Uproot Lithograph pencil on watercolor paper 2011 Mark Vallen

Art for Haiti: Benefit Exhibition February 5-28, 2011 SAVE THE DATE: Opening Reception Saturday, February 12 6:00-9:00 pm

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, and All Hands Volunteers.

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, causing public distrust of the aid regime. To put it lightly, the country of Haiti still needs our assistance.

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 for Haitian relief

Opening 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 Event
• Saturday, February 19 from 7:00-10:00 pm
• Coordinated by Isabel Rojas-Williams
• $5 suggested donation for Haitian relief

Open Discussion Forum to discuss the continuing challenges in Haiti and to learn how we can best aid in the cause.
• Saturday, February 26 from 6:00-9:00 pm
• Free of charge, donations accepted for Haitian relief

In addition, the gallery will be collecting supply donations through the end of February, including: new clothing and shoes, school supplies, hygiene supplies (toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, shampoo, combs), and first aid supplies (children’s and adult tylenol, vitamins, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, water purification tablets). 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.