The center in Haiti, Forest of the Artists, was created in 1997 in two locations in the far northwest of the country: Gros Morne and Jean Rabel. The northwest has been beset by hurricanes, floods, landslides, and extreme poverty. The center started when one of the sisters began teaching local boys to paint with acrylics. At the beginning, they used makeshift canvases made from old clothes, which they’d ironed and coated with whitewash. Now the project has expanded, and they make beautiful artwork, painted crosses, and baskets.
This painting group allows young men to support their families and fund their own education through their artistic gifts.
A letter from one of the artists:
“My favorite colors are blue, yellow, red and white. I love my art work very, very much, but there is still so much to learn. That is why I would like to visit other countries where the greatest artists live and work. Wilnick Mondelus is my brother and it is a good thing that we can sell our paintings because there are 8 children in our family and we have no means at all. Being able to become good artists gives us hope for the future. In that way we can both help our family and hopefully, one day, all of our brothers and sisters can receive and education. Thank you for your support.”
Country:
Haiti
Picture(s):
