Bama Bus - Home

CURRENT LOCATION: History, USA
MILES TRAVELED: 8,603
LAST UPDATED: December 11th, 2008

December 11th, 2008 • History, USA • 8,603 miles
Yes we can; Yes we did. Yes we will!

They said we were crazy. Paint a l986 VW BUS and drive it 7,034 miles across America in the final 3l days of the election doing art with people , seriously? Like, with spray-paint and stencils, and stuff?

We set out to give America an imagination, to get our generation out from behind their laptops, and to remind people it’s on us. Yes we can; Yes we did. America is my community, and if you ask me, it’s Yes we will. Now, instead of a dream, I have a reality.
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*My apologies on the delayed post I had to head to Israel for a family wedding immediatley after the election.

Help the Bamabus at Inauguration! Please copy and paste this email on my behalf to anyone you might know who can help us (add your own personal note too):

Dear Friend,

My name is Gadi, one of the Captains of the BamaBus. We are now preparing for Inauguration and I wanted to see if you might be willing to help.

I recently completed the BamaBus project (www.bamabus.com), where in the final 31 days of the election, my partner, Annie Woods, and I, set out on an expedition across America to politically engage fellow citizens through art. We drove 7,034 miles through every battleground state, in a 1986 Volkswagen bus that we designed, painted and stenciled.

In city squares, college campuses and with community organizers, from Nevada to Pennsylvania and down to Florida, we enabled and guided individuals in the creation of their own t-shirts using hand-cut original stencils and spray paint. Only because of the donations we received at each stop in addition to contributions online, were we able to pay for gas and supplies and make it from California to New York and down to Miami for Election Day.

Throughout our adventure we captured over 50 hours of documentary footage. The next phase of this project is sharing this story of creativity, empowerment and activism with the American People through a documentary and traveling exhibit.

My dream is to be able to set up some sort of traveling museum exhibit to share this story with high school and college students across the country. Subsequently, I hope to find a museum that may add the bus to their permanent collection.

In the short term, we would like to contribute to one of the many Inaugural Balls that are happening in Washington, D.C. – the MTV and ServiceNation Inaugural Ball, because of our demographic, is especially appealing. Additionally, we are trying to explore the idea of having the bus on temporary display at either a museum or organization in the District.

I was hoping to talk with you and gain any insights you might have regarding these short and long term goals.

Please check out the videos, photos and stories at bamabus.com and contact me at any time (651) 491-0767 or gadirouache@gmail.com

"Art the change you wish to see in the world."

Be well and I hope you'll be in touch,

Gadi

_________________________
Gadi Rouache
Director
Art The Change: Bama Bus
www.artthechange.org www.bamabus.com
gadirouache@gmail.com
(651) 491-0767

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November 4th, 2008 • Miami, FL • 7,034 miles
GO VOTE

Call your friends and tell them to VOTE. Text your kids and tell them to VOTE. GO VOTE.

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November 2nd, 2008 • Miami, FL• 6,904 miles

4 Letters - G O T V - GET OUT THE VOTE!

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October 30th, 2008 • North Carolina • 6,048 miles

I am constantly refreshed with the idea of America and what it means to me. I think it lies somewhere in between the hospitality of a hot meal and welcoming strangers. I have seen the west coast to east coast and how it changes like a leafs color in the fall. Stereotypes have been broken and impressions have been made. This is a welcoming country, a place where within a few short phone calls to the local Obama Headquarters we can find a warm place to stay with some of the most open-hearted people I have met. Like our friends in Leesburg, VA who took us in and reminded me what the importance of community and hospitality plays in our society. Something that has been trumped in the past years, where fear and keeping to ones business has crushed the American soul. Brighter days are ahead and in these last few days we must push through the challenges- we must rise up Tuesday November fourth. It is hard for me to take any polls serious…hard to believe they are making this race seem so neck and neck. Because we have traveled 6,048 miles- and in our bus it is hard to drive one of those six thousand plus miles with out a honk our thumbs up. The hundred thousand plus crowds- people waiting five hours in freezing cold to see Obama. the people have spoken and the passion is ignited for change. Let our voice be heard and let's show the world that we can walk out of a dark tunnel and into the light- and be the change we have been waiting for.

This is our moment. This is our future. This is now.

All I ask of you is to VOTE.

Annie Woods

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October 27th, 2008 • Leesburg, VA • 5,301 miles
After Some Fun in Philly we turn South for Victory!

We're writing you from an Obama Campaign Office in Leesburg, Virgina. It's been about 1,000 miles since our last entry five days ago and so very much has happened. We've been to Pittsburgh, PA, made a pit-stop in New York City, spent some time in Philly and Chester and have made our way down into Northern Virginia. Twenty-something stops into our journey and we have yet to meet an Obama Staff Member or Volunteer who has been anything less than wonderful. Seriously, last night we slept in a house that was built in 1821 on the outskirts of Leesburg. Having only talked on the phone for a cumulative15 minutes (as a high-ball estimate) we were welcomed so very warmly with dinner, company and some warm beds.

In Pittsburgh, PAwe spent time with an undecided voter who is studying at PITT to be a doctor. Our conversation started with health care, where we agreed that Obama's plan presents a much more feasible and comprehensive plan, but we quickly moved to the question of activism and the future or America. I asked him how many young people do you personally know passionately making the last few months and days of the Obama campaign their life, and how many do you know on the other side? Now I know that there are passionate young people on the other side, but neither my undecided friend or myself could name even one. This commitment and passion and the sheer numbers of individuals we know is a key aspect of how we'll shape our future. By electing Obama, we have the potential to move this momentum into our government. Any other result is not simply a tradeoff, it will actually turn millions of young people away from jobs that help our communities. Leaving Pittsburgh, I can't say 100% that we have his vote, but I'd put it at 98.5%.

We drove through the night to make it to our pit-stop in New York City. We took the 20-or-so-hours we spent in NYC to accomplish our three objectives: 1. Energize New Yorkers and encourage them to get out and volunteer in our neighboring states in these final days, 2. Do some art and raise some money so we can get down to Florida, and 3. Drop off some stuff. It was short notice, but we had a good crowd out in DUMBO - for those of you who came out and made some T's with us - MUCH LOVE.

Saturday was the most rough weather we've had to date. Driving from NYC to Philly we had such winds and rain that we were almost blown off the road. Fear not - the Bama Bus rolls on! In Philly we enjoyed dinner with Adi and Susan. Adi is one of the founders or Art The Change who is now organizing in Pennsylvania focusing on the Jewish vote. STENCIL AMERICA! was the product of mine and Adi's first encounter back in January.

After dinner we went up to Chester, PA. A town in north of Philadelphia which has fallen to hard times. With the average annual income reportedly below $10,000 a year and a republican strong-hold the few jobs that still exist there, we saw first hand how inspiring the Obama campaign can be. We spent the night at Charlie's, an Obama supporter who is housing Rob, a field organizer and closer friend of mine. In the face of the prevailing political landscape, the Campaign for Change in Chester is making a difference. The region has such potential that Obama, the first presidential candidate since JFK, will be speaking there on Tuesday. We made some T's for Obama and each of his daughters and left them with Rob. No promises, but come Tuesday, perhaps we'll have outfitted the whole fam.

On our way to Leesburg we made a stop in our nation's capital, Washington D.C.. We drove by the buildings that come January, we (all of us) will have to frequent in order to make our promise of the future a reality.

So that's it... well most of it. We're now in Leesburg - so much more to come.

The BamaBus Team

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October 22nd, 2008 • Cuyahoga County, Ohio (Outside Cleveland) • 4,312 miles
Winnin' It in O-Hi-O!

Today we woke up in Cleveland, Ohio. It is hard to believe we have already been on the road now for over two weeks…time has passed us so fast as we return to Eastern Daylight Time. This journey has taken us deep into the lives and homes of Americans everywhere. It has given hope- we ask all walks of life along the way why they, themselves, believe in Barack Obama. We get the obvious "we need change" and then there are those who say " Barack makes me want to be a better American." Yes, a better person, a better America. We have been in Obama offices all OVER this country- you met folks that have quit there jobs, driven hundreds of miles, work fourteen hour days, knocking on doors---it's alive, the spirit of America is alive. And if, no, when, the campaign ethics and spirit carry over into the presidency- then I believe we can all feel confident in our future.

From small town parades to hundreds of thousands at a rally in St. Louis-this bus is making it's rounds across the country. The most important thing right now as November 4th draws nearer and nearer, is we can not assume anything, we can not live by the polls, the people must vote. And that vote must be counted- that's how together, we can shape the future.

To our friends in the Obama office at "The OSU" - thanks for your hospitality. Your vigor is what it's all about - we are so excited about your work in Columbus. Keep it up!

Yo - VOTE BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Now we are off to stretch our legs and go knock on some doors here in Cleveland.

Best,

Gadi and Annie

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October 21st, 2008 • I-70 East toward Indiana • 3,788 miles
100,000 Strong in St. Louis

Here we are on this endless stretch of highway with15 days left to the election! The time is now. If you're reading this sentance, ask yourself - A. Are you registered?In some states you can still register, or even register day-of. B. Does your state have early voting? In some states you can vote early, and in many states you can get your absentee ballot ahead of time. If you vote early, 1. you won't have to worry about exercising your right on November 4th (it'll be taken care of and will be among the first votes counted); 2. you can help get other people to the polls and help protect voter rights! C. Is everyone of your friends and family on board? Conversations are key. What a shame it is that we tend to think of "politics" as something we shouldn't bring up... WRONG. Like Obama says, we need to move to a place were we can disagree without being disagreeable. Go out and engage your friends, family, co-workers, and everyone they know. It's going to take everyone doing what he or she can do to win this election and the one-on-one personal conversations are key. D. Have you signed up to volunteer? It's knocking on doors, making telephone calls, and every conversation that is the real work of this campaign. Log onto your state Obama page and sign up!

St. Louis was very symbolic for us. After a Friday night on the Delmar Loop eating burgers at Blueberry Hill and meeting some locals, we woke up bright and early for Obama's Gateway Arch Rally. We set up the bus and our stencils outside. It's hard to describe... there were people as far as our eyes could see. So intent on getting in, people pretty much didn't want to get out of line. With about twenty minutes to go, Annie and I went in. Do you know what 100,000 people looks like? (Click on the Thumbnail to right). After the rally we made close to 60 T's with people. We were swarmed. Thanks to our supporters, Danielle Silber and her crew, we were able to perform. Thanks to all the people who came out to The Royale to support us!

Over and out,

Annie and Gadi

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October 17th, 2008 • Madison, WI • 3,297 miles

St. Louis Schedule: Come FIND US! (Updated Regularly)

• Friday 5pm – 10pm:"The Loop" University City (on Delmar)
• Saturday 9am – noon: St. Louis Arch Obama Rally.
• Saturday 2pm – 6pm: South Grand
• Saturday 8pm – 1:30am: The Royale - www.theroyale.com

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October 16th, 2008 • 94 East toward Madison, WI • 3,032+ miles
Minnesota, Michelle, MTV and The Danish Press!

We write you now from interstate 94 East heading toward Madison. Minnesota - what love! Let's take it from the top: Monday we went to a rally at Macalester College in St. Paul where Michelle Obama spoke. We woke up early and designed a new stencil of Michelle. We made shirts for the three of us and our kind host, (my mom) and got in the bus and headed up to the venue. It was a cold and wet Monday, but that didn't stop the crowd from lining up outside for the rally. Doors opened at 2:30pm, but I imagine that the first people in line where there well before noon.

At the end of Michelle's remarks we made our way to the front of the crowd. As Michelle came around the rope line, thanks to Annie, we were ready. T-shirt in hand, after a warm hug, Annie handed Michelle our t-shirt! ... YA!

In the gym where the rally was held Carissa from MTV NEWS approached us. She was so stoked about the bus that she came to our house party on Wednesday and again this morning (Thursday).

In other news, Annie and I are about to become famous in Denmark. Our story of spreading art and engaging voters about Obama has interested one of the leading Danish newspapers, Politiken (the Danish New York Times equivalent). We are now a featured and advertised corresponding blog. Check out our page on their website: (http://blog.politiken.dk/obamabussen/2008/10/15/et-rugbroed-for-obama/)

We are so grateful to all our supporters! We're moving on to Wisconsin because of you. But our work isn't over. Help us drive the movement!

I-94 East - Over and Out,

Gadi and Annie

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October 13th, 2008 • St. Paul, MN • 2,937 miles
Now Broadcasting Live from the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

We arrived late last night into my beautiful hometown - Mendota Heights, Minnesota. It has been one long weekend and we're excited to set up camp for a couple of days here in Minnesota! Yesterday in Iowa we had the honor of joining in to the Winterset/Madison County Parade. This parade is said to draw about 10,000 people is is taughted as the largest in Iowa. Driving behind the Madison County Democrats and ahead of a Women for Obama Float, it seemed as though the majority of the audience loved our BamaBus. HOW CUTE were the kids waving... I just don't know that I can articulate. Sure, we received a couple of aggressive and ignorant remarks, but if the parade is any indication - there is still work to do, but we believe Barack will carry Iowa!

After a short stop at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa - we made our way up to Minnesota. Now we're prepping to go see Michelle Obama (my First Lady!) at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Thanks for the support, keep checking back and much love,

Gadi

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October 11th, 2008 • Omaha, NE • 2,342 miles
Hello BamaBus Fans and Supporters,

We write to you from a giant corn field- some people call this place Nebraska. The flat scenery runs all the way to the horizon here. The Bus made it just fine, as it hummed along all through the night. We are about to head out and make shirts right here in Omaha…turning this place into Obamaha one shirt at a time!

This trip would not be possible without supporters like you (okay sorry for sounding like PBS) but honestly we can’t keep the movement rolling without your support---so thank you for the donations and please continue to tell friends about our adventure.

Annie

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October 10th, 2008 • Boulder, CO • 1,732 miles
We are currently in Boulder, Colorado! Check out our recently posted videos and photos! Please share some love, join our mailing list, suggest a song, and help us with gas money! More to come very shortly!

In the meantime - check out the articles written about us in Las Vegas Weekly!

art the change you wish to see in the world-

Gadi

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Filmmaker Annie Woods and the artist Gadi are embarking on a creative venture to intertwine Gen Y and the current political landscape. Inspired by the movement for change, they are driving a custom painted 1985 Volkswagen Bus through every battleground state, (over 8,000 miles,) during the final 31 Days of the election! At each stop they are engaging voters through STENCIL AMERICA!, a nationally acclaimed community art program that encourages people to create customized clothing and murals using spray paint and vibrant political stencils.

The Stencil America! Obama Mobile II began as a series of viral projects on separate coasts that focused on the intersection of art and politics.

In New York, Gadi’s idea to create dynamic stencil shirts which are hand designed by their owners led to the formation of STENCIL AMERICA!, an art project which featured in Central Park. By engaging throngs of fellow citizens to create unique clothing and art, Stencil America! demonstrated that we are a nation of active and politically conscious individuals. (VIDEO- www.artthechange.org/stencilamerica)

In San Francisco, Obama Mobile Sisters Annie and Samantha Woods are two young women inspired by the political grassroot movements. They detailed their 1990 Volvo Stationwagon with 520 Obama stickers and drove the “Obama Mobile” from San Francisco to Denver for the DNC Convention using Stencil America! parties to engage voters and raise money for gas. (www.obamamobileusa.com)

We cannot DRIVE THE MOVEMENT on empty -
we need YOUR support! Contribute Now!