It's a small world after all and if you're an art lover you'll be glad to know that your passion can have a wonderful impact on people's lives. Zimbabwe, a small country in Southern Africa is home to a rich artistic tradition and is known worldwide especially for its soapstone sculptures.
Zimbabwean art goes especially well with contemporary modern design. Recently, many of Zimbabwe's artists have begun producing beautiful paintings and one of the best places to purchase these is from ZATA.
ZATA stands for Zimbabwe AIDS Treatment Assistance. It's a nonprofit organization established in Denver, Colorado, in cooperation with the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and University of California AIDS experts.
One out of every four people in Zimbabwe are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. ZATA collaborates with investigators at the University of Zimbabwe to provide treatments and medications for patients who have participated in HIV/AIDS medical studies.
ZATA raises these funds through the sale of original Zimbabwean art and artifacts at sponsored events, auctions, private galleries and online. Paintings range from $150 to $500 and more. Soapstone sculptures can be purchased for anywhere up to $2000.
Along with the AIDS epidemic in the country, Zimbabwe is also suffering from a decade-long downward spiral. From having a very successful economy and being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, it's now an economy plagued by the worst inflation in the world, currently at 24,000 percent.
We spoke with founding member and president of ZATA, Jane Oppenheim about ZATA's art and the work being done in Zimbabwe.
"What makes ZATA unique is the fact that we're an artist project. We have 17 artists. There is no tourism anymore in Zimbabwe. And these artists depend on ZATA for their livelihood. We give them whatever they charge."
"Doctors and nurses bring the artwork back in their suitcases, after visiting the country, usually three times a year. Currently, ZATA is keeping 40 people alive. And we have the money to care for 300 to 400 people. I've visited Zimbabwe once...the people are fabulous."
"ZATA started in Denver in 2004 and is a 100% volunteer organization. Art auctions have expanded to include San Francisco, San Diego and Arizona. ZATA will also be in Mexico City for the International AIDS Conference in August. We have about 30 volunteers that help with the art exhibits. Last year's event in Littleton, Colorado brought in about 300 people from our mailing list."
You can make donations through PayPal or snail mail or just buy some art.
Visit ZATA's website: www.zataproject.org.
Photo Credits: "Coca Cola Vendors" painting by artist Mind Shana. Victoria Falls by © Nico Smit | Dreamstime.com.
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