Studio 1219 Features Artwork from 10,000 Villages Through the Holidays
Posted November 23, 2009
There’s always something new happening at Studio 1219. Besides featuring local artists’ work for the holidays, the Studio will support the efforts of artisans around the world by selling their handmade gifts, home decor, jewelry and personal accessories. The event, which will be held from November 20 through December 31 at Studio 1219, offers an exclusive opportunity for people in Southeast Michigan to invest in their world by shopping fair trade. Shoppers will also learn more about skilled artisans in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
“For more than 60 years Ten Thousand Villages has worked with talented artisans around the world providing vital, fair income in exchange for their beautiful handcrafted items,” sale organizer and Studio 1219 Executive Director Lee-Perry Belleau said. “By holding this sale of handpainted ceramics, intricately woven basketry and handmade jewelry, we give people in our community a chance to help create employment opportunities for people around the world. The combination of the exceptional and affordable artwork by our artists and 10,000 Villages artisans makes the Studio a great place to shop for unique holiday gifts.”
This is Studio 1219’s first year hosting the festival. Sales like the one sponsored by the Studio owe their success to dedicated local volunteers. Volunteers at the Studio have unpacked the art and crafts, set up the displays, will serve as sales clerks, and will clean up following the event.
Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, we are part of a network of more than 155 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products. For
more than 60 years, Ten Thousand Villages has been establishing long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans lack opportunities for stable income. All artisans are fairly paid for their products. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
