Haitian Artists Present a Rebirth of Haiti Through Art
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INQUIRIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRESS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Maureen Bennett at 908-277-8834 or mbennett@smgnj.com
FOR ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 908-273-4300.
Berkeley Heights, NJ --- "Hope Springs Eternal: A Rebirth of Haiti Through Art," an art exhibit and reception opens Friday, April 16 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Summit Medical Group located at 1 Diamond Hill Road in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
The multidimensional fundraiser features paintings of Haitian-born artists now living in the United States. There also will be music, poetry, and inspirational readings. Additionally, Summit Medical Group Chief Medical Officer, Robert W. Brenner, MD, will speak about his recent medical relief visit to Haiti on behalf of The COTY Project. A portion of the proceeds will be donated for Haitian relief through the LAMBI Center for Humanities and Civics, Inc. LAMBI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and developing the Haitian community.
The artists exhibiting their work include:
Jean-Philippe Blaise was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is a relatively new artist. Blaise has been painting steadily since 2000 and has participated in numerous art expositions in the New York metropolitan area.
Jean Richard Coachy was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Coachy studied art at the Calfou Club, Coop Artist and under Haitian master, Petion Savain. Coachy is also a respected art instructor in Haiti and the United States. He has participated in numerous exhibits in the United States, Europe, and Haiti. Coachy’s paintings also have appeared in Jonathan Demme’s book, Island of Fire, and John Allen Franciscus’ book Haiti Voodoo Kingdom to Modern Riviera.
Jean Claude Dominique was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He graduated from the Pratt Institute with a BA in Fine Arts. Dominique has exhibited his work throughout the United States, including the Durham Performing Art Center in Durham, North Carolina, National Black McDonald Owners Association in Indianapolis, Indiana, Parklane in Chatham, New Jersey, Oscar Schindler Performing Art Center in West Orange, New Jersey, Boxheart Gallery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Center of Hope Haiti in New York City.
Jean-Marie Eliscard was born in Cayes, Haiti. Eliscard studied art at the Academie Des Beaux Arts in Port-au-Prince and trained with some of the great masters in Haitian art, including Raoul Dupoux, Jean-Rene Jerome, Rose-Marie Desruisseau, and Simil. Eliscard has participated in various art shows in Haiti, Canada, and the United States. He has received numerous awards.
Jerry MC Georges was born in St. Marc, Haiti. Georges is a traditional landscape and portrait artist who is committed to helping the nonprofit community. Christie’s Auction House sold a Georges painting for the Greenwich Country Day School.
Francisco Gervais was born in Gros-Morne, Haiti. In the early 1980s, Gervais learned the fundamental principles of painting while working with the prominent impressionist artist, Ernst Louizor. He has studied under Haitian art masters such as Dieudonné Louizor, Richard Barbot, and art historian Michel-Philippe Lerebours.
Eric Girault was born in Jeremie, Haiti. Girault studied at the Brochette Studio School of Art. While at Brochette, Girault met the artists Lazard, TiGa, and Cedor, who became his best friends. Along with his best friends, Girault became one of Haiti’s 4 most prominent artists. His works are included in the collections of Aristotle Onassis, Nelson Rockefeller, and Former President of France, Valery Giscard D’Estaing.
Marino Jean-Louis was in raised Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The inspiration for his painting stems from meditation, spirituality, women, philosophy, and a desire for peace. Jean-Louis’ work has been displayed at New York City’s City Hall.
Darly Raphaël was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Raphael studied art at Haiti's National Art School under Michel Prudent. Her inspiration comes from the everyday life and political events. Darly’s artistic vision is focused on the black culture and legacy of Haitian spirituality that has been passed on from generation to generation.
Joseph Thony "TiTonton" Moïse was born in Haiti. He studied art under Dewitt Peters at the Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince. There he met and studied with Normil, Lazare, Obas, and other great Haitian artists. Moise is best known for his painting "Dechoukaj" which means "Uprooting." "Dechoukaj" depicts the jubilation of the Haitian people at the end of the Duvalier regime in 1986. He has participated in numerous art expositions in Haiti, the United States, Canada, and other countries.
