Opening Reception for Empowering Women Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities

Inaugural exhibition opening in the Gallery of Conscience, guest curated by Dr. Suzanne K. Seriff, Chair of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market's Artist Selection Committee. Dr. Marsha Bol, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art explains the concept of a gallery of conscience "As the largest folk art museum in the world, there is a responsibility to create a forum to discuss current issues that folk artists are facing around the world. This Gallery of Conscience will be devoted to the examination of issues that threaten the survival of the traditional arts, bringing them to the attention of our visitors." All of the cooperatives featured in the exhibit will be at the Museum throughout the week and have artist booths at the 2010 Santa Fe International Folk Art Market». Exhibition highlights include weaving, beadwork, painting, baskets, embroidery and other traditional folk arts from Bolivia, Rwanda, Peru, Swaziland, India, Kenya, Laos, South Africa, Morocco and Nepal. This event kicks-off International Folk Arts week» in Santa Fe, culminating with the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market July 9-11. (Photo:  Baskets created by members of the Gahaya Links Cooperatives, Rwanda, courtesy of the artists and the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market) The exhibition will close January 2, 2011.