Oct. 18, 2006

Art exhibit on Oct. 27-28 shows hope and beauty amid Africa’s wars and disease

www.blackwhiteafrica.com

“Black & White” captures the beauty and hope of Africa while showing the dark realities of war and HIV-AIDS. Work from over a dozen Portland artists and their African friends ranges from photography, mixed media and painting to poetry, music and spoken word. There will be poetry from Kenya, music from Uganda, and children's art from the Sudanese, Kenyans, and Somali Bantus.

“We want East African artists and Portland artists to connect and inspire each other,” said Dan Holcomb, the director of Lahash International, a grassroots aid organization sponsoring the event.

Lahash International, a Portland organization, partners with East Africans to provide resources, friendship and hope.

Holcomb hopes the event sparks interest and conversation about the pain and hope in Africa. People who attend the show will have the chance to sponsor Sudanese orphans and to get involved on various levels of volunteering and travel.

"We seem to all be concerned about Africa at the moment here in the United States, and people want to help out,” said Holcomb. “This will be a great way of getting to know the issues better, enjoying some beautiful art, and stepping out to make a difference in the lives of our friends in East Africa."

The exhibit is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28 at Urban Grind Coffee Shop, NE 22nd and NE Oregon St., Portland. It is free and open to the public.