Zimbabwe Artists Project in Clinton Hill

The Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) helps women in Zimbabwe become financially self-sufficient. Many of the women are mothers and single heads-of-households. They farm, but the income is "unpredictable and limited," according to the Projects website.

To help the women afford necessities such as food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transportation, seeds and fertilizer, ZAP sells their artwork. There is not much of a market for artwork in Zimbabwe, so the American market is crucial to the women and the lives of their children. ZAP pays upon purchase and provides health care to the artists, including HIV treatment, explains Zimbabwe Artists Project's website.

One American business helping this important cause is Clinton Hill's Tillie's café. It premiered the unique artwork this month and will continue to do so until November 13^th. Pieces range from $48 to $75, according to The Local.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," the old adage says. Today, these women's pictures are worth much more than words. They are worth lives.

If you'd like to help people so far away from Clinton Hill who may seem like they are in another world, but who share your world, just drop by your local café, Tillie's.

Sources:

Zimbabwe Artists Project, "Welcome"

Liza Eckerrt, "Tillie's Features Art from Zimbabwe," The Local