RAW artists.
RAW artists. (Courtesy of LexArt)

LexArt is partnering with Refugee Artisans of Worcester (RAW) to stage a gallery exhibition of their artwork and handcrafts, bringing their artists and the RAW program to the attention of our community.

Worcester is one of 27 cities throughout the US that supports the relocation and assimilation of international refugees. Founded in 2010 by Worcester residents Joan Kariko and Ellen Ferrante, RAW is a unique non-profit project that works to support refugees and assist them to self-sufficiency through the sale of their artwork, while archiving their heritage and cultural crafts.

LexArt seeks to introduce the RAW non-profit project and its artisans to our community and foster a supportive environment with traditional craft as our common language. We hope it is the first of many such collaborations. One hundred percent of realized gallery sales will support RAW artisans.

The show opens Saturday Oct. 8. Fourteen (14) Artists will be doing demonstrations at the reception open to the public, Sunday Oct. 9. Free food and live music.

I’d like to encourage all to show up in support at the Oct. 9 reception, 2-4pm. If that’s not possible, then sometime during the show’s three-week run. The exhibit runs Oct. 8 thru Oct. 30.

Claribel came to the U.S. from Guatemala alone at thirteen years old. With the help of foster parents and RAW she graduated high school this year and is going to community college. (Courtesy of RAW)

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