I thought I would write today about the "real" reason why I came to Italy. To receive my one International Marketing credit I am attempting to establish a museum tour of Native American arts, crafts and textiles in Italy. Gonzaga has a long history of providing support to Native American's through education and the Jesuit tradition.
Around 1847 a group of approximately 150 Jesuits were exiled from Italy and ended up in the Northwest working with Native Americans. During the same period a Belgian Jesuit by the name of Peter John De Smet was traveling the same area learning from as well as ministering to Native Americans. Through all their travels the Jesuits collected many pieces of wonderful artwork and textiles. Many of De Smet's items are in a museum in Missouri next to his former base camp, but in 1887 when Gonzaga was founded as a ministering tool to the white settlers in the Northwest several pieces of art, craft and textiles were stored with Jesuits working there. Over time the collection has been added to by many donors and has become extensive in artistic media, originating tribe and collection history.
Our goal is to empower the Native American people by expanding awareness of their culture in an effort to conserve and grow their heritage. With global awareness and an extensive network opportunities for trade and new markets should expand for Native products. We still have a lot of work to do, but things are falling our way right now. Just yesterday someone pointed us toward a grant that I am evaluating and it is looking promising.
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A slow-moving story about one man's travels under the guise of productivity and personal growth. A true boondoggle is a business trip to a popular travel destination where there is plenty of personal time and not enough actual work. My chronicles are similar, but instead of business I will be going to Europe for a Graduate level class in International Marketing. The class is scheduled to meet twice a week and the rest of the time is left for my own curiosity and enjoyment.
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- jeffrey
- Just a guy traveling around Europe for a grad class. It isn't a required course and isn't offered regularly. In fact I had to work out the details of the class and trip myself. I think that qualifies the trip as a genuine boondoggle.
5 comments:
wow, that's pretty intense! and very interesting too! just realized you'll be gone for zeke's 2nd birthday...he'll cry his eyes out, but he'll get over it...just joking...but really...
Yeah...go Jeff!
I'm jealous... but glad your having a great time! Check your Yahoo account when you get a chance!
Hey Jeff! I finally finished my first week of work and had an opportunity to leave you a comment. The blogs have been nothing but quality! Keep it up! Talk to you later man! -Blaine
Wow, it sounds like you are really getting things done there! Good job on that--is the art paintings or sculptures or something else... I am glad that you are having fun....have you met quite a few friends? Love ya!
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