It’s one thing to travel the world to see the sights and explore new places. It’s quite a different experience to engage deeply and look closely at ourselves as we encounter the world. To see with new eyes, we have to slow down and allow ourselves to be transformed. If we live in a nation with abundant resources, it’s about learning from those who have less. If we are in the majority, it’s about learning what life is like for those in the minority. Whatever our religious affiliation, it’s about opening ourselves to different expressions of spirituality. It’s about immersing ourselves in a different culture, and being open to what we can learn from them.
The Eyes to See video, book, and exhibition by Stelli Munnis and Veronica Winters seeks to provide a glimpse of what it’s like to travel to Nicaragua with Seeds of Learning (SOL), an organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities in Central America. If you aim to see things differently, to learn more about yourself, others and the world around you, consider taking a trip with SOL. We believe you will be humbled and transformed by your experience.
BOOK
Preview the book.
Eyes to See: U.S. Volunteers in Nicaragua
by Stelli Munnis and Veronica Winters
In this beautifully illustrated book with over 100 full-color photographs, Stelli Munnis and Veronica Winters share what it’s like to travel to Nicaragua with Seeds of Learning. Although volunteers go to build or renovate a school building, the real work happens when things are torn down. As the barriers between people are removed, and the walls individuals erect inside themselves are deconstructed, they become more authentic and caring with one another. Volunteers can’t help but feel deeply moved and touched by the hearts and spirits of the Nicaraguan children and people.
VIDEO
Preview the video.
Eyes to See Video
by Veronica Winters
Journey with volunteers as they complete construction on a new classroom at La Curva school near Matagalpa, Nicaragua. See the sights and hear the sounds of this lovely, lush country. In this one-hour video, Artist Veronica Winters beautifully captures the heart of the land, the spirit of the people, and the excitement of the volunteers.
EXHIBITION
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The Eyes to See exhibition is an interactive installation consisting of video, photography, and an audio recording of a volunteer talking about her experience. The setting includes a house made of cardboard and other artifacts to depict the life of poverty some Nicaraguans are faced with. We welcome inquiries to bring the exhibition to your venue.
About the Artists
Nicaraguan-born Stelli Munnis grew up in New Orleans and has lived in California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Richmond, England. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California, and a BA in economics from the University of Florida. Stelli is one of the founders of Rocket House, Inc., a nonprofit organization for those seeking personal growth and transformation. She also works for SunPower Corp. as the strategic partnerships marketing manager.
Russian-American fine artist Veronica Winters holds an MFA in painting from Pennsylvania State University and a BFA degree in studio art from Oklahoma State University. She studied classical painting at the Art Students League of New York and the Grand Central Academy of Art in New York. Veronica’s art is found in numerous private collections and her work has been featured in Leisure Painter, American Art Collector, Artists & Illustrators, Colored Pencils Magazine and several others.
Purchase
All profits are donated to Seeds of Learning to help raise awareness about the wonderful work they are doing. Prices (add $6 for S&H):
- Book – $24
- Video – $14
- Book & Video – $34
Thank you for supporting this project!
