The Cheap Art Sale returns to Mount Pleasant for 2011, this Saturday December 10, 1:00PM-5:00PM. The location is La Casa, 3166 Mount Pleasant St NW. Cheap means everything is under $50 and once again, there is a great list of local artists and a great cause behind this benefit. At least half of all artist proceeds will go to the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL). Cheap Art Sale raised nearly $1,000 for Neighbors Consejo two years ago, so shopping at this event does make a difference. From the organizers:
"On Saturday, December 10th, the fourth annual Cheap Art Sale will host artists from across the city who will show and sell original works of art, and donate half or more of all the proceeds to the nonprofit Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL). All art will be priced at $50 or less. The Cheap Art Sale is an opportunity for shoppers to purchase unique holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind items.
Participating artists include Tom Legro, Mike Ferguson, Alexandra Silverthorne, Pat Padua, Arelle Rodriguez, Sha Grogan-Brown, Phyllis Dillinger,Tory Pedonti, Anthem Press, and Sera Baghdadi and others. Grassroots Gourmet will also be selling their delicious progressive baked goods. Artwork sold will include paintings, jewelry, screen printed goods, lots of photography and more.
SMYAL is the only Washington, DC metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Founded in 1984, SMYAL's mission is to promote and support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBTQ youth ages 13-21 as they journey from adolescence into adulthood.
To find out more about SMYAL, check out their website at: http://www.smyal.org/index.php"
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Also this weekend, an open house event for Amani Ya Juu, the small storefront in La Casa which is actually a retail space for a work-training project for women, centered in Nairobi, Kenya. The open house is Friday evening and all day Saturday. Stop by to learn more about Amani and shop; they're offering discounts on both days. From Amani: (and please stop by this space, they do amazing work)
"Amani ya Juu (Swahili for “higher peace”), the holistic sewing and training program for marginalized women in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, & Liberia, will be holding their Holiday Open House, on Friday, December 9 from 4:00 to 8:00 and Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Amani’s high-quality handbags, home & kitchen décor, jewelry, and children’s items are made out of local African materials by a diverse community of women working together in peace. The sale of products enables each woman to gain valuable skills and earn a consistent income. Their Holiday Open House will feature one-day specials, festive treats, and authentic East African chai. During the event, buy 3 full-priced ornaments and get one ornament for free. Tablecloths and place mats will be 20% off and large bags will be 15% off.
To learn more about Amani Ya Juu, check out their website at: www.amanidc.org"
