The Art of Giving: WE’s Zimbabwe Artists Exhibition Empowers Women
Posted on January 11, 2012 by Silvia Ashmore — 2 Comments
For the third consecutive year, Waggener Edstrom hosted an art exhibition for the nonprofit Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) in our Portland, Ore. office. During the month of December, WE’s walls were graced with beautiful artwork for employees to enjoy and consider purchasing while giving financially to a worthy cause.
ZAP’s mission is to empower female artists in Weya, Zimbabwe to become economically self-sufficient through education, sale of their art in the U.S., and special projects. The organization’s approach is based on the belief that self-respect comes through people’s own accomplishments, with a goal to foster self-respect and self-reliance through collaborative projects.
The idea of exhibiting ZAP’s art in-house first came about during a WE employee volunteer event at ZAP in 2009. WE was home of ZAP’s first corporate office exhibit. Year over year, employees have enjoyed the colorful displays and opportunity to do some holiday shopping while supporting the mission of this unique nonprofit. WE’s December exhibition raised more than $1,500 for ZAP and three pieces of artwork found a permanent home in our office.
ZAP’s art is for sale at their Portland gallery located here or online here.
Erik Bergman on January 12, 2012
Silvia: I have purchased three art pieces from ZAP over the years and really enjoy them. So exuberant, so full of life! I’m glad the agency lobby is now beautified by the stork art seen in the photo.