Works of Beauty and Hope

Lorena is one of the artists featured in the Shine A Light: Artist Showcase & Auction. Her story showcases her talent and creative resilience.

Lorena was just a young teen when she first started picking through trash in the municipal landfill, near San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Not only did she gather recyclable materials to help earn income for her family, but she also began to create works of art.

“I began recycling materials such as fabric, wire, bottles, and other reusable objects that allowed me to generate an income. From these materials, I also made piñatas, paper decorations, and disposable bottle ornaments, which I sold,” she said.

“Later, when I started my own household and after the birth of my first daughter, I discovered an innate passion for sewing,” she said. With no prior training and motivated solely by the desire to create, she began making dresses for her daughter, perfecting her technique with each piece.

Lorena has also made and sold curtains and cushions with recycled fabrics. She used to sew only by hand.

“Once, while selling on the street, a woman gave me an antique sewing machine that had belonged to her mother. That moment marked a turning point in my life,” she said. “Although I didn’t know how to use it, I observed it, tested it, and eventually made it my faithful work companion. Since then, I’ve made hand-painted dresses, special birthday gifts for my daughters, and outfits for school competitions, many of which have won first place.”

Lorena is the mother of three children. Her two daughters graduated with scholarship support, and her son is a Samaritan Scholar currently in school.

“I still go to the garbage dump to collect materials like nylon and plastic bottles,” she said, “which I reuse to make dresses and other creations. I make each garment and each repair with dedication, creativity, and love, finding in this craft not only a means of livelihood but also a source of pride and personal satisfaction.”

ONLINE NOW: Artist Showcase & Auction

On October 1, 2025, the Shine A Light: Artist Showcase & Auction kicked off with a showcase at the International Samaritan offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Attendees were able to see the works of art in person and start bidding online.

You can bid now! The art auction is live. Enjoy bidding, and then mark your calendars for October 9, 2025, when you can join us online to meet some of the artists and conclude the auction at a live webinar.  

Thursday, October 9, 2025
1 p.m. EST
Register for the live conclusion of the auction: 
https://live.zoho.com/omfl-evn-rkh

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Erika Cuevas, Program Director

Erika has a degree in Management and Social Development. She has been working with International Samaritan since 2016 and before that she worked with at-risk children and youth for thirteen years. Her work consistently focuses on eradicating child labor in the municipal garbage dumps.