Art sale to support Haitian school

Liza Darwin Assistant Arts Editor

While Director of International Services at Vassar and founder of the Vassar Haiti Project Andrew Meade was attending high school in Haiti in the 1970s, he got to know the land, the people, and the culture of the country. Concurrently, he discovered that beneath the poverty and political turmoil of Haiti, the people there still possessed an immensely vibrant spirit.

Mr. Meade witnessed poverty, medical problems and environmental devastation, but above all he observed a people that demonstrated remarkable personal pride and dignity. This was especially evident in their colorful and wildly imaginative art. He wanted to help the Haitian people and their culture out of poverty; he finally decided that supporting education was the best way to do so, as it could give people the tools to succeed in life.

Project Co-Chair Lila Meade said, “Over six years ago, my husband, Andrew, had a little idea of supporting a school in Haiti, which he took to the Dean of the College.” This idea of improving Haitian education grew into the non-profit organization, Vassar Haiti Art Project.

“We purchase all the art we sell from artists, artisans, galleries, and gift shops in Haiti,” said Ms. Meade. “Art was once a thriving export industry in Haiti, less so today. Projects like this one help keep artists and artisans at work, and the galleries and gift shops open.”

To help support those artists, a small committee of students and faculty kick-started an art sale at Vassar in 2002, which grew into a community-wide partnership. According to the Project’s Web site, the their mission is to support education in a Haitian village and to educate the Vassar and Poughkeepsie community about the culture, history, and art of the Haitian people (outreach.vassar.edu/haitiproject). Fundraising activities are specifically aimed at supporting education in Chermaître, a village northwest of Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

The Haiti Project holds its annual art sale to support Haitian artists and raise awareness about the culture. The sale features more than 250 paintings, handicrafts, silk scarves, flags, and sculptures. The art is first purchased from the artists themselves at market price and then goes to the show at Vassar for sale to consumers. The funds from the sale help to build a seven-room school in Chermaître, increase teachers’ salaries and pay for lunches.

In January 2007, members of the Vassar Haiti Project went to Chermaître to check on the progress of the school. Mr. Meade, Assistant Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations Dionne Jackson, and Associate Professor of French Mark Andrews reported that the construction of the new school was about halfway complete, and that the children seemed happy to be able to attend.

The Project continues to expand into the community. The small committee has grown to include people from surrounding areas. “One of the greatest thrills has been the great and growing numbers of people,” said Mr. Meade, “including dozens of Vassar students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and folks from the Hudson Valley and beyond, who have requested the opportunity to participate either as a member or a partner of this project.”

The Meades’ daughter Kristen Meade ’10, a member of the Executive Committee, has been involved in the Project since its inception. She has participated in the execution of the exhibit and other events throughout the year. In addition to the art show, the Vassar Haiti Project also makes presentations to various organizations to spread awareness and interest from the community.

Anyone can help the Haiti Project by buying art or merchandise from the sale. Donations are also accepted. In 2005, the Project grossed more than $60,000 from fundraising efforts, which allowed construction of the new school to begin. The organization is hopeful that they will have another successful year. “Supporting education is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference in the world, and that is why the Vassar Haiti Project is so incredible,” said Mr. Meade.

The Haitian art sale will take place from April 13-15 in the Main Building Multi-Purpose Room.