ART FOR HAITI: Benefit Exhibition

One year has passed since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the already impoverished country of Haiti, causing widespread death, injury and homelessness. The people of Haiti are still struggling with basic material needs, and a year later, hundreds of thousands are still living in tents. Bureaucratic corruption continues to delay recovery efforts, and the recent Cholera outbreak exposed flaws in humanitarian health care, resulting in public distrust of foreign aid. To put it lightly, the country of Haiti still needs assistance.

José Vera Fine Art & Antiques will be hosting a group art exhibition during the month of February to benefit the people of Haiti. Throughout the month, José Vera Gallery will be exhibiting the work of international artists, hosting fundraising events, and accepting donations on behalf of relief organizations that are offering direct and immediate support to the Haitian people, including: Hope for Haiti (www.hopeforhaiti.com), and All Hands Volunteers (www.hands.org).

In addition, the gallery will be collecting supply donations through the end of February. For a full list of acceptable items, please visit the Hope for Haiti website: http://www.hopeforhaiti.com/supplies.php. Monetary donations will also be accepted and directed to the organizations mentioned above. José Vera Fine Art & Antiques will be donating a portion of the proceeds of artwork sales to All Hands Volunteers upon the close of the show.

The gallery will be hosting several events throughout the month including:

Opening Night Fundraising Gala – Saturday, February 5 from 6:00-10:00 pm

• Featuring refreshments and live music
• $20 suggested donation to All Hands Volunteers

Open Reception – Saturday, February 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm

• In conjunction with the NELA Art Walk
• Free of charge, donations accepted for Haitian relief

Poetry Reading & Live Music – Saturday, February 19 from 7:00-10:00 pm

• Coordinated by Isabel Rojas-Williams         
• Featuring the poetry of: Ricardo Acuña, Gloria Enedina Alvarez, Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin, Roberto Leni, Rossana Perez, Thelma Reyna, David Strother (violinist)
• $5 suggested donation to All Hands Volunteers

Open Discussion Forum – Date and time TBA

• To discuss the continuing challenges in Haiti and to learn how we can best aid in the cause
• Free of charge, donations accepted for Haitian relief