The Shanti Uganda Society will be hosting its 5th Annual Evening of Art dinner and art auction Oct. 24 to raise funds for its life-saving maternal and infant health and HIV/AIDS programs, carried out at the Shanti Uganda Birth House in Nsaasi Village, Uganda.
An average 16 women die every day in Uganda due to birth-related complications. With an aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality and support women living with HIV/AIDS, the work of Shanti Uganda has garnered the interest of one of Vancouvers most highly sought-after artists: Ethiopian-born artist Yared Nigussu (best known for his large-scale paintings and colourful palette).
The Shanti Uganda Birth House is a solar-powered maternity centre providing mother-centered care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum, staffed by a team of Ugandan midwives, a traditional birth attendant, laboratory technicians and support staff. Shanti Uganda also supports an HIV+ Womens Income Generating Group, a Teen Girls Health and Empowerment program, and a sustainable community garden.
In addition to two of Nigussus portraiture paintings and one landscape painting, the live art auction will feature pieces by Martha Sturdy, Marta Baricsa, Sonja Picard, Howe Street Gallery, StoneAge Art, Bao-Xi, and many more.
London Olympics silver medalist and world-champion rower Darcy Marquardt will be hosting the event.
Doors at 7pm, dinner at 7:30 at Maurya Indian Cuisine (1643 W. Broadway). ShantiUgandaEOFA.eventbrite.ca
