Ridge Art gallery owner, Laurie Beasley, unveils a show of traditional Haitian papier mache carnival masks, bowls and ornaments made by children in Jacmel, Haiti. The artists are a part of the Art Creation Foundation for Children, a non-profit arts organization created for the education and personal growth of children in need in Jacmel, Haiti.

The show will open during the What’s Blooming on Harrison arts festival and eco-exhibition.  In keeping with the event’s theme, “It’s Easy being Green,” the boldly colorful masks featured in the show are made from recycled cement bags that have been fashioned into fiercely striking animal faces.

ACFC founder and president, Judy Hoffman, says, “It’s a privilege to help bring hope to the 60 children served by ACFC. They learn traditional Haitian arts and crafts, attend school, and receive food, health care, and emotional support. We are grateful that Laurie is featuring the children’s artwork at Ridge Art gallery.”

Just under two hours by air from Miami, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere with nearly 80% of the population living in poverty, and a significant portion of the population facing malnutrition and illiteracy.

Art in Haiti is a very important foundation that provides a means of survival to a large number of people. A single artist can help create a trickle-down effect, impacting the broader community by having the money to buy food from a local vendor, fabric to be used as canvas from a neighbor, etc.

“Increasingly folk art is being used to facilitate social change. The local culture is preserved, income is assured, and the art is treasured by collectors globally,” said Ridge Art gallery owner, Laurie Beasley. “These handcrafted pieces from the children are more than just beautiful art; they are imbued with their stories of hope.”

Ridge Art will continue to exhibit the ACFC children’s work through Summer, 2009.

See the full schedule of What’s Blooming on Harrison events.