Paul is the Director of the Riecken Foundation in Guatemala (a former ArtCorps partner organization) and he currently serves on the ArtCorps Board. 

A critical concept that ArtCorps understands and implements effectively through its projects is that the creative, collaborative process is as valuable as art's message and tangible products. Engaging rural communities in the art process boldens their participatory experience in community development and makes projects more sustainable, whether they focus on the environment, education, public health or economic growth.

As country director of a former ArtCorps partner organization in Guatemala, I worked with talented artists passionate about involving local leaders, children and youth groups in our work. The Riecken Foundation's network of community libraries hosted ArtCorps Artists for three years. 

Exchange is an important component of the ArtCorps model. As artists and their counterparts at the local level face challenges together in how to integrate a new way of thinking into important community development work, they build a shared knowledge that has staying power both for the community and the organization.