Thursday, February 23rd, 2017, Post by: Haiti Leve
The 10th edition of Artisanat en Fête was launched in great pomp on Wednesday morning at the Marriott Hotel. Artisans, organizers and members of the press gathered in a festive atmosphere to take stock of this tenth edition which is looking particularly interesting
Artisanat en Fête is undoubtedly the most magnificent celebration that has existed for Haitian artisans since 2007. When Martine Blanchard, Director General of the Institute for Research and Promotion of Haitian Crafts (IRPAH), decided to associate At Le Nouvelliste to offer this great opportunity to artisans, the initiative was commendable and the sector needed more. Ten years later, the industry is much more structured and several great talents have emerged and proven themselves. “Sandilou Textile” is a great example.
Sandra Russo, a fifty-year-old, is a smart lady with an easy smile. Owner of “Sandilou Textile”, she has been in the textile industry for thirty years. “From as far as I can remember, I have always evolved in the textile industry. I made my debut with Fred Bernard even though it was almost a factory. We had tons and tons of textiles and we printed the patterns on them. It was a real factory, “says Sandra Russo in the gardens of the Marriott Hotel.
For 4 years Sandra and her husband have created “Sandilou Textile”, a workshop that is located in Delmas 64. “We make dyeing on the textile. I draw sketches by hand but most often you do not really follow the design created. We are free. We are artists. On the textile, errors are acquired. We have to be flexible, creative and patient, “says the designer. “Sandilou makes robes, scarves, cushions, satchels, & c. This year we will be presenting a new and interesting collection. I’ve been seeing Mosaic Gardere and I asked them permission to use the old mosaic designs, they agree. So the products that will be presented will have the dyes and the impressions of the drawings of ancient mosaics. I really look forward to people seeing these new pieces, “says one who believes that everyone must follow her path and indulge in it with an open heart.
Presented on the panel of the press conference, Sandra took the opportunity to thank the organizers of Handicrafts in Celebration for the initiative that, for 10 years, highlights the exceptional work of artisans. “I will never stop saying thank you to IRPAH and Le Nouvelliste for this great traditional fair. Thank you for the craftsmen who needed it and for the positive contributions of the fair on our work, “says the artisan who is at her eighth participation in Artisanat en Fête. “On Saturday and Sunday, artisans will have the opportunity not only to sell their stocks but also to make contacts, meet people, new customers who will bring with them new opportunities. It is an extraordinary place of exchange, “continues Sandra.
“Sales are always good at Crafts in Celebration. I can not complain. The fair helps to stimulate me. I know that every year I can not present the same things. So I think, I imagine more and more beautiful things, take more care of the finishing of the products and each time it is a good success, “says Sandra Russo, which makes a general appeal to buyers, visitors And tourists. “Come and appreciate the Haitian handicrafts. Come and encourage craftsmen. Yes, sometimes the works are expensive but one must understand that the craft is a human question. These are not machines that print to the chain. It is always necessary to take the time to understand this before asking to reduce costs. When you go to the market, you do not ask for a discount. You buy at the advertised price. The craftsman needs you to enhance himself. Make it a valuable commodity, “concludes Sandra Russo, who is meeting this weekend at the Historic Cane à Sucre Park.
AUTEUR
Gaëlle C. Alexis
Ticket Magazine