John Hope Settlement House Artisan Event

On February 13, the John Hope Settlement House, Jubilee Center for the Performing Arts, and Destiny House sponsored a Marketplace Fundraiser which exhibited the works of many local talented artists.

By Francisco Luis Gonzalez

A fundraiser for Destiny House and Jubilee Cares Consulting was held at John Hope Settlement House on February 13. Many participants showed their wares: several artisans of Turkish ethnicity displayed fine filigree-like miniature flowers (Find them at www.zumruduanka.etcy.com) evil-eye jewelry (traditionally worn to ward off the Evil Eye as well as photographers and crafters, and roughly, 10 tables full of beautiful objects. While the event had a light turnout, most artisans were not discouraged. “Not only do I have an opportunity to sell my items, but the more people I meet, the more we can help one another,” said Tom Anderson, a fine arts painter and promoter of his friend’s book, (copies were on the table). Prices ranged from real cheap to quite expensive. I could tell by the positive attitude of the attendees and the camaraderie that this event was put together with a great deal of vision and passion. Judy Perry, Director of Jubilee Cares Consulting, a nonprofit organization that promotes the performing arts for inner-city children, said, “This is about creating interdependence among people who can provide needed products for one another to create a solid local economy.”

Claudia Decesare, member of the executive board at Destiny House, was also undeterred by the low turnout. She envisions a collaborative environment for artists, crafters and local philosophers. “I could have done a better job of advertising,” she fretted, but I myself could see no one with disdain in their eyes. The economy was the main reason, they argued. There certainly were many fine items at reasonable prices. It was Valentine’s Day Eve, and as the event drew to a close, I bought a small vase that held two red roses for my wonderful wife and a beautiful photograph of a wild rose by photographer Deanna Tedeschi… for a lost love—Don’t ask.