PRESERVING CULTURAL ARTS through Certification, Capital, and Community

Based in Colorado, SICA Foundation was launched in 2006 as a humanitarian organization focused on providing aid to war-torn countries and using art to help people heal and rebuild. We were able to tap into initial philanthropic investments to offer loans to other non-profits who otherwise would not qualify for bank loans to support their expansion. We utilized interest generated from these loans to fund our mission work: preserving historic and culturally rich art forms through hands-on learning, community art projects, restoration and neighborhood beautification. We also deepen people’s awareness and connection to foreign lands by recruiting and training them as volunteers to travel across state lines and abroad to work on artistically centered neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation projects. 

In 2021, we are working with master iconographer Theodoros Papadopoulos to shift his 6-day art workshops to a digital video series, refine the curriculum for this new format, maximize subscribers and provide scholarships. We have 70 subscribers so far. Originally these workshops were scheduled as nine in-person classes across seven states in 2020, with 15-20 people booked per class, which had to be canceled due to COVID. We also organized a 10-week virtual course with fieldwork, led by fresco expert iLia Anossov, for 10 college interns. This summer course offered synchronous and asynchronous instruction in foundational fresco and mural techniques, culminating in the interns leading art installation projects in Puerto Rico, Ohio, Detroit, New York, Boston and Orange County. We also are collaborating with Techos Pa’ Mi Gente to restore/repaint dilapidated structures and paint murals in Puerto Rico.

Starting in October 2019, SICA Foundation led a six-month restoration of the fresco at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater in Hemet, California. This fresco was originally created in 1943 by Milford Zornes and a small, dedicated group of his students using the Italian buon fresco technique to honor the Ramona Pageant, California’s official State Outdoor Play. Since then, the 16×18 ft. fresco had been blocked and marred by a balcony, layers of white paint and a board bolted to the wall and further damaged by age and weather erosion. Sponsoring the conservation treatment by fresco specialists iLia Anossov and Elisabetta Perfetto, SICA Foundation ensured that this historic fresco was restored to its original condition. Now, with the 100 year anniversary of the Ramona pageant in 2023, the Ramona fresco is fully restored for new generations to enjoy for decades to come.

Starting in 2018, SICA Foundation helped to beautify parts of Mexico through a sister charity –Project Mexico – that builds homes in Tijuana. SICA Foundation developed locally sourced lime-based paint to use to beautify neighborhoods through colorful home painting. We trained locals and volunteers in how to prepare the paint and then helped to mobilize teams of volunteers (~500 in total) to help build and paint the homes.SICA Foundation is leading a hands-on program where fresco master iLia Anossov trains interns, locals and artists to install a series of full-color frescos in Tijuana and at other low-income sites sponsored by SICA Foundation. Some work has been delayed due to COVID. We also are organizing and raising funds for a fresco sGraffitoclass for arts education for at-risk youth and in communities who have experienced trauma as a means to heal from trauma through community beautification. 

1.)  Cultural: Students Enrollment for Icon and Chant Certificates to elevate art technique and practices that enrich communities.

2.)  Capital: Build an abundance of Church Iconography – Donate, Apply and Intern for Icon Projects. (audience: Donors, Churches looking to apply for funds & active projects for students being certified) Place for crowdfunding, show portfolio of past and active projects.

3.) Community: Conciliar Class Registration & Professional Resources for professionals, alumni, teachers and students. A place to register for classes for both active students, ongoing education for professionals, and any professional resources to help one another in the artist collective community.

4.) Conciliarity: humanitarian relief in partnership with St Innocent Service Works, IOCC, OCMC and Project Mexico.