Getting Ready for the Upcoming Haitian Art Sale in Setauket!
Sahara Pradhan '15, has been heavily involved in VHP since her freshman year. She has served as the Education Initiative Director, the VP for Outreach, and as the Co-President for Fundraising and Development. She recently came back to Vassar to visit us and took this opportunity to help with the preparation for Setauket Sale.
On October 18th, I met up with a few VHPers at a café in Brooklyn to prepare for a presentation we were going to give in Setauket. We had an incredibly successful weekend sale in Setauket two years ago, hosted by a Vassar College alumnae Jeanine Morelli and her husband Peter. This presentation was for our return to Setauket for the second time, for the upcoming Haitian art sale on the weekend of November 20, 21, and 22.
I was surprised to get a chance to accompany Andrew, Lila, and our amazing new Vice President for Outreach, Kidus, for this presentation in Setauket.
After a two-hour drive, we arrived at the church and were warmly welcomed by the Morellis once again. It was the church where I had set up the Haitian paintings for sale two years ago.
We gave the presentation to a group of middle school and high school students about our work in Chermaître and in the United States, and talked about Vassar students' involvements. Then we shared a few pieces of art with the audience.
Lila also conducted a mini "art of the schmooze" workshop, which teaches the art of meeting and talking to new people at art sales – and in life! This workshop aims to help the students develop a sense of confidence and to show them that they are not alone in their fears.
These students will help us spread the word in their community about the Setauket sale, and also help out at the sale itself!
Returning for the first time as a Vassar Haiti Project alum after having been out in the so-called "real world" for several months, I have started to more fully realize the uniqueness and rarity of the depth of my relationships and experience I acquired while being a part of Vassar Haiti Project. Vassar Haiti Project was one of my first homes at Vassar, so returning, even for a short while, was a gift for me.
I was incredibly moved by Jeanine and her community's hospitality two years ago, and I am sure that with this amazing support we are receiving, the second Setauket sale will also be a great success!
Can we beam you back from CR for the sale? We miss you but you have indelibly put your mark on VHP and for this, we shall never forget the things YOU have taught us!