Connecting children of the world one paintbrush at a time. Promoting peace and understanding through the universal language of art.

 Paintbrush Diplomacy is the lifelong project of Char and Rudy Pribuss, a husband and wife team committed to “sharing the fruits of children’s creativity with people around the world.” Char and Rudy began their travels in the early 1970’s. Char was a professional artist and Rudy was a retired engineer. In the early days, Char set up her easel wherever they stayed and captured the flavor of each place. Before long, she and Rudy noticed that curious children always gathered around, interested in Char’s work and eager to make and share their own paintings. Although they rarely spoke the same language, Char and Rudy loved the children who came, and they actually got to know some of them. They collected the children’s artwork casually, and eventually they began to exchange paintings with children in other cities and countries. A great idea was born.

Officially founded in San Mateo, CA in 1975, Paintbrush Diplomacy became a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation with tax-exempt status in 1986. Since then, Paintbrush Diplomacy has become a San Francisco Bay Area success story. The Art Exchange grew to include 10,000 children in 100 countries annually. Paintbrush Diplomacy has been funded by, and has art exhibits with, the United Nations, UNICEF, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Geographic Society, VISA International, Rotary International, the Peace Corps, the World Affairs Council, and many other regional organizations. We truly believe that this is the beginning of a brighter future yet to come.