Miami Magazine Presents Haiti Art Expo 2011, Produced by Michael Capponi and Jeff Feldman, Sponsored by Marquis Vodka, Ludus Athletics & Capponi Construction Group

Miami Magazine Presents Haiti Art Expo 2011, Produced by Michael Capponi and Jeff Feldman, Sponsored by Marquis Vodka, Ludus Athletics & Capponi Construction Group

In addition to the day-time expo, for three nights the Haiti Art Expo will play host to events produced by noteworthy charitable organizations benefiting Haiti, including, Haiti Empowerment Mission, Hand in Hand for Haiti and Hard Hats for Haiti. The second edition of Haiti Art Expo is a pledge from Miami‘s cultural community to make a positive impact in the lives of the Haitian people. Michele Frisch and Galerie Marassa present an exhibition like no other, at which sales of works by renowned Haitian artists will benefit three important non-profit organizations that are currently working in Haiti.

Haiti Art Expo 2011 demonstrates the visionary power of Haitian visual art that has continued to command international attention. The exhibition features top works from the contemporary art master, Philippe Dodard and from Louisiane St. Fleurent, Levoy Exil, Payas, Alix Roy, Ronald Mevs, Luckner Candio and Manuel Mathieu. Upholding Haiti‘s unique tradition of inspirational, Creole-themed contemporary art, these works are certain to heighten the senses through an exotic use of Caribbean colors, shapes and forms. American artists have also donated to the cause; including Pop Artist Romero Britto, Sky Farrell, Leonardo Hidalgo and Peter T. Tunney.

On each of the four nights, proceeds from art sales will be committed to fund-raising for the following non-profit organizations:

OPENING NIGHT
THURSDAY, Dec. 1 – 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Benefiting the Haiti Empowerment Mission
Founded by Michael Capponi in 2011, Haiti Empowerment Mission works to eradicate poverty and eventually the need for foreign aid by introducing methods of sustainability for the poor. Transitional villages have been created for the displaced families of Haiti. The organization’s vision is to offer a new opportunity for a bright and financially independent future, in response to education for children and training programs for men and women who will be working in Jacmel’s service and tourism industry.

Welcoming Honorary Guests- Haiti Minister of Tourism, Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin and Haiti Secretary of State, Elsa Baussan Noel of the President Michel Martelly Administration. Author Alison Thompson will be signing copies of her newly released book, “The Third Wave – A Volunteer Story” where proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization We Advance. In addition, Hollywood Screen Writer and Director Paul Haggis‘ non-profit Artist For Peace and Justice (APJ), will display their exclusive ring by Vhernier to benefit St. Luc Schools and the Academy for Peace and Justice
discoveringhaiti.com/empowerment

FRIDAY, Dec. 2 – 7:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m.
Benefiting Hand in Hand for Haiti
Hand in Hand for Haiti is a U.S.- based non-profit organization that is building and operating a school in Saint-Marc, Haiti. The school opened its doors to 150 students on October 3, 2011; phased construction will continue until more than 700 students in preschool through high school are enrolled.

Presented by Onboard Media and Starboard Cruise Services, sister companies within the world-renowned LVMH (Moet Hennessy • Louis Vuitton) Group. The event will feature original autographed handprints by Actors Charlie Sheen, Harrison Ford and Adrian Grenier; Music Artists Akon and Mario; Comedian Kevin Hart, Talk-Show Host Jimmy Kimmel and Writer Dave Barry. These original works of art will be auctioned to benefit Hand in Hand for Haiti.
handinhandforhaiti.com

SATURDAY, Dec. 3 – 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Benefiting Hard Hats for Haiti

Hard Hats for Haiti is a 3-year campaign launched by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to raise funds for its “Rebuilding Haiti” program. PADF is working to rebuild over 25,000 homes destroyed by the 2010 earthquake and revitalize entire neighborhoods in Haiti. This includes developing new schools, clinics, roads, clean water access and other infrastructure that will directly benefit over 10,000 families. To date, over 400,000 homes have been assessed by engineers and more than 3,000 have been repaired.
hardhats4haiti.org  

SUNDAY, Dec. 4 – 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Nuit Haitienne

The grand finale: Your last chance to view the exhibition and enjoy Haitian-inspired festivities and culture.