JUNE / JULY 2014 LES ATELIERS JÉRÔME A HAVEN FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS HEIRLOOM COFFEE A PIPING HOT COMMODITY MUNCHEEZ WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME

Transcription

1 JUNE / JULY 2014 LES ATELIERS JÉRÔME A HAVEN FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS HEIRLOOM COFFEE A PIPING HOT COMMODITY MUNCHEEZ WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME Kabic

2 le rhum qui étonne. Nos rhums de la meilleure qualité, ont mûri et se sont adoucis dans un esprit de sophistication qui étonne le palais sans cesser de le charmer. Ils sont le résultat parfait de procédés de distillations spéciales, de mélanges et de maturation et d un assemblage aromatique vraiment unique, élégamment présentés dans un nouvel emballage rouge et bleu, aux couleurs de chez nous. Rhum Vieux Labbé un produit haïtien produit et embouteillé en haïti par berling S.a. berling S.a. Route nationale #1, Sarthe 57, port-au-prince, haïti (509) sales@berlingsa.com L abus d alcool est dangereux pour La Santé. à consommer avec modération.

3 Dear Readers, There is no denying that the temperature spikes drastically up during the summer months. Just as there is no denying that there are so many ways to chill out while soaking in those rays. You re just a hop, skip and a jump away from being refreshed in a pool, waterfall, river, beach, and even the mountains. Jump in, swim, snorkel, Jet Ski, or lay back on a hammock and enjoy a good book. Sip some fresh coconut water, a prestige, or a mixed drink of Rhum Barbancourt or Vieux Labbé. Just Dive in and simply enjoy. Welcome to Haiti. Welcome to the destination many are getting to know and enjoy. If time allows, venture out and discover the diverse sites that make Haiti so magical. As you peruse this issue of Magic Haiti you will develop a better understanding of the abundance, richness and diversity of Haitian art as you read about an art gallery and innovative designer. You will also meet Haiti s very own superhero, encounter an engineering mogul who has opted to make Haiti his home, and of course eateries and lodges that will make your visit even more enjoyable. The goal of the magazine is to promote local tourism by encouraging foreigners, Haitians living in the Diaspora as well as locals, to explore and discover the depth and breadth of Haïti. Our country is rich in culture and more specifically in the arts. Haïti is increasingly becoming the island that comes to mind when planning an enchanting Caribbean getaway for rest and relaxation or an adventurous vacation. Upon your return home share your experience, become an ambassador. Pass the word. As you wind up your stay in our slice of the world, I encourage you take a piece of Haiti home with you. Magic Haiti strives to provide you with a variety of enticing possibilities so that you can take the bull by the horn, carpe diem, just go, discover, indulge, and become another ambassador of this magical island. Experience the vibrant colors, unveil numinous places and characters, immerse yourself in our culture, and emerge enamored!!! Roxane Kerby

4 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014 Haiti by Design 26 Spotlight Heirloom Coffee, a Piping Hot Commodity Let s Talk - Ann Pale Fab 5 Heartbeat A Rebel on a Mission for Peace 30 Why Haiti? Kit Miyamoto, A Perfect Fit Executive Editor Roxane Kerby roxanekerby@magichaiti.com Copy Editor Angela Galbreath Introducing Djatawo 14 Contributors Graphic Designer Rachele Viard Kristine Belizaire Christina Jean-Louis Carolyn Desert Regine Theodat Joelle Jouvens Emma Laham Lara Elie-Joseph Clarens Courtois Artmosphere Les Ateliers Jérôme: A Haven for Art Enthusiasts Lissa Jeannot, Now Exploring Healing Stones Lamanjay Muncheez, Where Everybody Knows Your Name Escapade La Source Hôtel Provincial Paradise Haiti by Design Dominique Carriére Tassy: Creating Bags with Personality Simbi A Remarkable Friendship with an Impressive Ripple Effect Photographer Printed in Haiti by Publisher Ludmillo D. Pierre Jean-Luc Becquerelle Junior Plesius Louis L IMPRIMEUR SA Le Nouvelliste Advertising / publicite@lenouvelliste.com Cover Photo by John Seaton Callahan facebook.com/magichaiti product of

5 Mrs. Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin Minister of Tourism Dear Readers, The high season is upon us! This is one of the best times for our ultimate destination to welcome you, visitors from around the world. The changes are now evident. The destination is ready and waiting for you. Indeed, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industries of Haiti (MTIC) that I head in conjunction with the private tourism sector, combine our efforts and are making every effort to accommodate you. First and foremost, we have focused on the safety of visitors. Thus, the Tourist Police that has been deployed in the metropolitan area, will be in the Northern metropolis this summer with the same mission to accompany visitors and secure the main attractions of the region. In addition, the overall security situation in the country is stable. ''There is an 88% decrease in cases of insecurity compared to last year,'' according to the National Police of Haiti. On the other hand, many tourist sites across the country have been renovated and are ready to receive visitors. Finally, recent investments in the sector, are expanding the number of hotels. A new asset to welcome visitors. All of Haiti s regions have a unique potential likely to entice you should you want to have a dream vacation during this summer season. The South Coast is full of sublime beaches from Aquin to Port-Salut, passing by the beaches of Gelée and Ozanana in Saint Louis du Sud, superb caves such as Marie-Jeanne in Port-à-Piment. All this and more, promise each and every visitor, the most pleasant stay. Well known for the talent of its craftsmen, Jacmel and its neighboring regions with the majestic waterfall of Bassin Blue, satisfy the requirements for you to enjoy a great holiday. The Parc National Historique (Citadelle, Ramiers and Sans- Souci) contains the main attractions for you to relive some of the important moments of our history as a people. Major cultural events are in the works. In addition to our traditional fêtes champêtres which take place in various municipalities in the country, for the past two years, the Port-au-Prince Carnaval des Fleurs and the Festival de la Mer in the North have been added to the destination s calendar of events for the summer vacation. In Port-au-Prince, the best groups of Haitian music and the ingenious works of our artists and artisans, will parade in Champ de Mars on July 27, 28 and 29, In the North, the third edition of the festival which has garnered success, the Festival de la Mer promises to be more impressive. One wants to find a nook where to spend vacation that we will have lasting impression. If you are still hesitating, this is the moment to select a unique destination. Choose the soul of the Caribbean. Choose Haiti!!! The country awaits you. Come on board, Come live the Experience! Chers lecteurs et lectrices, La haute saison arrive! C est le moment par excellence pour notre destination de vous accueillir, vous, visiteurs des quatre coins de la planète. Les changements sont maintenant flagrants. La destination est prête et n attend plus que vous. En effet, le Ministère du Tourisme et des Industries Créatives d Haïti (MTIC) que je dirige et le secteur privé touristique conjuguent leurs efforts en mettant tout en œuvre pour vous recevoir. En tout premier lieu, nous avons mis l accent sur la sécurité des visiteurs. Ainsi, la Police Touristique qui était jusqu ici repartie dans la zone métropolitaine, arrive cet été dans la métropole du Nord avec la même mission d accompagner les visiteurs et de sécuriser les principaux sites touristiques de la région. De plus, la situation globale du pays en matière de sécurité est stable. ''88% de diminution des cas d'insécurité par rapport à l an dernier'', selon la Police Nationale d Haïti. D autre part, nombreux sites d attractions touristiques à travers le pays ont été aménagés et sont prêts à recevoir des visiteurs. Enfin, les récents investissements dans le secteur, agrandissent le parc hôtelier. Un nouvel atout pour l accueil. Toutes les régions d Haïti ont des potentiels uniques, susceptibles de vous retenir si vous pensez avoir des vacances de rêve pour cette saison estivale. La Côte Sud regorge de plages sublimes d Aquin à Portsalut, en passant par les plages de Gelée et Ozanana à Saint Louis du Sud, et de grottes superbes comme celle de Marie-Jeanne à Port-à-Piment. Tout cela et d'autres encore, promettent à tout visiteur, le plus agréable des séjours. Très connues pour le talent de leurs artisans, la ville de Jacmel et ses régions périphériques, avec la majestueuse cascade de Bassin bleu, remplissent les conditions pour vous faire passer des vacances réussies. Le Parc National Historique (Citadelle, Ramiers et Sans-souci), contient les principaux attraits pour vous faire revivre certains moments importants de notre historie de peuple. De grands événements culturels s affichent. Outre nos fêtes champêtres traditionnelles dans diverses communes du pays, ces deux dernières années, le Carnaval des fleurs de Port-au-Prince et le Festival de la Mer dans le Nord ont été ajoutés au menu de la destination pour les vacances estivales. À Port-au-Prince, les meilleurs groupes de la musique haïtienne et les œuvres ingénieuses de nos artisans et artistes, vont se défiler au champ de mars les 27, 28 et 29 juillet Dans le Nord, la troisième édition du festival à succès, le festival de la Mer s annonce plus impressionnante que les précédentes. L on veut un coin où passer des vacances dont on se souviendra longtemps. Si vous hésitez encore, c'est le moment de faire le choix d une destination unique. Choisissez l âme des Caraïbes. Choisissez Haïti!! Le pays vous attend. Montez à bord, Venez vivre l Expérience!

6 Haiti by Design Dominique Carriére Tassy An administrator by profession, Dominique Carriére Tassy has recently delved into her longtime passion: designing elegant handbags for women of all ages. Though I studied and pursued a career in management, I always found style and sketching designs to be irresistible, even at a very young age. Three years ago, I decided to give into it and it has been very fulfilling, she recounts. Under the brand name Micou Design, she sketches patterns that she then gives to her employee, Solon, to execute. Having worked with him for 20 years, she credits the artisan for bringing her inspirations to life. I am constantly awed by the richness of the materials that I find at local stores. The various colors and textures all evoke different images and they sometimes literally transform before me. When I see these images, I put Creating Bags with Personality By Kristine Belizaire Photos by Ludmillo Pierre 4 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

7 them down on paper and try to do them justice through their execution. The primary material used in her handbags is jute, a goldencolored, coarse type of plant fiber that is second only to cotton in the amount produced and its diverse uses. Though it is originally rough in texture, its fine threads can create a light, stylish, and refined item when treated carefully. Some of her bags also include pieces of treated plastic that add their own unique character. Uniqueness is very important to Dominique, and she prides herself on making her work distinctive. Most women would rather not have the same bag as someone else, so I think it s important to give every one JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 5

8 Ouvert 7/7 Open 7/7 Abierto 7/7 Lun / Mon / Lun-Jeu/ Thr/Jue Ven / Fri / Vie Sam / Sat / Sab Dim / Sun / Dom Fériés / Holidays / Vacaciones 8h a.m. - 4h p.m. 8h a.m. - 5h p.m 10h a.m. - 4h p.m 12h a.m. - 5h p.m 10h a.m. - 4h p.m Place des Héros de l'indépendance, Port-au-Prince, Haïti Tél.:(509) mupanah@yahoo.fr of them its own personality, she explains. Looking over her collection, I definitely notice subtle differences in each one, whether in the vibrant colors or the shape of the handles. She makes sure to tell me that her handbags are designed for different looks. For a day accessory, one of her unembellished creations is a must-have. With their simple, clean lines offset with a pop of color from a brightly colored wooden or horn handle, they are sure to garner many appreciative stares. In the evening, a sequinedcovered bag can add a sophisticated touch to any attire. I would absolutely categorize my items as occasion bags, Dominique says, They are not bags for everyday wear, but rather they should be used for special outings. She recently showcased a collection at this year s Femmes, Créations & Production, a trade fair featuring the works of many of Haiti s female designers. She is also active on social media outlets such as Instagram where pictures of her bags can be found by searching Micou Design. She plans to display her bags in some boutiques in Pétion-Ville and is currently working on adding jute sandals to her fashion line. I look forward to donning my own pair! For ordering information, please contact Dominique Carriére Tassy at Micoudesign@hotmail.com 6 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

9 Heartbeat By Carolyn Desert Photos by Ludmillo Pierre As a diehard reggae fan, I was ecstatic to have a one on one conversation with James Vergneau, better known as Rebel Layonn. On many occasions, I had closed my eyes, put my hands up and danced to his songs. I even hung out with this artist who is always sporting a huge smile a few times. But this was my first chance to delve into his thoughts which he so beautifully converts into music. Rejwi or rejoice is one of my favorite Rebel Layonn songs. It s a feel good tune that speaks of positivity, gratitude for Mother Nature, and for life overall. I always wondered why the artist chose this particular name, meaning rebellious lion in Kreyòl. For me, his songs don t evoke anything close to a mutinous, belligerent nature. When I told him of my confusion, he laughed genuinely. Nah, Caro. Not that kind of rebel, a rebel for the right cause. A rebel for peace, for justice. A rebel against corruption. His words made me think of Bob Marley; it seems that they have similar views. The 34 year old artist has been expressing himself through music for a while now. Throughout his teenage years in the States, he found himself relating to hip-hop Back then, Public Enemy, Black Sheep reigned and rapping was about police brutality and injustice. Hip hop artists inspired Layonn as the civil rights activists of music. James believes that this genre of music lit a fire that got the blood of a Rebel boiling. The more he listened to hip hop, the more his quest for understanding broadened. Interestingly, his love for the genre did not urge him to perform it. His musical career began with a genre of reggae called, raggamuffin. JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 7

10 Rebel affectionately calls it gyal music since admiring women is the primary subject matter. Back in Haiti, Rebel along with a few other artists combined their talents and created Organized Divine Disciples (ODD) or odd. ODD was a group of young curious men simply searching. They were investigating their histories, digging for the truth, seeking an identity. Together they produced fusion music, incorporating conscious hip hop, dancehall and acapella. This was an odd combination for Haiti, nonetheless people found it remarkable. So remarkable that they captured the attention of international independent label company, Group Therapy and with their support Organized Divine Disciples released a video for their first song Jouk Kile. The relationship with the agents did not last unfortunately, as political turmoil hit Haiti and the members of Group Therapy fled back home. According to Rebel, ODD was the seed and Yzrael became the tree. Rebel created the full band with more organic and mature sounds, and with a more focused message. For seven years, Rebel and cohorts, Zikiki and Ibez pushed on learning as many instruments as possible. And now, the Rebel is exploring his passion with a solo project. His goal? To offer a top VILLA NICOLE 8 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

11 quality album in which he fully expresses artistic freedom while staying true to his nature and the message. Kay Pay Records picked him up and together, they created Rebel Layonn s latest album, Misyon. From What a thing, an upbeat tune that demands body movement to the adorations of Rejwi, all 15 tracks of Rebel s debut effort deliver deep soul as well as uncomplicated optimism. Musically, Rebel Layonn is maturing and he looks forward to making you dance while making you think - That s the misyon! Check out Rebel Layonn s album, Misyon, on itunes and visit facebook/rebel-layonn for tour dates. JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 9

12 Escapade La Source Hôtel Provincial Paradise Article and Photos by Natalia Marques da Silva When Richard Beauséjour s parents decided to move to Port-au- Prince from Rosier, a small town west of Port Salut, Richard s life became increasingly urban. He grew up and remained in the metropolitan capital until attending college in Montreal, and later completed his studies in Marketing and Business Management in Switzerland. The peyizan lifestyle of the Haitian countryside, a rich aspect of his heritage, was lost to him. The 2010 earthquake changed that forever. The trauma in the capital and the realization of life s precarious nature prompted a family reunion in Rosier. It allowed Richard to experience firsthand his grandparents and other relatives way of life. He immersed himself in local experiences, taking time to explore the natural habitat. Eventually the wish to share these experiences with others manifested into the rustic hotel La Source. 10 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

13 La Source is built on top of an outcropping of dried coral, between a heavily forested area and the ocean. Constructed with tradition in mind, the property incorporates local designs and styles. Each of the twelve rooms boasts the work of the South s talented artists and craftspeople such as ceramic lamps, hand crafted wood furniture, and colorful paintings in harmony with the brightly hued bed trimmings. Guests enjoy a serene view from virtually any angle and shaded seating areas provide the perfect gazing perches. The outdoor restaurant allows a continuous enjoyment of such views. It serves well known staples of seaside Haitian cuisine along with a range of other dishes from poulet avek diri to spaghetti or griot sandwiches. The desserts, such as the pain patate (sweet potato cake) and the La Source Cocktail a surprise drink can turn dinner into a long and relaxing evening with the sunset as a backdrop. Throughout the day guests may stroll in the gardens that connect the bedrooms and hotel facilities, or lounge by the dockside pool. By partnering with the neighboring community, La Source also connects visitors to offsite excursions. Adventure seekers can explore the Grotte Marie-Jeanne, or canoe against the waves that break "Immerse yourself in local experiences, taking time to explore the natural habitat" JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 11

14 the visitors taste the tranquil luxuries of southern Haiti. Visitors are immersed at La Source Hôtel where time is measured in ocean waves and sea breezes. Let the inviting atmosphere embrace you. Relax into the uniquely rich lifestyle of Haiti s coastal countryside. Leave your wrist watch packed in your bag and risk forgetting what day of the week it is. Go ahead, we dare you! on the coast. Culture junkies can mount the "500 Marches", a famous catholic and vodou pilgrimage in the area. These experiences, however, are only the beginning. Currently Richard is working with community members to develop a museum to introduce visitors to the peyisan lifestyle something that he says is important not just for foreigners but for Haitians who have since lost their connection to the provinces. This method of encouraging eco-friendly development in the area is a win-win situation: locals enjoy greater economic security while *La Source was established and briefly opened in July 2013; the rennovated space reopened in June For reservations visit: or call / MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

15

16 Words in Print Introducing Djatawo Haiti s First Comic Book Super Hero, Created by Anthony Louis-Jeune By Regine Theodat Illustrations courtesy of Anthony Louis-Jeune Djatawo was created by Anthony Louise-Jeune, in May Anthony is a renaissance man in the true sense of the word. He s a color-blind visual artist, musician, poet, and hip-hop lyricist. For as long as he can remember drawing has been his passion. He followed his passion to school in the Dominican Republic at Altos de Chavon. He began working on Djatawo there, a Haitian superhero that defends the rights of the Haitian masses. He protects the environment and emanates positive energy to accomplish his goals. His main nemeses seek to damage the environment and the world through mind-control. His dream is that Stan Lee from Marvel comics or DC Comics will take on Djatawo and turn it into a movie. Djatawo comics are in written in both Kreyòl and French. Anthony introduced Magic Haiti to Djatawo for a live face-to-mask interview. M: Thank you for sitting down with us Djatawo, can you tell us how old you are? D: I am as old as the universe. M: Tell us about yourself, what do you do for a living? D: I put life and light into people lives so that I can protect them from harm. M: What is your super power? D: I control space; I can teleport myself and objects by using positive energy. M: Who or What are your nemeses? D: Darkness is my nemesis. 14 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

17 M: What is the most dangerous situation you ve confronted? D: At a carnival, a crowd of people were possessed with an evil intent to destroy the environment; I had to save them without hurting the innocent mind controlled population. M: What types of villains do you regularly battle? D: I battle with villains that try to and control people s minds and seek to harm the environment. M: What is the deal with your light-reflecting mask? D: It allows me to do three things: 1) see the materials inside of the earth; 2) see the energies living beings possess; and 3) project positive energy. M: Do you have a girlfriend? D: Yes, her name is Tanama which means butterfly in the native Taino language; she is a protector of nature. M: Do you have a sidekick? D: Yes, his name is Kosmo, his super power is super knowledge. He is like the internet; he knows everything but can t intervene or use force to battle villains. M: Do you have a secret identity? D: Of course I do, but I m not revealing my secret to you! M: Alright, Djatawo, extra secretive! Do you have any closing words? D: To everyone reading and especially the youth: follow your dreams with passion and love full of determination with all the positivity you can muster and all of your wishes will come true. You can get Djatawo comic books at any bookstore in Port-au-Prince such as Asterix or La Pleiade. You can also check out Djatawo s Facebook page at: Djatawo. Anthony is soon co-launching an educational communications application based on Haitian history. To reach Anthony contact him at: aton.concepts@gmail.com, and to hear his musical work visit: soundcloud.com/ anthony-louis-jeune Le PLAZA HOTeL MON OASIS AU CENTRE-VILLE! 10 rue Capois, Champs de Mars conferences@plazahaiti.com reservations@plazahaiti.com JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 15

18 Lamanjay Muncheez By Angela Galbreath Photographs by Ludmillo Pierre and Junior Plesius Louis The first adjective that comes to mind when I think of Muncheez restaurants is laid-back. This is a place to come as you are, enjoy a healthy serving of barbecued ribs, and lick the homemade sauce off your fingers afterwards if you so desire. And savor every last bit, you just might... It's that good. Where Everybody Knows Your Name Chef and Co-owner, Gilbert Bailly, certainly won t mind; he ll take it as a compliment for his secret recipe. Bailly s at one of the four locations of the restaurant chain every day of the week greeting his loyal clientele. Although, when it all started, he never dreamed he d being doing this full time. Muncheez was born of the whims of Gilbert and four pals. They all had day jobs and they wanted to create a place where they could hang out and let loose in the evenings. Thus, in 1997, the Pétion-Ville restaurant sprang into being with a small amount of capital and the simple intention to stay afloat so the guys had a place to chill. We had no idea that it would be this successful, remembers Gilbert who now with his remaining co-owner Cliff Duveaux, considers themselves career restaurateurs. It seems that the neighborhood was just as hungry as they were 16 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

19 for a casual, welcoming place. The demand only grew over the years and today Muncheez serves up generous portions at four locations around the Caribbean capital. All four hotspots fill booths and tables with lunch and dinner clients daily. Patrons shake hands and tell jokes before settling in for a satisfying meal and a drink or two. A regular at Muncheez never lacks for companions as there are always familiar faces like Gilbert with an open chair waiting for you. Each Muncheez bears a singular charm. The newest location in Bon Repos offers all the signature hamburgers, pizzas, and salads to a compaloving crowd. Bois Verna serves up fried chicken suspiciously reminiscent of the Colonel's, while diners follow life on the busy downtown thoroughfare. Muncheez Airport Road provides a lunch buffet for busy professionals in the area. And, the Pétion-Ville Muncheez has deep dish pizza, billiards, and of course, Carnival. We can't do Muncheez restaurants justice without mentioning the pre-carnival Pétion-Ville extravaganza. " A regular at Muncheez never lacks for companions " Every Sunday leading up to Fat Tuesday, Muncheez embraces a crowd of thousands that spill onto the street in pulsing mobs. The DJ on the terrace keeps things thumping in between over the last two decades into an institution. The four locations serve as landmarks in each area, because it's a chain where all are welcome and many frequent. Gilbert says, "When people get used to a place, they re not going to change easily. They know the people there. They get the same sincere welcome every time." Stop by to introduce yourself today and make yourself at home among Port-au-Prince's friendliest. Muncheez, 2, Rue Rebecca, Pétion-Ville, / ; passing musical acts. It's an all night party uniting the neighborhood, so popular, that it renders Gilbert one of the Pétion-Ville's most recognizable personalities. Truly Muncheez has evolved Bon Repos, KM 12, Route Nationale #1 (Station SOL), / ; #9 Avenue Lamartiniere, Bois-Verna (after Global) / ; Airport Road, JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 17

20 A Haven for Ar Artmosphere Les Ateliers By Rachele Viard Photos by Ludmillo Pierre It is a pure moment of pleasure each time I walk through the doors of Ateliers Jérôme an art gallery in the center of Pétion- Ville where lovers of art and novices alike can take in the beautiful pieces of art the gallery houses. It was founded in Haiti, in 1985 by, Jean-René Jérôme and Mireille Pérodin Jérôme, members of the International Association of Art Critics, Caribbean Region (AICA Caraïbes) to afford artists a place to showcase their works as well as a platform where they could interact amongst themselves and with those interested in the arts and culture. It is no surprise that Les Ateliers Jérôme has become a gallery of reference. Jean-René Jérôme, a renowned Haitian artist, was a very gifted individual who as a young man participated in many artistic activities including dance, painting, singing, theater, and drawing. However, he studied drawing and painting at the Academie des Beaux Arts in Haiti. He and 18 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014

21 Jérôme Bernard Séjourné a movement improperly named the School of Beauty. Best known for his paintings of beautiful iconic black females, Jérôme founded the gallery during the latest crackdown of the 1980 s which ended with the dislocation of many artists and writers. The sector needed a meeting place where they could meet as well as exchange ideas. Over the years, Les Ateliers Jérôme has become a cultural hub and has hosted many cultural events and art shows. Some of the well known and respected artists featured in the gallery have been André Pierre, Robert St. Brice, Salnave Philippe, Auguste Alexandre Grégoire, Saint Jacques Smith, as well as Levoy Exil. It is also with great support and commitment that they afforded exposure to up and coming artists. In addition, Les Ateliers Jérôme provides art enthusiasts the "Les Ateliers Jérôme has become a cultural hub and has hosted many cultural events and art shows" necessary knowledge to enjoy a work of art with an analytical approach. Meandering through the gallery is always an exciting t Enthusiasts JUNE / JULY 2014 MAGIC HAITI 19

22 experience, easy to navigate with folks ready to provide information. It is certainly a place one must visit when first discovering Haitian art, and though you are surrounded by stunning stand out pieces of art you don t feel overwhelmed. Its layout allows you to take them in at your own pace. Great care is given to each detail. Art education is powerful, engaging and eye opening about a people, culture and history. The gallery is very committed in this area. And as a result, the mission of the workshops offered at Les Ateliers Jérôme is to strengthen the links between Haitian artists, collectors, art lovers of all age groups, as to create an art haven of sorts for the promotion and dissemination of art, poetry, music, and cinema. It has become a great place for those seeking to gain more knowledge on the history of Haitian art. It is especially exciting to visit the gallery when it has been transformed for an exhibit. I highly suggest that you give Les Ateliers Jérôme a try even if you are not artsy individual. Take the time to take in each piece of artwork and feel free to ask questions, and maybe even bring back a souvenir. Located at #46, rue Rebecca Pétion-Ville. Call and visit them on the web at lesateliersjerome.com 20 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2014