I had so much fun with my very first exhibit, entitled "Images of Brazil".  As the culmination of my 2 1/2 years in Brazil I wanted to bring something together to celebrate the diversity of its people, places, flora and fauna that I had grown to understand, love, and respect.  In my "gap" year after highschool one of my main activities was working towards finalizing my collection of photographs and artwork for the exhibition. With the help of my sponsor FUNATURA - a Brazilian NGO I had worked with as a volunteer - the opening night of the show was a great success with guests of all age groups of over 30 nationalities including diplomats, environmentalists, fellow students, and even some of my little first graders.

An important theme in my show was the promotion of a native Brazilian Amazonian bird - the ararajuba (the golden conure).  A project of FUNATURA's for many years was the effort to make this severely endangered species the national bird of Brazil.  While another has recently taken on the role of the official national bird, the goal of striving to promote knowledge of this beautiful and rare bird remains vitally important to its survival.  I dearly hope it will remain a national icon for Brazilians.