Macy’s Launches “Heart Of Haiti” Collection, Partners With Artisans To Help Rebuild Economy In Earthquake-Devastated Haiti
Traditional Artisans to show and discuss their work at Macy’s at Dadeland Mall
October 7, 6:00 p.m.
Dadeland Macy’s Home Store
7675 North Kendall Drive
Miami, Fl 33156

Recognizing the continued need in Haiti, Macy’s announced a new initiative – “The Heart of Haiti” – which will bring trade and aid to the earthquake-devastated country through a program for selling traditional Haitian artisan home décor products. The collection, inspired by the courage and culture of the Haitian people and created by Haitian artisan survivors, will be available in 25 Macy’s stores and on macys.com in October. Already, monies are being sent to Haitian artisans to buy needed materials to return to work, and more than 200 artisans are at work full-time.

The following artists will be on hand to help launch the collection at The Macy’s Home Store at Dadeland Mall:

Pascale was raised in Port-Au-Prince and has been creating art her entire life. In 2004, she moved to a seaside village on the outskirts on Jacmel with her daughter and joined a community of papier mache artists. She creates in papier mache as well as wood, textiles and mixed media. Pascale is a leader of the collective organization that is creating Macy’s products. Pascale’s home and workshop were destroyed in the earthquake.

Serge Jolimeau is a world-renowned metal artist, who has exhibited globally. A wise community leader, Serge presides over the guild organization ADAAC- Association of Artists and Artisans of Croix des Bouquets- that links the many artisan ateliers of Croix de Bouquets, a small town outside of Port-Au-Prince. Serge creates his masterworks using imagery drawn from his rich visionary imagination, memories of participating in ceremonies and the magnificent Haitian landscape.

Pierre Satyr is a master papier mache artist and the president of the Jacmel Guild of artists and artisans. He is heading the effort to build an artisans’ center in Jacmel, where the artists can live and work. A master painter, Satyr created the patterns for several pieces of the “Heart of Haiti” collection.

In May 2010, The William J. Clinton Foundation called American businesses to action by urging them to engage in rebuilding Haiti’s shattered economy in the wake of the country’s January 12, 2010 earthquake. Macy’s, having long partnered with global artisan communities, was an immediate responder. Knowing that traditional handmade goods are the heart and soul of cultures and economies that also delight North American shoppers, Macy’s turned to the successful model it has employed in the past. Currently, Macy’s carries fine products made by master artisans from across the developing world, including the famed Rwandan “Path to Peace” baskets, which have employed thousands of survivors of that nation’s 1994 conflict. Now in its fifth year, the relationship between Macy’s and the Rwandan weavers remains an enduring partnership providing education, healthcare, clean water, plentiful food, and dignity in Rwanda.

Haiti is recognized globally as a center of handmade industries and its ancient culture includes a vast diversity of traditional, handmade products. These include hand-tooled serving trays and up-cycled oil drums from the blacksmith community in Croix des Bouquets, the work in papier mache from Carnival Jacmel artists and a women’s quilting cooperative in Cite Soleil. A selection of these artworks will launch as the exclusive Macy’s “Heart of Haiti” collection, including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, wood-carvings, paintings and jewelry.

Please contact Dori Robau at (305) 577-1973 or via email at Dori.Robau@macys.com for more information.

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.