year for these two women to fly, live and teach there, including room and board," said Noell. "Nicaragua is a pretty cheap place to live. You can stay in a hotel for about $200 a month."

Art supplies were donated by an artist friend in his native state of Texas. "And we have also had offers of art supplies from artists in the Hamptons, as well as much-needed clothing, but the problem is the expensive cost of shipping and airline restrictions," said Noell. "We are looking for a business person who maybe has use of a private jet or a container to get us these supplies at less cost."

Anyone wishing to donate to this 501C3 non-profit school can send checks c/o Una Escuelita, Box 160, Amagansett, NY 11930. For more information, visit www.UnaEscuelita.org.