While the world tries to comprehend the magnitude of loss and devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, the arts community of New Orleans has responded with an intense identification that befits the close geographical, historical and cultural ties between Haiti and South Louisiana. These ties are deep-rooted, extending their shared French heritage as well as the slave-based economy of the 18th and 19th century sugar cane industry.
Responding to Haiti's suffering in a way that honors these close ties while directly supporting the earthquake's victims posed a challenge, so the CAC approached artist Tina Girouard (longtime supporter & collector of Haitian art) with the goal of enhancing public awareness of the vitality of Haitian culture through its unique community of sequin and metal artists. A portion of proceeds from the sale of works in Saints & Spirits: Art of Haiti will go directly to support the families of this artistic community.
Featured artists include: Antoine Oleyant, Georges Valris, Edgar St. Louis, Gabriel Bien-Aime and Pierrot Barra. Some of their works are offered for sale as a means of getting direct support to artists in Haiti.
Exhibition organized with Haiti Arts (Tina Girouard, USA and Dr Jacques Bartoli, Haiti)
Full exhibition on view during gallery hours:
Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4pm
The Contemporary Arts Center and the
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation present
CLOSING CELEBRATION: Sunday, June 6, 2-6pm
Alo and Babay - Closing Day of Saints & Spirits exhibition on view at the CAC
A fundraiser to benefit the sequin artists of Haiti
2PM Film Screening: Haiti Dreams of Democracy (60mins)
3PM Walk-thru of Saints & Spirits exhibition with organizer Tina Girouard
4PM Film Screening: The Other Side of the Water (72mins)
5-6PM Art Sale/Rum Cocktails
Suggested Donation: $10 to directly benefit Haitian artists
40% off select Haitian artwork (sequin flags, metal figures, sequin bottles, postcards) in SpunTV Cafe´ at the CAC on Saturday & Sunday, 11-4pm
