Saturday morning the historic Puck Building in New York City was magically transformed into a Haitian art collector's paradise as exhibitors from far and near came to display their treasures. The occasion was an exhibit and sale sponsored by Les Amis du Musee d'Art Haitien. The cavernous space grew smaller and smaller as hammers pounded the brick walls readying them for the artwork. It took approximately four hours for the ladders, lights, plants, boxes, signs and other paraphernalia to be properly placed. By 2:00, the walls were filled with the colorful creations of the artists, books and crafts filled tables and baskets and the show began. It was a two-day celebration of Haiti, its people, its culture, and its spirit.

MedaliaArt - The Art of Haiti - Our Gallery

Representatives of many Haitian galleries made the trip north for the exhibit. The wonderful pieces that were on sale represented many artists, from the first generation to present-day talent. The art that was displayed ranged from the surrealistic skeletal trees of Gourgue, the wide-eyed figures of Wilson Bigaud, the contrasting colors of Calixte Henry and the silhouettes of Claude Dambreville, to the bright faces of Fritzner Alphonse, the market women of J. Pierre, and the delicate colors of Reynald Joseph. Jacques Toussaint from Canada was there with his paintings. There were also a number of NY/Haitian artists on hand to personally show their work. We could continue for pages describing the eye catching pieces that adorned the walls, but suffice to say it was truly a wonderful representation the creativity of the Haitian people.

Though many of the customers who browsed through our booth were collectors and familiar with the art, there were a large number of guests who were new to the genre and experienced the captivating effect of Haitian art for the first time. We were delighted to be able to associate the faces with the telephone voices and e-mail notes of our online friends as we met them in person. (Our thanks to all of you for stopping by and saying hello!)

Saturday evening's festivities began early with the music, passed hors d'oeuvre and refreshments. The elegantly dressed guests browsed from booth to booth as they prepared for the gala benefit dinner, which by the way was a wonderful success. The menu was Haitian and the music was provided by RAM, who performed two sets. Everyone raved about the food and the dance floor was crowded all night!

By late Sunday afternoon, everyone was leg weary and ready for a rest. However, a last minute rush of guests kept the show open later than the original closing time of 4:00. Though it was a bit sad to dismantle our little "gallery" and prepare for the trip home, you are fortunate that MedaliaArt never closes and our art is readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! So if there was something that caught your eye and you couldn't quite decide, please browse our virtual galleries and make your selections.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the coordinators of the show, Les Amis du Musee d'Art Haitien, for their help and organization. We expect to be back next year and we hope to see you there!

Musee d'Art Haitien du College St. Pierre

The Musee d'Art Haitien du College St. Pierre, founded in 1972, was the beneficiary of the event. Les Musee was started to retain and protect national treasures and to advance appreciation for the extraordinary art produced by Haiti's self-taught and academic artists. The phenomenon of such vibrant, complex creativity erupting spontaneously within one of the world's poorest countries is a classic example of the blade of grass making its way through the asphalt. An American, Dewitt Peters, who was a conscientious objector during World War II and taught in Haiti, was one of the first to nurture this phenomenon. Others, closely associated with the founding of the Centre d'Art, also helped the movement progress.

The center's discovery and encouragement of previously ignored, indigenous artists who often used simple house paints and chicken feathers as brushes; its provision of basic art materials, studio space and some instruction; soon resulted in a flowering of art. This attracted the attention of the French surrealists, led to immediate international recognition and exhibitions and truly amazed the world. That first generation of self-taught Haitian artists of the 1940's has been succeeded by a second and third generation, often trained in France and the United States, technically sophisticated yet in touch with the symbolism and intensity of their unique culture.

The permanent collections of the Centre 'd'Art and of the Episcopal Church of Haiti, which commissioned the famed murals on the capital's Holy Trinity Cathedral, form the corps of the Musee d'Art Haitien du College Saint Pierre. This is the most important collection of Haitian art in the world. It truly represents the essence of what was, and still is, Haitian creative expression of the second half of the 20th century, a source of loans for exhibitions in major museums internationally and material for scholars affiliated with universities in the Americas and Europe, perpetuating the cultural heritage of the country.

The museum has withstood the travails of politics and climate since its founding, but now is badly in need of first restoration for the collection, and second, support for its master plan for expansion developed by Washington D. C. firm of Grina Architects. Beyond improvements in the museum's physical plant, the plan calls for more and better equipped exhibition space,improved security and collection storage; also expansion of the existing building to house an educational department for lectures, seminars, and a library; and improvements in the museum shop and restaurant, both income generating services for the institution.