The Andean Bear Foundation is very proud to premiere the art of Alexandra Neuman! Alexandra is a 17-year-old artist who will soon be coming to Ecuador as a volunteer to paint murals on community buildings in the villages where we do our research. We are looking forward to seeing her paintings on buildings in the communities! Alexandra says: "When I first found out about the Andean Bear Project, I became tremendously excited. For weeks I had been searching for projects that I could undertake as part of my high school’s senior project. I knew from the outset that I would like to seek out a project involving art, as painting has always been one of my passions. However, I struggled to find a way to incorporate my artistic ability into servicing the community. Through this experience, I hope to pursue my interests for the benefit of my own growth as a person as well as for the well being of the people and animals of the community that I am assigned to. I have participated in many community service projects, but I have never been given the opportunity to directly put my painting to good use and I believe that this will help to make the service all the more meaningful and effective."