Street art wins

Street artist Ricky Lee Gordon aka Freddy Sam was positively stunned this week upon hearing that he had won an Arts and Healing Network Award, a prestigious prize focused on the power of art.

The first South African to ever receive this award, Ricky was presented with $4000 and well-deserved praise from the publication.

“They contacted me to nominate me, it was amazing to have something out of the blue like that happen,” says Ricky.

“I work very hard to run the projects I run and usually run them at a loss, believing that one day a tipping point will come. This prize is a sign that that day is on its way, and that people believe in what I’m trying to do… I know now things are just going to keep getting easier.”

The Arts and Healing Network contacted Ricky telling him they are deeply inspired by his “incredible creative vision in the work he is doing with murals, youth, and artists in Cape Town”.

In an email they wrote to him, they say: “We admire how you are using art within your community to revitalise and transform your neighbourhood. We are so impressed that at such a young age, you are so clear about your direction as an artist and we applaud you for your immense talent and leadership.”

Ricky says he has decided to use the money to invest in the /A WORD OF ART artist-in-residency program. Plans are being made to expand it and allow for a workshop area to be used by both local and international artist in residency.

More information: www.artheals.org, www.a-word-of-art.co.za, www.freddysam.com/blog/

Watch CNN’s video on Ricky Lee Grodn here