Transform Lives in Madagascar with Silk and Raffia

Donations from our supporters this past season are already being put to work in Madagascar, funding the training of new artisans, new equipment and sourcing the supplies needed to prepare for our biggest show yet.

The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico is a big opportunity for us. With ~20,000 visitors buying up art from around the world, we are thrilled to be accepted into this year’s show. Our lead artisan and head of the women’s group, Lalaina Raharindimby, will be attending this year as well as a group of volunteers from our partner in Canada, Sanjo Silk. Lalaina will get to participate in a training workshop for international business development prior to the show. If anyone lives in the area, or feels like traveling, please visit us there, meet Lalaina, and bring home some dazzling new art! https://folkartmarket.org/tickets/

Preparations for big shows are always time consuming, but the team is already ahead of the game this year and feeling good about their progress. They are training new artisans, securing the silk supply lines, forecasting supply needs, and negotiating new shipping methods. With the experience of NY NOW under their belts, the team is better able to predict the work flow, problem solve and anticipate what they need. Our diversified silks and raffia are being sourced from ever-greater areas of Madagascar, providing supplemental income and livelihoods to those areas and connecting the wider community to the SEPALI program.

We are also bringing our silk and raffia designs back to nature with eco-inspired themes for this year. Take a look at the beautiful new catalog showcasing Ta’na’na silks (below):

Thanks again for your support and we will send another update soon!

• Nature Inspired Cocoon Silk (PDF)