Congolese Artists Featured in New Parisian Exhibit

In a refreshing new perspective, Paris' Foundation Cartier has chosen to feature Congolese artists in it's new exhibit—Beauté Congo, 1926-2015—which was unveiled on July 11.

© Luc Boegly

For a country that is often the source of news stories regarding violence and poverty, it's wonderful to see the beauty and artistry that stems from the area receive recognition as well. The works in the exhibit span nearly 100 years, documenting a history of art that many people don't even know exists. Featured artists include contemporary painters Jean Paul Mika and Cheri Samba, as well as veteran creative minds such as the late photographer Jean Depara.

Jean Depara, Untitled, c. 1955-1965Collection Revue Noire, Paris © Jean Depara

The Foundation Cartier website describes the exhibit as follows:

"A place of extraordinary cultural vitality, the creative spirit of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be honored in the exhibition Beauté Congo – 1926-2015 – Congo Kitoko presented at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain with André Magnin, Chief Curator."

Beauté Congo will be on display at Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain until November 2015.

Tent Sale with Ten Thousand Villages

This past weekend, The Peace Exchange was thrilled to partner with Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena as a part of their anniversary tent sale—their largest sale to date.

As one of the world's largest and oldest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages has built incredible relationships with the fair trade community over the past 60 years, and their Pasadena retail location carries jewelry, rugs, clothing and more from more than 130 artisan groups from nearly 40 countries!

On Saturday, July 18, The Peace Exchange was one of those groups, offering merchandise at a 20% discount. Co-founder Katie Bond was on hand to discuss all things fair trade and, of course, check out the goodies from the other global artisans. It was the perfect opportunity to network with other organizations who are just as passionate about fair trade and get the word out about our mission and our products.

Thank you Ten Thousand Villages!

What is Fair Trade?

At the Peace Exchange, we believe strongly in the principles behind the fair trade label and strive to embody them in everything we do. However, often the label itself is not explained. Here, we've listed the World Fair Trade Organization's 10 principles of fair trade so you—our supporters—know just where your support is going!

1.    Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

100% of our seamstresses report an improvement in their quality of life since starting our program.

2.    Transparency and accountability

3.    Fair trading practices

4.    Payment at a fair price

We pay our workers a working wage so they can afford housing, food, and school tuition for their children.

5.    Ensuring no child labor and forced labor

6.    Commitment to non discrimination, gender equity and freedom of association

7.    Ensuring good working conditions

Founder, Katie Bond, and board member, Iris Bourne, join Peace Exchange seamstresses outside our new sewing center.

8.    Providing capacity building

9.    Promoting fair trade

10. Respect for the environment