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The art of communication

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Written by Brian McCauley

Wednesday, 25 February 2009 09:00

Jo Sickbert knows the power and importance of art.

The former Paola resident, who now lives with her husband in Overland Park, has been using her imaginative artistic talent to bring to life colorful, wholesome paintings for several years. The proud grandmother has won several art competition awards for her work, which has been displayed in galleries all across the world, including most recently during a show in Japan.

But Sickbert also knows art isn’t limited to brush and canvass.

During her frequent communication with Japanese officials, Sickbert became familiar with International Creators’ Organization. The Japan-based corporation coordinates art projects and publishes international art books. It began in 1962 as Japan Creators’ Association, which was created as a cooperative organization to help talented artists promote their work to the professional business world.

Now, Sickbert and ICO officials are turning their focus to the art of communication.

It began with the establishment of Sickbert’s now long-standing relationship with ICO officials. Initially, her conversations with them were choppy, with the Japanese natives understanding the basic vocabulary of English but not the everyday conversational skills. Today, their conversations run much smoother, and Sickbert credits their constant effort to continue communicating with each other as the key to learning.

That concept is being put into action, as Sickbert said the Japanese government recently stated that all Japanese students must learn conversational English in their English classes. The task will be daunting for educators, many of whom only teach English vocabulary and grammar, Sickbert said.

ICO’s answer to the problem is Chat-Chan, a program designed to teach Japanese students conversational English by having them take part in conversations with Americans via the Internet. “Chan” means a small child in Japanese.
It’s Sickbert’s hope that the benefits of the program will go both ways, as American participants will be paid for their participation and have the opportunity to learn about Japanese language and culture.

“We are very excited about the potential of our new program,” Sickbert said. “It is a pleasant and easy way for part-time teachers to earn an extra income. In addition, teachers will have a chance to learn about the culture of Japan, which is a beautiful country of gracious and friendly people. At the same time, Japanese students will have an opportunity to learn conversational English in a comfortable and natural way.”

Although American participants are referred to as “teachers,” Sickbert said no special teaching skills are necessary. All a participant needs is a computer and a Skype setup with a camera to talk via the Internet.

Putting a focus on children is nothing new for Sickbert, who uses her artistic skills to create vibrant paintings, many of which feature children playing in snow-covered landscapes, sun-kissed beaches and other peaceful settings. Some of her paintings have even been used in children’s calendars.

Sickbert’s husband, Wally, worked for Taylor Forge in Paola for 40 years, and the couple still have several ties to Miami County.

For more information about Chat-Chan, visit its Web site at www.chatchan.com or send an e-mail to Sickbert at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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