THE CLOTH AND THE MUD #39

Fall, 2009

NEWS FROM FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

A 501 (c) (3) ORGANIZATION

727-946-5322, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it and www.fabulousafricanfabrics.org

Laura Gardner Salazar, editor

Our Mission: to support agencies working with AIDS widows and orphans in Africa

and to educate others about the AIDS crisis in Africa.

COMING EVENTS

October 17, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.: Artists’ Attic, First United Methodist Church, Dunedin Florida, Main Street and Douglas.

November 13 and 14—Jubilee Market, Spokane, WA

December—Christmas Art Tour, Grand Rapids. Place, date and time to be announced

NEWS FROM AFRICA

As the guest of Fabulous African Fabrics on September 12, Sheba Onchiri spoke to the FAF Board about her work, our work, and how we can connect in the future. A Kenyan and a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University, Sheba has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of women in her home country. When she was a young teacher in Kenya, she and several friends began a group dedicated to raising money for girls to improve their lives. Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK) was one of their models. But without funds an connections they disbanded to find other ways to work. Sheba came to the United States for graduate school. Currently she is writing her dissertation on the lives and education of female students in Kisii, Kenya. The following is a paraphrase of Ms. Onchiri’s informal talk.

I was in Kenya this June for the first time in several years. Life there has become so expensive. The cost of food has risen three times since 2006. Because of the clashes (in 2008 over the Presidential election), and the drought, people are buying the essentials only. I saw cattle that had died from lack of water lying by the road. South western Kenya is in better shape than the rest of the country, because it is not so dry.

I interviewed HIV/AIDS children in schools, many of whom live in their homes without any parents. Some children as young as seven and five take care of younger children. The children have trouble sleeping because they are hungry. All of this affects their studies. A non-governmental organization (NGO) provides lunch for these children. On week days they can walk to the distribution center and stand in line for food.*

As to AIDS, everyone has been affected. In my family we have orphans. The stigma is still there: other children don’t play with the AIDS children and orphans. The issue of poverty goes hand and hand with the disease. The cost for anti-retroviral drugs is born by the government. Those who are tested and found positive enter the program for drugs and the drugs are free. This is overseen by the national AIDS Council. People must go to centers to pick up their medicine. When there are clashes and homelessness, those infected don’t get their medicine.

The talk concluded with questions and discussion. The Board agreed that having first hand knowledge of the situation in Kenya helped us understand the current situation and encouraged us to continue our work with zeal. Ms. Onchari agreed that she would like to continue our discussions, even when she goes back to Kenya, as we can inform eachother.

For the time being she agreed to become a member of FAF and to keep in touch with us. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.

*FAF has supported WOFAK’s weekend food for children.

_______________

The drought mentioned above was highlighted on the front page of the New York Times September 8, 2009. The rains have failed again, turning lush lands in north eastern Kenya into a waste. In some areas it has not rained in years. Plants, cattle and even children are dying. Children are hiking 20 miles for a gallon of water The article noted the disappointment in Kenya’s leaders to deal with corruption, such as a grain scandal. The crisis has raised ethic conflicts between the Turkana people of this region and their neighbors.

These problems are repeated in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Norman Borlaug, the Iowa-born plant scientist and father of the Green Revolution died on Sept. 12. His work has helped many, but there still is much food and much hunger as noted in the New York Times, September 20. Much grain is produced in West, so those in Africa were encouraged to buy the grain on the world market. This ignored the need for peoples to grow their own food stuffs. Corruption and distribution added to the cost of the grain while the peoples of those nations let their knowledge and lands go fallow. Tools needed for success include seeds that match local conditions, fertilizer and better roads. President Obama and other leaders of industrialized nation pledge $20 Billion for agricultural development in poor countries.

THE CLOTH

FAF’s trip to the Michigan State University Museum on July 22 brought the Board and guests a new interest in African textiles. Not only were the textiles of the highest quality I have seen, but the exhibit showed some of Africa’s new textile artists’ ability to combine contemporary techniques and artistic vision with classic design. It inspired Laura to develop some new items for sale. These include using the Vlisco Hollandaise samples FAF was given last year for simple wall hangings and for fantasy items, such as doggy scarves. Other new items include a paper doll and 3 costumes that Laura painted (available for $3.00). The costumes are a school dress, a graduation dress, and a traditional Kenyan costume. Laura drew the doll from a photo of children at the orphanage sent from The Good Samaritan Home sent to FAF. The doll is named Margaret to honor FAF’s first President.

FAF commissioned President Christine Coggins to develop a small card to put into the band of the hats made by Lucy Ramshaw, explaining to others how they may buy hats from Fabulous African Fabrics. The wearer is encouraged to give one out when complimented on the beauty of the hat.

SENT TO AFRICAN THIS QUARTER: $1000

FAF HEROS: Margaret Carlson, Jon Ferguson, Laura Salazar, Schuler Books and Music, Paul and Hilary Stratford, Mary Voss and June Williams.

Many thanks to Betsy Knox who arranged a very special 10^th anniversary celebration in East Lansing, Michigan.

The summer started out well for FAF at the Fulton Street Artisan’s Market in Grand Rapids, MI. In its fourth year, the market is growing with excellent attendance and often a full house of 40 to 50 venders. Congratulations to organizers and the sellers who have remained true to the market as it has grown in these difficult times. It is becoming a Grand Rapids institution, and FAF has been in at the beginning.

A GOOD READ

Several journals have noted a growing emphasis on women and women and girl’s rights worldwide. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WoDunn essay “Why Women’s Rights are the Cause of Our Time” which appeared in the New York Times Magazine, August 23, 2009. The entire magazine looks at the status of women in the world, especially in the developing world.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

As a part of FAF’s tenth year celebration, Board of FAF made important connections with the African Studies Center at Michigan State University. The African Studies Center is the largest in the country with 90 professors from many departments teaching courses under the ASC’s wing. We believe that this connection will help to keep us up to date on issues on that continent, and therefore make our work more timely and efficient. In addition to introducing us to Sheba Onchiri and high level art work in African fabrics, we expect that we will participate in some of the public activities sponsored by MSU.—lectures, discussions, exhibits, tours.

You, too can be on the front line of African issues by subscribing to the weekly bulletin sent out by the Center. Contact MSU at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . You may want to participate in some of the events featured in the bulletin. The issue from August 8^th offered the following opportunities: a brown bag lunch—“New Perspectives in Islam in Senegal;” a conference on Territorial Origins of African Civil Conflicts at Ohio State University; Michigan State University’s conference on Africanist Graduate Students; a conference Oct 19-21 in Chicago, “Connecting the Dots between Africa and the World. Course announcements included Women, Gender and Sexuality in Africa; African American an African Studies III; African Religions; South African Liberation Movements.

MEMBERSHIP

The membership fees for FAF go to our organizational expenses: office supplies, postage, and materials to make items for sale. Your dollars prevent

worry about the small stuff so FAF can concentrate on our mission: to improve the lives of children and widows of AIDS in Kenya.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP--$20.00, FAMILY MEMBERSHIP--$30.00

SEND THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK TO

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS, 1158 KENSINGTON ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49534

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October 17, 2009 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Artists' Attic Craft Fair

First United Methodist Church, Main and Douglas, Dunedin, FL

This is an important fair for Fabulous African Fabrics, as it  opens our fall and winter season in the south, and draws a large crowd.  The Fair is situated in downtown Dunedin, where an antique fair on Main Street will also be in full swing.  In addition to the fabulous fabrics and 30 other booths, there will be lunch and snacks, and games and attractions for children.  It's a three-generational affair.

COME AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

FOUNDING FAF

“You will be hearing from Laura,” started FAF on its way.  These words were spoken to Dorothy Onyango by the  director of the Ford Foundation in East Africa in August, 1998.  I had just met Dorothy who had founded an organization of professional women with HIV/AIDS, Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, known as WOFAK.

Dorothy was dashing off to a meeting, and my safari van was loading,  but the words rang in my ears.  I was ripe for a challenge.  Only days before I had spend a day and night at a teacher’s home a few miles outside Kisumu, Kenya.  Her husband Patrick had an undiagnosed disease that was making him waste away—perhaps TB.  In the home were two sets of orphan girls—daughter’s of Patrick’s sister and his twins with his first wife.

A row of bright, charming children from the Good Samaritan Home in Nairobi bounced in the seats behind me in the days following the overnight.  They were very excited to be a part of the International Drama Education Association performances that had brought me to Kisusu.  Along with their enthusiasm and joy, their eyes held sorrow.  Margaret, an eleven year old in a frilly pink dress, haunted me with her listless  posture and sad expression.  She sat close to me, touching me whenever she could.

I was in Kenya as a delegate to the congress from the United States where I also presented  a workshop in Performance Art.  As a theatre professor, I went to Africa to learn more about the drama education there.  I was encouraged to see many young troupes using theatre as an educational tool to fight HIV/AIDS.  Since I like to include local elements in my performance art pieces, I purchased scrap textiles from a seamstress at the local market.  I fell in love with the colors and patterns.  These I took back to Michigan along with memories of delightful new friends and a beautiful and troubled land.  Two weeks later I returned to my university, contemplating my coming retirement. 

In Michigan I decided to use the textiles to make linens for Christmas presents.  Friends and family were as charmed as I.  I wondered if others would find items of African fabrics valuable.  A country in need, a population fighting for survival, and a way to raise money for the struggle became a formula for relieving the yawning retirement days I saw before me in 1999. The month after I retired, I founded FAF.

That was eight years ago.  Since that time FAF has grown to eighty members.  Thirty five artists have made items for sale.  We have donated more than $20,000 to our Kenyan agencies.    Progress is being made in fighting AIDS in Kenya.  WOFAK works in all types of prevention and support.  The Good Samaritan Home is now feeding, educating and supporting hundreds of children.  We can’t take the credit for this, but we are doing one small thing.

 Laura Gardner Salazar, Founder

by Laura Gardner Salazar

The inspiration for FAF began with my trip to Kenya in August of 1998, at the height of the AIDS crisis in Kenya. To read about my experience that lead to the development of the organization, please read the section The Founding of FAF, which can be found on this website under the heading, "About Us."

AGENCIES FAF SUPPORTS IN KENYA

THE GOOD SAMARITAN HOME

John and Mercy Thuo founded the Good Samaritan Home in the mid 1990's when they found tow orphans who needed a home at the same time theor owne home had a spare bedroom. Today the Thuos and their volunteers and workers serve 500 children, 200 of whom live on the premises. Located in the Marhare Slum of Nairobi, Kenya, The Good Samaritan Home has a fine reputation for helping boys and girls with nutritious food, a clean, positive environment, and a good education. It is an island of calm and order, cleanliness and hope in a se of dirt and crime and alcoholism.

A kindergarten through eighth grade school is located within the home. Elementary school is government supported in Kenya, but high school is not. Each year more children from the GSH pass their exams to enter high school, so more and more tuition is needed every year. Much of the money FAF sends to Africa goes for high school tuition.

To present a taste of the problems the Thuose face every day, here are excerpts from Mercy Thuo's letter dated January, 2006.

Because of famine and drought which are facing our contry many children will not go back to school due to lack of school fees. This year we will not enroll new students to high school as former ones, instead they will repeat standard eight. This is because we have accumulated a huge balance in school fees. . . We are seeking your wisdon into this problem. This year we have enrollde 32 children in Government University which is cost sharing, and three children in computer colleges and three girls in beautitian/hair dressing courses. . . As you are aware AIDS and poverty has lead to people through [throwing] away many children of whom we are rescing every day. Recently we rescued one-day-old baby girl into our center and her brother was already dead. We found in one polythene paper being thrown away by poor mother and community report the incident to us.

WOMEN FIGHTING AIDS IN KENYA [WOFAK]

Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya was founded about the same time by professional women in Kenya who had contrated HIV/AIDS from their prominent husbands. Dorothy Onyanga was one of these women, and is the only survivor from the group. The women had power and influence, and they saw that they could make a difference.

At first WOFAK's goals were to support dying women--women who needed to teach their children how to plant and harvest crops, how to stay clean and cook nutritious food, how to continue their eduations, and how to hold their families in their memories befor AIDS claimed them.

With the introduction of anti-retroviral drugs, the work changed. Now WOFAK has foud stations around the country. Each supports families of HIV/AIDS by disbursing drugs, feeding families, counseling pregnant worm with AHID/AIDS and making sure that children stay in school.

Charles Kaduwa, Program Officer of WOFAK, wrote this letter excerpted below to FAF in December of 2008.

Currently we have needs within our orphan support program, with an ever-increasing numbers of children who require foodstuffs, schooling and life skills. Year 2008 was a year of clients-influx, compounded with the harsh economic times that engulfed Kenya and the world at large. Many of our clients hardly managed to access basics of life and dependency on WOFAK went up three-fold. For now, any support you extend to our program will go towards supporting orphans in ways that touch their lives in the immediate, aminly foodstuffs and schooling needs.

TRENDS IN THE FIRST TEN YEARS

"May God Bless you Dearly." Mercy and Staff

Emphasis in the early days of FAF centered on an unstoppable disease, HIV/AIDS. We worried about 8000 people dying daily and 600,000 children born with AIDS in 2002. There was a frantic search for a way to stop of somehow control the spread of AIDS. The climate of our newsletters sugested high optimism in our ability to help women and orphans through our making and selling African textiles. At the same time one of our 2000 newsletters noted, "It is hard to be chipper." Laura Salazar passionately lectured many non-profit groups about the dreadful circumstance.

Early in the Tweny First Century, companies developed anti-retroviral drugs to fight AIDS. At first this added to the frustration, as they charged $30.00 per day per patient, and insisted that people in undeveloped contries would never take their medicines with any regularity. This prejudice against peoples in poorer countries proved to be untrue. In 2003 through pressure from governments and NGOs everywhere, this charge was lowered to $2.00 per day. Governments and private groups jumped in; and over the years, most people with AIDS now received free or low-cost medications. It was noted in 2006 that AIDS deaths had dropped to 100,000.

The emphasis changed at FAF from helping mothers live a year to two so they might teach their children practical and ethical lessions, to helping mothers and children stay healthy on a good diet and with the promise of a high school education. The orphan problem continues today, although the number of new orphans has dropped. The average incom in Kenya remains at $300.00 per year, so many of the orphans in the Good Samaritan Home result from poverty. FAF currently supports women and children by feeding, and paying for tuition. Each year seems to bring famine, riots, and more children in need of tuition. The need has not gone away. New areas of work are focused on Malaria and tuberculosis and the need for poorer countries to support themselves, thus becoming independent of the Western World.

CLOTH

From the beginning FAF centered its work around the beauty of African textiles. In 2000 FAF boldly stated, "We promis to be colorful and fabulous.

Over the years FAF introduced hundred of people to African textiles and designs. Soon in our existence, we discovered Chicago Fabrics, Buddy Miller, Prop. This store specialized in importing African Fabrics. Our cooperation helped our image and Buddy's coffers. FAF begged everyone we met who might be traveling to Africa to buy textiles while abroad. Often these were donated to FAF by the traveler. Laura went on the road and talked to quilt groups and others about the history and types of textiles we use. FAF gained friends in museums, alleries and sewing groups. maintaining high standards in all of the items it sold. The Board of FAF always included artists as well as those interesed in the welfare of children and women around the world.

FAF expanded to fine art with the drawing by the talented Daniel Machaia, a young man who grew up in the Good Samaritan Home. Daniel donated four painting to FAF, two of which became greeting cards, "My Village Home." and "Under the Watchful Eye of God." FAF developed a relationship with the artist and AIDS activist Mary Fisher whose work has been exhibited throughout the United States. She said of FAF, In the wake of AIDS comes disease, suffering, death, and finally societies that crumble. FAF blends marvelous art with social purpose and the result if human good. . . here is a devoted crew of artists, proving again that small groups with big hearts can make massive contributions.

Jill Hamilton, Costumer at Grand Valley State University, and the second President of FAF, provided advice on all things artistic. The Surface Design Guild of Tampa Bay helped Laura with her development as a textile artist. Sarah Butz, a well-known artist in Florida joined our board in 2007. Her advice and work with art from the Good Samaritan Home children gave our work a new audience. Walter Peterson, co-owner of Amazuii Contemporary Art Gallers in Saugatuck, MI became a member and provided his expertise.

THE ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

The organization was started by Laura Salazar and some of her closest friends: Margaret Carlson, Roger Ellis, Jill Hamilton and Shirley Harbin. FAF branched out by sending brochures, letters and conversations to all the friends and relatives we knew. As the years went by and FAF grew, members joind first and became friends later. Members have been very loyal over the years with a stable number in the range of fifty. A third of these fifty have family memberships, giving us about seventy people actively supporting our expenses, so that donations and sales can go directly to Africa.

In 1999 Laura started living in Florida half of the year, and grew the organization in Florida as well as in Michigan. With all of our contacts, members now come from Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the countries of Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

FAF receive its 501 (c) (3) status in 2001, and donations became tax deductible, which lead to mor ways to raise funds. The Board grew with the membership, and soon we had a working board in both Michigan and Florida. The larger board drew more members, and made it possible for us to find new venues for sales. A variety of churches became a part of our work and fun.

Over the years the FAF Board and members and friends had great fun. Celebrations of all kinds drw us together: birthday parties, celebrations to introduce artists and friends, parties to celebrate good news, parties to draw new people into the group. Potlucks introduced us to African foods and ways to entertain. Jill Hamilton made delectable deviled eggs which we auctioned off at shocking prices. Soon every good dish became an auction item, giving us hilarious bidding wars. Always we sought out people with connections to Kenya who helped us understand the country and its customs, and taught us to love Kenya and its people.

SALES

As the organization grew, so did sales and sales venues. FAF became well known at the Farmer's Markets in Grand Rapids, MI and Safety Harbor, FL. Galleries, art markets and church sales became important places to sell our goods. Currently we specialize in sales at the Grand Rapids Art Market in Michigan and churches in Florida.

Revenues began modestly, with donations to Africa at $200.00 several times a year. Currently we send thousands of dollars each year, equally dividing the payments between The Good Samaritan Home and Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya.

LOOKING FORWARD

Fabulous African Fabrics members and board look forward to the day when our work with widows and orphans in Kenya will no longer be needed. We can not fool ourselves. That day will not be soon. Our loyalty to those who through no fault of their own are cast into poverty, disease, and suffering is strong. Emphasis will remain on the children and women we serve--keeping them alive, healthy, and becoming educated, well-adjusted people.

At the same time, we know that we will change. Current thinking emphasizes the need for peoles in wealthier nations to help those in poor nations become independent of our support. For now, our decisions about giving will keep that idea formost in our minds. Our faith is on an education population that can solve problesm on their own and can build a bright future for the Kenyan people.

FUNDS AND FUNDRAISING

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

$39,518.00

With the addition of Rotary International's Contribution: $53,418.00

In Kenya this would do $480,762.00 worth of work.

Year Amount sent to Africa

2000 $878

2001 $1800

2002 $3300

2003 $3600

2004 $3600

2005 $5390

2006 $4050

2007 $8450

2008 $6550

2009 $2000 (to July)

FAF AT A GLANCE

SUPPORT AND PROJECTS IN KENYA

High School Tuition

Hunger Relief

Emergency Response as needed i.e. unrest in 2008

Youth Career Coundsling--WOFAK Project, 2005

Bed Project with Rotary International

Mosquito nets for Good Samaritan Home

ARTISTS

Betty Betts

Boys and Girls Club of St. Petersburg, FL

Sarah Butz

Children of Waldon School, Blue Lake, CA

Children of the Good Samaritan Home, Kenya

Friends of the Good Samaritan Home, Kenya

Nancy Gardner

Grace Garlid

Sue Hallack

Edda Juhl

Joni Kobernik

Daniel Macharia

Maggi McKerrow

Barbara Powell

Gina May

Lucy Ramshaw

Laura Salazar

Trish Sande

Tampa Bay Surface Design Ghile

Christy Taylor

Mary Voss

Dian Zahner

FUND RAISING No donation is ever too small--Dorothy Onyonga

501 (c) (3) Granted May of 2001

Sales of Art and Crafts 1999- Present

Farmers' Markets

Art Markets

Craft Fairs

Galleries

Miscellaneous Donations in Honor

Schuler Books and Music Book Days

Annual Anthony Salazar Memorial Fund 2005- Present

February Black History Month "Chicken Feed" First UMC, Dunedin, FL

Garage Sales 2008-9

ACTIVITIES IN THE USA

Lectures

Meetings

Parties

Picnics

"Dash About Bear" travels to sales and ends up at the Good Samaritan Home, 2005

Pen Pals between Good Samaritan Home & Waldorf School, Blue Lake, CA

Celebrations

Study

Trips

Website--2003- Present

PARTIAL LIST OF ITEMS FOR SALE

Aprons

Cards

Dolls

Jewelry

Oven Mits

Paintings

Purses

Scarves

Toys

Wall Hangings

BOARD OF FAF, 2009-2010 Listed with date of joining Board

Nancy Abbott, At Large--2008

Sarah Butz, Publicity--2008

Margaret Carlson, Past President --1999

Patricia Callan, Vice President--2000

Christine Coggins, President--2003

Roger Ellis Ph. D., At Large--1999

Jill Hamilton, Past President--1999

Shirley Harbin, Ph.D., At Large--1999

Constance Jones, Treasurer--2003

Betsy Knox, Secretary--2002

Laura Gardner Salazar, Executive Director--1999