BAKER CITY, OREGON__Crossroads Art Center is pleased to welcome Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) – a non-profit organization which partners with the artists of Weya, Zimbabwe, in strengthening self-sufficiency, building cultural understanding, and creating educational opportunities. By purchasing the artists’ beautiful creations, ZAP helps the artists afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer, and more.
Women in the rural areas are always seeking ways to get cash income to support their families. From 1987-1991, Ilse Noy, a German volunteer, came to Weya to teach the women art. She taught various techniques including board painting, fabric painting, appliqué, and embroidery. The artists use art to tell folk tales and their own stories, and to show scenes from daily life. 
The public is invited to an exhibit opening reception during First Friday, August 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Opening night celebrations begin at 5:30 p.m. with an informal talk in the main gallery.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Baker Ladies of the Elks and Soroptimist International of Baker County. Light refreshments (ice cream sundaes) are provided, generously funded by Leo Adler Foundation and The Autzen Foundation. Shannon Gray will perform vocals and guitar.
This exhibition will be on display and works available for purchase through Saturday, August 29.
Crossroads Art Center, Inc., is a 501(c) (3) non-profit founded in 1963. Their mission is to create opportunities for the entire community to be engaged, inspired, and transformed by the arts. For more information, contact:
Cynthia Newman Crossroads Carnegie Art Center Baker City, Oregon cynthia@crossroads-arts.org