By: Sarah Hagy

“Tsara Velona” is Malagasy for “it’s good to be alive;” one of many sayings Corie Hinton learned and lived by during her two years as an environmental Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar.  Hinton, a local muralist,  calls herself an Africa person and has been captivated by the mysteries of Africa since she was young.  Hinton has roots in Eugene and an artistic family history.  She remembers a childhood filled with scraped knees and paint stained fingers.

Hinton studied Illustration and Animation at Laguna College of Art and Design.  She has a fierce passion for the environment and after graduating decided to volunteer for the Peace Corps.  Before she knew it, Hinton was walking the dirt streets of Voloina in the tropical rain forests of Madagascar.  Her days began at dawn with an ice cold bucket shower and rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Hinton taught a new farming method that was popular in the urban areas.  It was essential that she learn the language, the customs, and gain the people’s trust.  After her first year there was a coup and the Peace Corps pulled out.  Hinton went home, but her heart was lost to Madagascar.  After eight months she was one of eleven volunteers who returned to open the country.

After coming home, Hinton lacked a sense of direction.  She saw several different paths she could take including being a tattoo artist or illustrator.  When in Madagascar she missed so many things, like hot showers and fish and chips.  But, above all she missed painting murals.  Hinton was commissioned to work on a mural with schoolchildren and joined Lane Arts Council’s YouthArts.  “I had to do some serious soul-searching, and figure out what I want to do,” Hinton said.  “I think this is it.”  Her dream career was coming together, to work with kids and paint.

Last year, Hinton began a Malaria prevention mural with a group of fourth graders.  The kids partook in arts education while learning to appreciate and respect another culture. Now the mural is being installed in a hospital in Madagascar.  Someday Hinton would like to work for an international health organization painting murals that spread health awareness.

This summer, Hinton is returning to Madagascar to illustrate a medicinal plants book for a friend who received a grant from National Geographic.  Then she plans to move to Portland where there are more schools and empty walls just waiting for her.