Artist Abolitionist: Kelly Arango, Painter

Today we’re featuring an Artist Abolitionist interview by a new, talented, high-school guest bloger – Nicole Doyle. Nicole is a rising junior at The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria. In and outside of school, some of her passions include: helping others in need, writing (she has her own blog dedicated to the activities of Nomi and supporting anti-trafficking efforts) and athletics – she’s a rower. Take a look at her inquisitive post below – she’s making us proud!

Artist Abolitionist: Kelly Arango, Painter 

Kelly Arango was born and raised in Queens, New York. She is an upcoming junior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in Manhattan, New York. She declared her major in art when she was accepted into the school in 2011. The pieces she has completed are inspired by the world.

ND: When did you discover your artistic talents? What inspired you to begin drawing, and painting?

KA: I was very artistic from a young age- I loved everything about art and I naturally expressed myself through art. I was not the child to write in a journal or tell people my feelings so drawing cartoons or painting was my only output. Throughout the years, I have been exposed to many people, movies, objects, and the world and that is my inspiration.

ND: How has your education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School affected your talent? 

KA: Being accepted into LaGuardia definitely enhanced my abilities to express myself. I have learned many things such as, how to make sculptures, use charcoal, experiment with different paints, print making and I am still learning. I surprise myself on every piece I work on because it shows me my true potential.

ND: How did you learn about Nomi Network? What made you so eager to help the cause?

KA: I learned about Nomi Network through my teammate at Row New York, Nicole Doyle. Nicole does not attend LaGuardia but she is a part of Row New York and she also volunteers for Nomi Network. When she told me about what Nomi does, I was really impressed by what they do and her involvement. I also wanted to be involved in something so amazing and I jumped at the offer when she asked me to be a part of this campaign. I wanted to paint something that involved the Nomi Network logo and what it stands for. At first, I was nervous because I did not want to disappoint anyone, so I began my research on the organization and human trafficking. I watched a documentary on human trafficking, which made me put more effort into this piece. 

ND: As an artist abolitionist, is there a small step that you can recommend others can take to raise awareness? 

KA: Any step you take towards helping raise awareness is a great step. I believe the most effective way to raise awareness and help the women and India and Cambodia is buying Nomi merchandise. Also, people should talk to their friends, family, and co-workers; make it into a domino affect and soon more people will begin to take steps to end trafficking together. 

If you are an Artist Abolitionist or a friend who wanted to support this movement please buy a campaign tee or tank today! Email info@nominetwork.org with your name and the number of tees or tanks you’d like.

Then share a photo of yourself in your tee or tank top with Nomi’s Instagram account (http://instagram.com/nominetworknyc#) by using hashtag #togetherwithnomi so we can see the faces supporting the cause!

- Kelly Arango & Nicole Doyle & Alissa Moore