An Extraordinary (Swazi) Art Show in New York

I don't often use this blog to write about art shows in New York City.  But this is a very special occasion and this is no ordinary art show.  (Of course anyone who organizes an art show will tell you that theirs is "not ordinary.)"  

In this case, the show is sponsored by Swaziland Arts for Education, an organization that our niece Kristin Wetzler helped create after she returned from serving in the Peace Corps in Swaziland.  Kristin is also a graduate of Bread for the World's Hunger Justice Leaders program in 2008.

The concept is simple.  S.A.F.E. provides an opportunity for communities in Swaziland (mostly women) to sell their arts & crafts to U.S. buyers.  The proceeds are then used to support education in a handful of villages in Swaziland.  Most of those who benefit are vulnerable children who suffer from HIV/AIDS.  Read Kristin's vision for S.A.F.E.

So, if you happen to be in New York City on Saturday, May 1, or know anyone who lives in the area, please support this S.A.F.E. event.

Here are the details:

Saturday, May 1, 2010

6:00pm - 9:00pm

The Loading Dock

170 Tillary

Brooklyn, NY

Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase swazi art to support the education of orphans and vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in Swaziland.

Cocktails, beer, fish tacos (cash bar)

Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence in the world. Forty-four Swazis become infected with HIV every single day. It is projected that by the end of 2010, there will be 110,000 orphaned children in a population of roughly 900,000. The average life expectancy in Swaziland is 37 years. Ten years ago it was 60.

Our motivation for S.A.F.E. is to help keep swazi orphans and vulnerable children in school. We believe that education is the answer to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Swaziland. S.A.F.E. has developed a sponsorship program working with a local organization in Swaziland to identify children in need of sponsorship to continue their education. Through donations, and by selling handmade swazi art, we can help keep these children, who could not otherwise continue their education, in school.