art of conservation

(1993), managed Gabrielle Sanchez Studio, and designed for Sleeping Partners, Inc. From there, she opened Julie Ghrist Studio. Throughout this time, Julie volunteered on behalf of conservation, finally deciding to move to Africa in 2005. Initially, she volunteered in Kenya for Earthwatch Insititute, in Cameroon for the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund, and in Rwanda for the International Gorilla Conservation Program. In 2006, Julie began creating the project, Art of Conservation, in Rwanda.

Valerie AKUREDUSENGE
Assistant to the Director, Translator and Interpreter
(2006-to present)
Valerie grew up in the Gakenke District in the Northern Province of Rwanda. She recently finished her university level training at INES - Ruhengeri, Institut d'Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri, in the Department of Translation and Interpreting. Valerie has worked as a translator and guide for Amahoro Tours, a community-based tourism company based in Ruhengeri. She completed a two-month internship with the Rwandan Parliament, translating and interpreting speeches as well as written text. Her independent study was about the importance of proper training for guides who work in community-based tourism. She enjoys working with people and loves to learn new things.

Eric MUTABAZI
Lead Art Instructor (2006-to present)
Eric grew up in Musanze District, Northern Province, Rwanda. He attended secondary school at the School of Art Nyundo in Gisenyi, Rubavu District, Rwanda, and has worked mostly as a graphic artist producing logos and signage for a variety of clients. He is one of few well-established, working artists in Rwanda despite the many challenges of life and work in the country. Eric enjoys working with all types of media - especially acrylics - and hopes to continue filling his studio with more art materials and supplies.

Vincent de Paul RUKUNDO
Agronomist (2008)
Vince is in his final year of studies at the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, (ISAE BUSOGO), and is the projects newest member. Vince brings valuable knowledge and experience in rural development and agribusiness - his special interests are in modern agricultural techniques, soil protection, and water management. In 2004, Vince performed a role as an agronomist technician at a cooperative in developmental agriculture with the focus on farming and forestry, (COODAF, Cooperative de Developpement Agricole, Elevage et Forestier).
Following this role, Vince performed duties as an agricultural monitor helping in a project aiming to mobilize rural people in finding the value of agricultural activities, (PARVA, Programme d'Animation Rurale pour la Valorisation des Activities Agricoles).
Vince loved playing ping pong as a child and now is learning to play tennis. He also loves dogs and cats.

Fahad NDANGIZA
Assistant to Lead Art Instructor (2007)
Fahad grew up in Kisoro District in western Uganda. After completing primary and secondary level education, Fahad attended Kakungulu Memorial School in Kampala, Uganda for two years of advanced level arts. Fahad returned to Rwanda, his home country, to share his knowledge with his people and work with Art of Conservation. Fahad has now returned to Uganda where he is participating in a three year study leading to his award in Bachelor of Art and Industrial Design at Kyamgobo University of Kampala. The Team at AoC and our students desperately miss Fahad, but alternately we're thrilled about the wonderful opportunity he has in furthering his formal art education.