Thembi Dlamini

Tintsaba Master Sisal Weavers Baskets

Women’s Empowerment

Comprising hundreds of female artisans, many from rural areas of Swaziland, the Tintsaba Master Sisal Weavers collective was established in 1985 with the goal of improving the lives of its weavers. Using ancient Swazi weaving techniques, along with ingeniously contemporary designs, the artisans of Tintsaba create brilliantly hued, meticulously woven baskets and jewelry out of sisal, a plant of the agave family.

Gabriel Bien-Aimé Metal

Environmental Sustainability Gabriel Bien-Aimé was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, the cradle of Haitian cut-out metal sculpture. He is considered one of the most important metal artists of his generation and uses steel recycled from oil drums. His works always make reference to vodou, conceptualizing and representing its tenets in both human and nonhuman forms.

Haiti Projects Apparel

Women’s Empowerment

Nonprofit Haiti Projects is steadfastly focused on financially empowering the women of this impoverished country while simultaneously encouraging their creativity and health, and their children’s wellbeing. From elegantly patterned pillows with delicate versions of vodou motifs to equally eyecatching tablecloths with restrained palettes to lavishly soft hand towels, Haiti Projects offers a uniquely gentle artistic touch.

Josnel Bruno Metal

Environmental Sustainability

Josnel Bruno was an apprentice to master Serge Jolimeau and is now a metalworker in Croix-des-Bouquets. He transforms discarded oil drums into remarkable artwork with skill and creativity. Each piece is a way for him to pay tribute to his rich culture and religious beliefs.

Serge Jolimeau Centre D'Art, Haiti Metal

Environmental Sustainability

In the Croix-des-Bouquets neighborhood of Haiti, metal, fire, and muscle come together to make lithe mermaid goddesses, mythic lovers and radiant sunbursts. Serge Jolimeau, who lives and works not far from the Haitian capital of Portau-Prince, is not only an artist but also an entrepreneur, cultural leader and community leader.