This July, the Vassar Haiti Project and PeaceQuilts will host their second annual sale of Haitian handmade crafts, each piece expressing Haiti’s vibrant artistry and rich cultural heritage. The sale, featuring original Haitian art and hundreds of unique, handcrafted goods like bags, jewelry, and paintings, will take place from July 13 to 16. The event will be hosted at two notable venues: Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs, and the Federated Church in Edgartown, and it aims to share the Haiti Project’s mission with the locals of Martha’s Vineyard.
Founded in 2001, the Vassar Haiti Project engages students in a unique experiential education. It is dedicated to raising awareness of Haitian culture and society in the U.S., supporting the welfare of hundreds of Haitian artists, promoting sustainable development, and providing hands-on practical education in global citizenship. You can help the Haiti Project in its mission by purchasing a crafted good, or by donating.
The proceeds from these events will be instrumental in funding education initiatives for a K-6 primary school in Chermaitre, Haiti, and a scholarship program for primary school graduates to attend secondary school. Joining hands with the Vassar Haiti Project in this endeavor is PeaceQuilts, a nonprofit organization committed to establishing and supporting independent, self-managed sewing cooperative businesses in Haiti. PeaceQuilts empowers Haitian women to build their own businesses and earn a living wage through the creation of one-of-a-kind folk art quilts and handmade products embodying Haiti’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
It is important to note that donations and purchases made during the event are deductible under IRS regulations, adding another layer of incentive for participation. Over two decades, the Vassar Haiti Project has engaged thousands of people, both domestically and internationally, in the support and admiration of Haitian art. As a result, the project has successfully funded sustainable development initiatives in 45 rural northwestern Haitian mountain villages, creating tangible, positive change in the lives of their inhabitants. Visit their website, thehaitiproject.org, to learn more about specific sales times and their mission.