Wanting to broaden our involvement with the people of My Lai beyond economic development projects,
Mike Boehm proposed the idea of an art exchange to Mr. Tran Anh Trung, Vice-Chair of Son My (My Lai)
Primary School in November, 1996. He also provided art materials for the students.

When Boehm returned to Madison with the drawings from My Lai, the students at Marquette Elementary
School responded with curiosity and concern for the children of My Lai. On his return visit to Viet Nam in
September, 1997, with more artwork, it was clear that his vision was taking root. The possibilities for this
art exchange are best expressed by an eight year old participant from Madison, Wisconsin. When asked
if she had heard of the Viet Nam War, she said she had "...But that was a long time ago. Now we can be friends."

'More children-to-children projects. This art exchange project is expanding to more and more schools.
The children attending Crestwood Elementary School, Madison, Wisconsin, have begun fundraising
(car washes etc.) to raise money for a loan for one family in My Lai to start a small business. The
children will provide a photo essay of things they are interested in for the family and Mike Boehm will
create a photo essay of the way the family lives to give to the children. Initial steps have taken to create
a relationship between a progressive girl troop in Madison, WI, and the Pioneer Youth organization in Viet Nam.