The Women Artists of Matènwa, Haiti

Using picturesque images drawn from their own culture and history, the Atis Fanm, (Kreyol for Women Artists) paint on silk scarves stories from their lives, from the bible, from the Vodou religion, and from memories of flora and fauna that are fast disappearing from their world.

 

 

Matènwa is a small, rural Haitian community in the mountains of Lagonav, an island in Haiti's great, blue bay. Welcome to the lives, challenges and creativity of this unique Haitian community !

We are in Haiti working with the artists until September 25, 2008. Thanks to you, in spite of Haiti’s recent public protests over its food crisis the families in Matènwa are still making a living. Our current visit in Haiti will help us to asses the impact of the major tropical systems that have recently passed over Matènwa. Please don’t forget us, wait to place your orders until after September 25th when we return with fresh, new artwork. A recent letter is here.

Detail of an embroidery, a traditional craft practiced in Haiti.

The Atis Fanm are building livelyhood and community
through the arts.