Virtuarte.com

In January I had the opportunity to meet and subsequently have gotten to know Lynda Marks, Director of Retail Operations at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I was introduced to Lynda because, for some time she had been thinking about starting an initiative to promote international women artisans. On the 1st of May the Museum shop launched the International Women Artisans Initiative. What a pleasure it has been to watch this Initiative grow during the year.

The mission of the Initiative is to recognize the global artistic traditions of women artisans and to link decorative design and functional crafts with social responsibility and greater independence and dignity for all women.

As part of the Initiative the "Global Gallery and Marketplace" is a focused section within the Museum shop, which features a wide range of handmade crafts, including jewelry, textiles, handbags, totes, baskets, home accents, and gifts from around the world. Sales of these products made by women artisans in developing countries assist in:

• Providing economic independence and sustainable incomes
• Improving social standing and political clout
• Fostering the use of environmentally sustainable materials
• Enhancing cultural vitality and increasing community well-being
• Assisting the disabled and disadvantaged with employment opportunities
• Teaching basic business skills and practices

However, promoting these products in the Museum shop is only one aspect of this Initiative. In addition to sales in the shop, Lynda plans events that will inform the community on female artistic traditions and the value of supporting them.

2008 Events

This year two programs were held -- one on the 11th of May, International Artisans: Empowering Women through Commerce and one on the 18th of July, Roundtable Discussion on Empowering Women Artisans. Both events attracted diverse audiences interested in hearing and talking to representatives from international organizations, advocacy groups and commercial ventures who assist women around the world in bringing their products to the commercial market. I had the opportunity to participate in one of these events and know some of you attended one or both of them.

"Global Gallery and Marketplace" closes

On the 1st of October the featured area in the shop will close, however, the International Women Artisans Initiative will be ongoing. Annually from 1 May - 1 October, the shop's "Global Gallery and Marketplace" will be open, special events will be held and educational programming will be scheduled. Watch for annoucements in 2009.

If you are in the Washington, DC area and are looking for that special gift or beginning to think about Christmas gifts, stop by the Museum shop at 1250 New York Ave., NW and take advantage of the many special offers and discounts available now through the end of the month. You will definitely find something special.