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Murals can bring new life to the most ordinary spaces. An artist known as Bihuashiyuge proves this time and time again by transforming large walls into wonderful artistic compositions. Using a variety of materials such as plaster and paint, the China-based artist takes viewers on a visual journey.

“Join me as I explore the world of wall design and bring creativity to life in the most unique and inspiring ways,” the muralist states on  her YouTube channel. “From mesmerizing murals to stunning patterns, I'll take you on a journey of innovative techniques and imaginative ideas that will transform any space into a work of art. Get ready to be amazed and inspired as we explore the endless possibilities of wall design together!”

Through social media, Bihuashiyuge shares the creative process behind her bad-relief works of art, which seem to leap right off the wall. With reference photos in hand, the artist begins applying materials to the massive surface. Her installation of the Great Wall of China is positively mesmerizing.

As seen in her videos, the muralist starts with heaping slabs of putty she slaps onto the wall that serves as her large canvas. She creates a 3D composition by shaping and carefully carving bricks, steps, and more into the malleable material. She does so at varying lengths and angles to mimic depth, and then adds a range of greens, browns, and blues to animate the landscape. Once it’s complete, it's almost as if you could step foot right into one of the New Seven Wonder of the World.

Scroll down for more mesmerizing videos of Bihuashiyuge's process. To stay up to date with her latest creations, you can follow the artist on Instagram.

A muralist known as Bihuashiyuge transforms large-scale spaces into remarkable compositions.

Layering different materials together, she creates depth and texture.

Relief Mural Art…. pic.twitter.com/VYJmlZNBxD

— Relief Mural Art (@Reliefmuralart) March 30, 2024

Her bas-relief sculptures turn the wall they’re on into the spectacular focal point of a room.

Watch as she transforms an ordinary space, into something colorful and extraordinary.

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your
abilities! Without a humble but
reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. #mural #art painting
artgallery #artwork #artist #muralist@Reliefmuralart @ArtofLiving@srkntnyldz @mural_pay pic.twitter.com/c0bejSlQSB

— Relief Mural Art (@Reliefmuralart) April 3, 2024

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your
abilities! Without a humble but
reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. #mural #art #painting
artgallery #artwork #artist #muralist@Reliefmuralart @ArtofLiving@srkntnyldz @mural_pay pic.twitter.com/MM8zqI8OqU

— Relief Mural Art (@Reliefmuralart) April 4, 2024

“I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny—and possibly very uncomfortable—step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.”♥️ #mural #art #painting#artgallery #artwork #artist #muralist#earthquake #sigara #artworkอซทซ pic.twitter.com/6ThjrOm6FJ

— Relief Mural Art (@Reliefmuralart) April 4, 2024

Bihuashiyuge: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

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READ: Stunning Bas-Relief Murals Transform Ordinary Walls Into Immersive Spectacles

Wales-based artist Jon Foreman explores the calming presence of nature in his magnificent land art installations. He practices his art “as an escape from the stresses of everyday life.” In one of his most recent work, titled Manifold Spiral, Foreman utilizes on-site materials to create a rock sanctuary of sorts.

Constructed off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, with the assistance of Terence Wakefield and Osk, Manifold Spiral consists of carefully arranged rocks in a circular formation. This curated coil of minerals is situated on a beach, nestled between other rocks that are sunken into the sand. In the distance, the shoreline is illuminated by bright, warm sunlight. Waves ripple in the background, and clouds dance in the sky above, adding a fluffy texture to the scene.

By collecting stones found in the natural surroundings, Foreman further emphasizes the intrinsic beauty of Mother Nature. Each of his carefully crafted compositions seem as if a sea creature has washed upon shore and planted roots on a bed of sand.

Walking the land to gather stones and then arranging them in the desired pattern—whether it be a Golden Ratio-like spiral, a color-coordinated geometric shape, or a simple circle—establishes a relationship between the artist and his earthy materials. Temporality and the uncertain behavior of nature impact the longevity of the artist's work. A strong wave that crashes upon the shore could easily tamper with the composition, and he fully surrenders to this risk. The unpredictable and ephemeral, combined with these natural resources inspire Foreman to honor the enchanting characteristics of nature. Fortunately, most viewers experience the magnitude of his work through photography and short films.

The land artist focuses on “different” elements that come together to create micro landscapes. Finding new purpose in everything from leaves and tree roots to mud and rocks, his art is incredibly meditative. Foreman experiments with several artistic components such as scale, texture, materials, and location of installation. His creative vision knows no bounds.

To stay up to date with Foreman's art, you can follow him on his Instagram. You can also purchase prints of his artwork from his SmugMug shop.

Jon Foreman is a land artist who uses various natural materials to create stunning installations.

Foreman utilizes stones, shells, and other natural elements of various shapes, sizes, and textures that highlight the varying art materials that can be found in nature.

Often created near bodies of water, his works are at the mercy of the unpredictable behaviors of Mother Nature.

Foreman’s micro landscapes create visual narratives that comment on the relationship between humans and nature.

The simple geometric forms come together to create meditative compositions that transport you to the most serene state of mind.

There is even a short film that briefly addresses many of his works over the past year.

Check out an interview he did with CBS Sunday Morning to learn more.

Jon Foreman:  Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jon Foreman.

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UK-based artist and environmentalist Sophie Green paints remarkable stories of wildlife. Known for her hyperrealistic paintings of animals, Green's quasi-photographic style captures the vulnerabilities of nature. The artist depicts the grandeur, beauty, and intensity of animals such as guerrillas, leopards, rhinoceroses, penguins, and other species at risk of extinction.

“This is not a celebration of nature,” says Green of her most recent collection, Commodities. “This collection is wildlife void of both ‘wild’ and ‘life.’ It is an inferno, shining a light on the bizarre and entitled way that humans have forever used nature and wildlife for our own benefit. Hunting, racing, bating, fighting, breeding, eating, poaching, wearing, training. The avarice is never-ending.”

In one painting from the collection, Temperance, a large chimpanzee sits on a black pedestal. With its left hand reaching across its chest, gripping the bicep on the right side, the animal fearlessly addresses the viewer. Each strand of hair is carefully placed, giving the animal a luminous presence. Green delicately painted each wrinkle, and the glisten reflected in the chimpanzee's eyes. Placing the figure atop a pedestal provokes viewers to reflect on the multifaceted link between humans and nature.

Commodities connects people with different animals through the lens of conservation, as the artist beautifully depicts the reality of life in the wild. Each brushstroke of the chimpanzee is intentional, as Green aims to capture the sensational characteristics of animals.

The artist is focused on giving back to nature, as spending time in these environments has provided profound serenity for her. Green dedicates herself to the well-being and longevity of nature's ecoscapes, challenging others to do the same. In Temperance and the paintings of Commodities, Green challenges viewers to address the contentious relationship humans have with the natural world.

Her devotion to nature doesn't stop with her artistic achievements. She focuses on the convergence of art and philanthropy, as 10% of her profits pour into wildlife and conservation charities. Green also pursues other avenues of activism, such as her online commerce site Art Basket, collaborations with the Jane Goodall Institute UK, and the IFAW International Youth Art Contest. Her work serves as a reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of the world we live in.

You can purchase original paintings and limited-edition prints via her online store. Ten percent of the profits are given to wildlife conservation efforts. To stay up to date on her latest work, follow her on Instagram.

UK-based artist Sophie Green uses art as a tool to comment on the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife.

Temperance is one of her more recent works and highlights the grandeur and resilience of animals.

Green uses her art to expose the ways humans use nature to their own benefit.

She strives for people to protect animals and their habitats, not just enjoy the commodity of wildlife.

 

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Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the artist's work, as 10% of her profits are donated to various wildlife and conservation charities.

 

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Take a closer look at her 2022 exhibition in London.

Sophie Green: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sophie Green.

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READ: Artist’s Hyperrealistic Paintings Reflect the Vulnerability and Beauty of Animals in the Wild

Photo: mrsiraphol/Depositphotos

An 89-year-old man named Mitsuo Tanigami set his sights on a mission—to visit his children Naoya and Sayuri. Although both are adults who live far away, he opted to take the scenic route by bicycle. Making the trek from Kobe to Tokyo is an incredible achievement, and the devoted dad pedaled a few hundred miles during his nine-day journey halfway across the country.

Tanigami purchased an electric-assist bicycle after many years of operating a photo studio. Equipped with his bike, a paper map, and a sense of adventure, the Kobe-native embarked on one of the most heartwarming voyages to visit family. Whenever he wandered off course, the fearless father would consult locals for directions. This created an opportunity for him to connect with people as he traveled through different places.

Beginning on March 17, Tanigami headed east on Japan's National Route 2. This stretch led him to his first official stop in Takatsuki City in Osaka. His journey continued as he biked past Mt. Fuji, the mountainous terrain of Hakone, and soaked in the waterscape of Lake Biwa. Tanigami paused to sleep at hotels or inns along the way to recharge.

Without hesitation, the octogenarian took the road less traveled, as he embraced the unpredictability of nature. High wind speeds, heavy rain, and rough terrain are a few different natural elements that Tanigami overcame during his quest. He recounts falling from his bike nearly 20 times and expressed difficulty hearing, according to Kobe NP News Japan. The adventurous senior mentioned how the rain impaired him from seeing through the lenses of his glasses. No stranger to a challenge, Tanigami hopped right back on his bike and kept moving forward.

Day three marked his arrival at his daughter Sayuri's house in Fuso in Aichi Prefecture. After spending two days there, he continued to Tokyo, arriving at his final destination on March 25. His 61-year-old son, Naoya, greeted him and expressed a deep sense of pride for this incredible achievement. The brave voyager recounts the trip by stating, “It was a tough experience, but I'm happy that I was able to make my son happy.” Although he opted to take a more accessible form of transportation back to Kobe, he plans to make the bike trip back during warmer months.

His journey to Tokyo is a true testament to a parent's love and and the importance of spending time with family. Tanigami's story is proof that exciting adventures can be had at any age.

An 89-year-old Japanese man named Mitsuo Tanigami decided he wanted to ride his bicycle to visit his children who lived hundreds of miles away.

Photo: HenryStJohn/Depositphotos (Not a photo of the actual man.)

The octogenarian began his 9-day bike journey in Kobe, and made a stop in Fuso to visit his daughter Sayuri.

After resting for two days with his daughter, Tanigami continued towards his son, Naoya, in Tokyo.

He biked more than 370 miles to visit family—a heartwarming reminder that adventure can be had at any age.

h/t: [SoraNews24]

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READ: 89-Year-Old Japanese Man Bikes Over 370 Miles to Visit Children Halfway Across the Country

 

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The flowery words of poetry can transport people to the most incredible places. This is certainly an influence for French designer Sylvie Facon. Her work combines the creativity of poetry, the magical world of fairytales, and the art of creative couture to design the most enchanting wearable art. One of Facon's most recent creations is inspired by a morning stroll. The designer describes it as “an atmosphere imprinted with poetry in the whispers of water, the rustling of leaves, the beating of birds' wings,” which sparked her heart with joy and prompted her to create a design that honors the serenity of the early morning.

This textile includes a variety of textures from painted fabric, embroidery, and lace that come together to create this stunning silhouette. A whimsical morning sky filled with light purple, pink, and blue hues dances across the top of the one-of-a-kind dress. In the middle of the bodice there is a vista of trees that extend towards the lace that hugs each side of the form. Reflected in the water below, the trees and sky are positively enchanting. The skirt portion of this dress extends to the floor, and gradually moves from pink hues to blue.

Adorned with lace designed by Jean Bracq, the variety of textures of this design mimic the textures one might find in nature. Facon notes that she adapts the varying transparencies, lucidity, and drapery of tulle, lace, and other fabrics as a way to enhance the theme of nature. The different textiles created by Facon have the power to transport viewers to the most dreamy state of mind.

This poetic homage to the joy, serenity, and comfort that nature provides is manifested not only in this incredibly imaginative garment, also throughout Facon's portfolio of enchanting gowns. The textile artist's multifaceted talent for designing with fabrics of different textures gives dimension to her artistic vision. The fabric as her canvas, Facon aligns herself with the loose brushstrokes and soft colors often used by French Impressionist painters. This connection intensifies the significance of Facon's creativity and her ability to design textiles that are wonderfully unique.

To keep to date with the designer as she continues to inspire, enchant, and encourage viewers with her wonderful wearable poetry, you can follow Facon on Instagram.

French fashion designer Sylvie Facon takes inspiration from nature's boundless beauty.

 

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Her dress designs are physical manifestations of the most elegant fairytales come to life.

 

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Facon is also inspired by literary works, which are emphasized in the way she gives new purpose to the bindings of books.

 

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The designer uses different materials such as tulle, lace, embroidery, beading, and found objects to construct these marvelous wearable art pieces.

 

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Each gown is a true work of art…especially the ones that feature actual masterpieces like Klimt's The Kiss.

 

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Sylvie Facon: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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READ: Designer Creates Stunning Dresses Inspired by Fairytales and Serene Scenes of Nature

Photo: Guinness World Records

A 58-year-old named DonnaJean Wilde from Alberta, Canada, has set a new record for the longest plank held by a female. This monumental achievement consisted of holding a plank in proper form for four hours 30 minutes and 11 seconds. Mother of five and grandmother of 12, Wilde's feat shows her intense physical fitness, but also her mental agility.

As one can imagine, there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to achieve this prestigious title. According to the Guinness World Records, the form must be as follows: “To successfully achieve the record, the challenger’s forearms and toes must touch the ground at all times. The remainder of the body must be lifted off the ground and be kept straight throughout.”

Wilde was observed by Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Tina Shi, who monitored her form for the nearly five-hour event, which took place at the high school where she formerly served as vice principal. The Canadian native recounts her experience, mentioning that the final two hours proved to be deeply challenging. Part of establishing this fitness record for Wilde, included her dedication to physical training. Planking for six hours total each day, divided into three-hour chunks, the record-breaking grandmother trained intensely. Exercise became a focus for her after breaking her wrist, as the only exercise she could do was the plank. And this multitasker wouldn't just plank—Wilde studied for her master's degree and watched movies whilst planking.

Suffering from chronic pain in her arms, she is no stranger to pushing through physical discomfort. Wilde's husband Randy states, “That chronic pain and numbness that she deals with every day has helped her to be able to plank through the pain. Wilde mentions that the muscles in her quads were fired up and she experienced tenderness in her elbows. The record holder also focused on maintaining her form, especially in the last hour.

Wilde is now floating through the joyful haze of this achievement, even saying, “It feels like a dream.” Her story is a testament to the idea that physical fitness is important, and can be exciting, at any age.

A 58-year-old Canadian named DonnaJean Wilde has set a new record for the longest plank held by a female.

 

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The mother of 5 and grandmother of 12 held the position for a total of 4 hours 30 minutes and 11 seconds.

The athletic multitasker watched movies and even earned her entire master's degree while planking on her own time.

Guinness World Records: Website | Facebook | Instagram 
h/t: [People]

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READ: 58-Year-Old Woman Sets World Record by Holding Plank for Over 4.5 Hours

Environmental artist Clare Celeste proudly pursues art as an avenue to bring attention to the eight different ecosystems on Earth. Using hand-cut images of various foliage and animals, the artist cultivates an immersive experience. Her work provokes viewers to relish in the beauty of our ecosystems whilst motivating viewers to treat the natural world with kindness.

The convergence of growing up in Brazil and the environment of her current home in Berlin, is presented in The Garden. This installation is intended to inspire the preservation of our planet, as a sixth mass extinction is not far off in the future. Celeste's goal is to establish a place where viewers can reinvigorate their relationship with Earth. Bright hues of greens, pinks, and yellows dance across the composition of butterflies, birds, and palm leaves. Imagine standing amongst one of Celeste's beautiful compositions. It is almost as if you can hear the gentle flapping of the wings of each insect flutter by, or the soft rustling of leaves as animals move from one spot to another. Celeste's incredible talent uses hand-cut images to breathe life into art that focuses on environmental activism.

The collage artist brings attention to the ways that humans have an impact on the environment, in a hopeful manner. Celeste not only draws from unique ecosystems around the world, but recently shared an insightful message regarding her passion:

“Growing up in Brazil, I was inspired by the ocean, rivers, and jungles. My earliest and most formative memories are of lush, humming tropical ecosystems —and the encroaching industrial landscapes of Brazil’s cities. These impressions deeply influence my artwork. Biodiversity is my endless muse, but 70% of biodiversity has been destroyed since 1970. We’ve forgotten that we breathe the breath of trees, that we’re part of a larger carbon cycle, that we are embedded within ecosystems. We have this illusion of separateness that is driving our ecological crisis. I believe in the power and art and storytelling to reawaken a connection to our planet. By immersing audiences in the splendor of nature's intricate beauty, I hope to inspire a deeper reverence for the Earth and a commitment to its preservation.✨”

Her enthusiasm and passion to use art as a visual storytelling device that also comments on our envirornment is apparent in her careful curation of each micro environment she constructs. Celeste is also deeply inspired by an essay titled “Loving a Vanishing World,” by Emily N. Johnston. This excerpt stresses a sense of urgency to appreciate what is at our fingertips and how humans can cherish this.

“When we think about accelerating extinction, it’s like looking at the terrifying narrows of an hourglass, where only a few will slide through. So sometimes I imagine myself instead on the far side of something more like an ecological birth canal. How many of Earth’s beauties can we help to survive the passage into the next era? Is each one not a gift we can safeguard to the world by our actions?”

— Emily N. Johnston, “Loving a Vanishing World” in All We Can Save

Beyond providing immersive works inspired by nature and literature, Celeste created The Garden to touch on environmentalism. Weekly online events hosted by various females in the climate and culture industries help to “co-create a more just, equitable, and regenerative world.” Her colorful and informative compositions continue to reflect the marvels of the various textures of each ecoscape.

Berlin-based artist Clare Celeste uses immersive art installations as a form of environmental activism.

Hand-cut flowers and animals emphasize the diversity of each ecosystem.

Did you know there are eight different ecosystems on this planet? The artist shares her passion for each one.

She adds texture in bright, vibrant colors to her compositions to emphasize the beauty of nature.

The large scale of Celeste’s works also allows viewers to be enveloped in the environment she has constructed.

The artist’s Healing Garden is intended to be a form of activism, making a positive impact on the world.

 

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The honesty and vulnerability of the artist really shines through in each composition.

 

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Celeste’s artwork will send you into the most beautiful floral frenzy.

 

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Clare Celeste: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Clare Celeste Börsch.

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Photo: Guinness World Records

Donating blood gives a glimmer of hope to someone in need. That’s why Josephine Michaluk, an 81-year-old woman from Alberta, Canada, is committed to helping others in this way. In fact, she is the record holder for the most units of blood donated in a lifetime.

Michaluk’s kindness all began in 1965 at the age of 22, when she went to a blood donation appointment with her sister. Since then, she has been dedicated to donating blood for as long as her body allows her to. Last year, at the age of 80, she officially earned the Guinness World Records title for the most whole blood donated by a female. She had donated 203 pints of blood at that point. Thus far, she has reached a total of 209 blood donations, and she isn’t done yet.

The inspiring octogenarian continues to maintain over four donations annually. Her O+ blood type is the most sought-after for hospitals and health facilities, as it is a more universal match than any other positive blood types. The Red Cross Donation states that O+ comprises 38% of the population in the United States. This generous woman's contributions continue to reinforce the supply of blood that can be life-saving.

The kindhearted Canadian mentions the physical evaluation that is completed before any donation. This may include checking blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and pulse rate of the potential donor. Even after donating a pint of blood, Michaluk mentions that she feels revitalized. Her story is an inspiration to others to donate, if physically fit to do so. As someone who has herself received a total of five pints of blood after two separate miscarriages, Michaluk understands the value of these life-saving donations.

Putting things in perspective, each donation of a pint from start to finish takes about 75 minutes. Throughout her lifetime, Michaluk has spent roughly 15,675 minutes donating blood. She intends to forge ahead with her mission to help others as long as she can. Photographed with a shirt that reads, “Are you the type to save a life?” she challenges others to step outside of their comfort zone to help people around the world.

81-year-old Josephine Michaluk holds the Guinness World Record for the most units of blood donated in a lifetime by a female.

She has been donating blood since she was 22 years old, and is currently at 209 pints donated with no intentions of stopping.

Learn more about the need of blood donations and how your donation can positively impact others.

Guinness World Records: Website | Facebook | Instagram 
h/t: [Upworthy]

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READ: 81-Year-Old Breaks World Record for Most Units of Blood Donated in A Lifetime

 

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From scaling the seemingly insurmountable El Capitan overlooking the lush forest of Yosemite to climbing the 3,750-foot Ingmikortilaq in Greenland, rock climber Alex Honnold is no stranger to embracing and conquering elevated peaks in nature. Known for his free-solo style climbing—documented in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo—Honnold works to overcome physical and mental adversities that inevitably occur during climbs. As someone who has experienced some of the most magnificent natural marvels of the world firsthand, Honnold is also a nature lover who plays his part in environmental conservation. The California native has established a philanthropic organization, Honnold Foundation, that encourages the use of solar power.

For Honnold, spreading the benefits of solar power is about more than just clean energy. It is an environmentally conscious alternative to fossil fuels, but it is also something that has the ability to enhance a sense of community and embolden marginalized communities to take back power (literally and figuratively). The charitable institution provides fair access to reliable solar energy resources to places such as Puerto Rico, areas of the Amazon, Kenya, and the United States. The application of clean energy also creates opportunities for members of each respective community to be involved in the installation and maintenance of the energy resources. The Honnold Foundation trains locals on the use and maintenance of the solar energy equipment. This establishes a way for the community to continue to flourish, even after the energy resource is established.

One particular Honnold Foundation project based in Puerto Rico heavily involves a local group called Casa Pueblo, who worked together to construct a microgrid. Having this local group involved in such an instrumental way presents a collaborative experience and its impact on the community. Another noteworthy philanthropic venture of the Honnold Foundation is located in Memphis, Tennessee. The goal of this particular project is to provide alternative energy resources to lower the amount that people in the area spend on energy bills.

“Many communities [the Honnold Foundation] partners with report infringements on their sovereignty through infrastructural, economic, social, and environmental injustices,” the organizations states. “That's why our Core Fund partnerships are unrestricted, ‘no-strings-attached'—giving the space for our Partners to use the funding as a resource to build forms of sovereignty, and development by and for them. Where historically energy systems were a means of disenfranchisement, here, energy becomes a tool of empowerment. So while solar often starts with facilitating energy access, when placed in the hands of innovative community experts, it's so much more! Equitable solar energy access is a leverage point for communities to cultivate local power and self-governance.”

At the heart of what Honnold is working towards lies a desire to provide alternative solutions to energy access while sparking a sense of personal power, joy, and togetherness amongst people he encounters. The Honnold Foundation continuously reaches new heights and inspires people to prioritize ways to help one another gain access to reliable resources.

Free solo climber Alex Honnold is probably best known for his incredible, athletic feats…

 

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…which have even been highlighted in an Oscar-winning documentary aptly titled Free Solo.

But now he is reaching new heights with his charity called Honnold Foundation.

The Honnold Foundation prioritizes the involvement of locals to implement reliable solar energy.

 

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Each project typically involves two major pieces of equipment—a solar microgrid and an off-grid solar rooftop.

 

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Both of these solar grids capture and store energy from the Sun and turn that into electricity.

 

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Honnold Foundation continues to enhance human connection around the world through solar energy.

 

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Honnold Foundation: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Alex Honnold: Instagram
h/t: [Canary Media]

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Friends are often cherished as the family you choose. The heartwarming friendship between students living in Raymond Hall at Providence College, a Catholic college in Rhode Island, and the building's security guard, James Mogaji, is no exception.

A group of students who have grown close with Mogaji discovered that the school employee had not returned to Nigeria to see his family in 11 years. This stunned the students and prompted them to take action. A freshman named Brandon Reichert initiated a GoFundMe campaign aptly titled “Help James Visit His Family!” with the assistance of sophomore Daniel Singh and other students. The online fundraiser surpassed its goal of $30,360, Mogaji's story inspired a spirit of giving in others.

Reichert shared Mogaji's story and a kind message regarding how much the students value his kind nature on GoFundMe:

“James is without a doubt the best security guard here at Providence College. He works four overnight shifts a week and the Raymond Hall 4th Floor would love to raise money for him to see his family in Nigeria that he hasn’t seen in a long time. For those of you that don't know James, he truly is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He greets everybody with a smile and always welcomes conversations no matter what time of the night you run into him. He has expressed how much he enjoys his job here at PC, and we would love to be able to allow him to visit his family. He does not know how much we appreciate him, and hope that this shows to him how much he means to our community. We hope that others will join in raising funds for James, as Raymond Hall and Providence College would be a completely different building without him. He has not seen his family in many years, and we believe that he is more than deserving to see his loved ones. Any amount of donation is appreciated, and 100% of the proceeds will be put towards travel expenses for James so he does not have to pay out of pocket.”

Students gathered together and filmed the moment Mogaji received this incredibly thoughtful gift. Upon receiving the money from Reichert and Singh, the beloved security guard crouched towards the ground in awe. Students in unison shouted, “We love you, James!” The thoughtfulness of this act of kindness truly speaks to the close bond that these students and Mogaji have formed. Reichert thanked everyone who donated and emphasized how impactful their generosity was in their quest to take care of someone who spends so many hours keeping an eye out for the students. This group of students took action to support somebody who is a significant factor in their time at Providence College. Taking initiative in such a way exhibits leadership and inspires a sense of hope.

In the video, Singh expressed, “We love you. You're part of the family.” These words in conjunction with the incredible generosity of friends and strangers alike, reflect the true meaning of friendship. Leah Quinn, a friend of Reichert's mom, took to social media to share her support. She stated, “This act of kindness shows us all that we are more alike than not.”

Students at Providence College in Rhode Island got together for a purely selfless act of kindness for their security guard, James Mogaji.

 

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A post shared by Providence College (@provcollege)

When they learned about Mogaji's story and how he hadn't seen his family in Nigeria in 11 years, they set up a GoFundMe for him and spread the word on social media.

Calling all Providence College community members! Please join Raymond Hall and the rest of campus in sending James to be with his family in Nigeria! He hasn’t seen his family in 11 years. Any donation is appreciated!! @JordanZajacOP #pcbc

https://t.co/70dj8aqmUt #GoFundMe

— Brandon Reichert (@B_Reichert19) March 1, 2024

Amazingly, they reached their $30K goal! The students have since reported that Mogaji plans to take his trip to visit family in June.

Watch coverage of Raymond students who raised money to allow a security guard to visit family in Nigeria for the first time in more than 11 years. Thanks to Brandon Reichert '27, Daniel Singh '26, and the other students for their kind gesture!

More: https://t.co/5jJmyMdwXM pic.twitter.com/Wp6EthP9Lt

— Providence College (@ProvidenceCol) March 11, 2024

Take a glimpse at the moment students gifted Mogaji the funds:

@lkquinnco please stop and take the time to watch and share this amazing display of unrelenting kindness and humanity at its best. now time for MY BRAGGING- My best friend Jess Reichert son Brandon is the most incredibly kind, thoughtful and generous soul. (Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree) I am once again blown away by Brandon’s God Given gift of always doing the right thing and recognizing what is truly important in this world- LOVE and KINDNESS. Brandon started a Gofundme for his overnight security guard James at his dorm building at Providence College. James has been wanting to visit his family in Nigeria for a long time, and Brandon along with all of the amazing students on his floor at PC began to raise money for James to get him home. Today they presented him with the trip. This act of kindness shows us all, that we are more alike than not. Brandon’s ability to always do the right thing and lead, show compassion and gratitude has been a highlight of my life watching him grow up into the amazing young man he is. On that note, I want to give Jess Reichert all the respect in the world for raising this boy as a SINGLE MOTHER and shaping him to be everything he is. For the countless sacrifices she has and continues to make and the obstacles she endures to make sure he has every opportunity to continue on his path we all could learn from as parents. This is also your payoff Jessie, everything that boy is, is ALL because of you! I al so proud to be your friend! I love you both so much!!! Let’s keep this going with a share! @wcvb5 @wpri12 @therhodeshow @abc6providence @channelkindness @thekindnessrocksproject #belikeBrandon #providenceCollege #gofundme #goviral #pcfriars #kindnessmatters ♬ original sound – Leah Quinn

Brandon Reichert: GoFundMe | X
h/t: [GOOD]

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READ: College Students Raise $30K To Help Security Guard Visit Family in Nigeria