Myanmar Update: For Sonny

Sonny Nyein sculpture

Sonny sculpture at ABB Exhibit 2017
In the foreground is one of Sonny’s pieces. From Artists Beyond Boundaries Group Exhibit, 2017


Not that there is anything “usual” about these Myanmar updates, but if anything, this one is more personal. One of Myanmar’s great artists passed from this world from COVID. U Sonny Nyein was a great sculptor and a fine human being. I did not know him well, but I liked him and enjoyed our limited time together. 

All of these updates are personal, though. Not that I might not have acknowledged the devastation afflicting Myanmar for less personal reasons, but the simple fact is that if you spend time with people in a country so warm and welcoming, especially artist peers and colleagues, this becomes family.


I don’t really want to spend much time on the Tatmadaw. I don’t want to pay them any mind today nor do I particularly want to discuss COVID and how these twin disasters are laying waste to this beautiful country and its people. 


I do want to offer support to my friends and their families and to all the people of Myanmar.


I hope you do, too. To that end, in lieu of a longer entry, I’m simply going to post my list of agencies you can support. Your thoughts and prayers are important, as well, but I do hope that you consider becoming a little more involved with helping out where you can and within your capacity. 


For the People of Myanmar. For Sonny.

Information and News Organizations and Ways to Get Involved and Help:

Campaign for Myanmar just launched and I recommend checking their site out for a wealth of up to the minute information and action items you can pursue.

Justice for Myanmar

Mutual Aid Myanmar

Frontier Myanmar

Burma Campaign U.K.

U.S. Campaign for Burma Twitter feed

The Irrawaddy

Progressive Voice

International Campaign for the Rohingya

The Rohingya News Bank

There may be duplications, but here is more:

The Coup in Myanmar: Resources to learn more and What you can do





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