‘Window of Hope’ exhibit at Aventura Mall showcases Haitian artisans’ work, skill

Christina Mayo
·4 min read
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Art lovers will want to see all the beautiful creations at “Window of Hope,” a 10-day exhibition that showcases the works of 16 Haitian artisans displaying their one-of-a-kind treasures.

All are meticulously handcrafted to reflect the rich heritage of their homeland. Items displayed at the exhibition will be for sale.

The event runs through Sept. 10 and is presented at Aventura Mall in a partnership with Caribbean Craft that is headquartered in Port-au-Prince.

Magalie Noel Dresse, CEO and founder of Caribbean Craft, said the group is on a mission to “tackle the issue of high unemployment in Haiti through artisan training, design support, and the exploration of new export markets for their exquisite creations.”

“This exhibition holds immense significance for Haiti and its artisans,” she said. “Through this collaboration with Aventura Mall, we’re not only cultivating a platform to spotlight our artisans but highlighting the resilience and creative spirit of our people. We invite the South Florida community to join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Haitian culture and contribute to creating more opportunities for our country and its artisans.”

This wedding artwork by Caribbean Craft Artist Dominik Ambroise is featured in the “Window of Hope” exhibition at Aventura Mall, Sept. 1-10. Artwork in the show reflects Haitian culture and heritage.
This wedding artwork by Caribbean Craft Artist Dominik Ambroise is featured in the “Window of Hope” exhibition at Aventura Mall, Sept. 1-10. Artwork in the show reflects Haitian culture and heritage.

Dresse is dedicated to reshaping Haiti’s business landscape through her “belief in the power of social enterprise to bridge social gaps and provide opportunities for the country’s unemployed citizens.”

For over 25 years, Aventura Mall has supported local artists in shows like this one. Through the “Window of Hope” exhibition the mall is expanding its artisanal sector to represent Haiti’s creative hub and help address the country’s economic crisis. More at www.caribbean-craft.com

Attending The Villagers grant presentation ceremony at the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum are, from left, Sgt. Deborah Payne, Black Police Museum (BPM) Board Parliamentarian; Lt. James Marshall, Jr., BPM Board President; Kelley Schild, Villagers’ 1st Vice President; Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, Museum Director/Curator; Sgt. Erol Stewart Jr., BPM Board Vice President; and Chief Anita Najiy, BPM Board Treasurer and Girl Scout Troop 1877 Leader. Board members of the Black Police Museum are all former City of Miami Police Officers.

Villagers present grant to Overtown museum

The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum recently received a $2,500 grant from The Villagers to further preservation work at the historic community meeting place.

“This was the first year the BPM had applied for a grant from us and we were very happy we could fund this project,” said Kelley Schild, Villagers’ 1st Vice President. “Our members enjoyed touring the beautifully curated site and getting a deeper understanding about the history and challenges of Black police officers in Miami.”

The Grant will be used to furnish tables and chairs for the space in the Museum, which is where Girl Scout Troop #1877, Overtown, and other community groups hold meetings.

From 1944 to 1963, African-American police and judges worked out of separate facilities from the main Miami facilities. There is no other known structure in the U.S. that was designed, devoted to, and operated as a separate station and court for Black people.

Schedule a tour of the Museum, or support restoration efforts, at https://historicalblackprecinct.org/

To learn about grant applications, projects funded, membership, and the The Villagers’ legacy, visit www.thevillagersinc.org.

Learn about growing beautiful roses in containers at the next Tropical Rose Society meeting.
Learn about growing beautiful roses in containers at the next Tropical Rose Society meeting.

How to grow roses on your balcony

The upcoming Tropical Rose Society meeting will feature “How to Grow Roses in Containers” at 7 p.m., Sept. 12 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Corbin Classroom B, South Entrance.

The speaker is Adrian Rodriguez, president of the society and a rose expert. Rodriguez, who has been growing roses in pots for over 15 years, will provide several tips and tricks on maximizing rose growth and blooming in pots.

“This should be of particular interest to condo dwellers with balconies who would like to enjoy a bit of gardening,” Rodriguez said.

Veteran rose growers, and Tropical Rose Society members and non-members are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open to the public and will include a brief business meeting, refreshments and a plant raffle. Write to rosenut77@gmail.com or spyderweb@bellsouth.net for more information.

Apply for nursing assistant scholarship program

The City of North Miami Beach has launched the Nursing Assistant Scholarship Program, an initiative to “introduce individuals to a career in healthcare and foster opportunities in a high demand industry for North Miami Beach residents.”

The six-week program will provide training for participants to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam.

“Championing this program is a win-win for everyone. It will help to improve the health of our community, it will boost our economy, and it will provide a pathway to a rewarding career for our residents,” NMB City Commissioner Daniela Jean said.

North Miami Beach residents can find more and apply at https://www.citynmb.com/1429/Nursing-Assistant-Program This is a rolling-admissions program.

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.