900 Burkinabe Girls Thank You!

It looks like we pulled it off!! After multiple emails campaigns, Facebook posts and widgets on blogs, Friends of Burkina Faso has earned a spot in the top 4 in "America's Giving Challenge." And what a ride it's been this last week.

By 3pm EST today, the "Lambs for School" project had 1,635 donations in total, equalling $41,400. More importantly, a top 4 position guarantees the project an additional $50,000, which means this project is funded for the next 3 years! The results are not yet "official" but it's looking pretty good for FBF.

Check out the NY Times article about the Challenge. The project coordinator, Suzanne, is quoted in the article. To read a project update from 2007, check out page 10 of the Burkina Connection (which I am the editor of by the way).

Thank you very much! Barka wusugo! Merci beaucoup!

P.S. I personally think the Case Foundation should give the top 5 $50,000 since the competition was fierce. But that's just my 2 cents.

Interview from Black Creativity 2008

Exhibit in Chicago

We're just back from Chicago and the opening of Black Creativity 2008 at the Museum of Science and Industry. This was Rabi's first show out of Minnesota. We had a great time and met a lot of interesting artists from around the US. 115 pieces were selected out of 520 entries, so we were excited to have 2 accepted!

We are definitely interested in participating in future exhibits in Chicago, so keep us in mind!

Rabi with his pieces "Remanence 1" and "Remanence 3."

And thanks to Karen and Mat for their hospitality, even though it was a quick visit!

5 minutes + $10 = $50,000

As of January 10th, Friends of Burkina Faso was only 17 donors behind the 4th place cause in "America’s Giving Challenge." The race is getting tight!

Please take 5 minutes today and donate $10 to the “Lambs for School” project. The top 4 international charities with the most unique donors will receive an additional $50,000 for their project.

Visit Suzanne's donation page today!

PS, Check out the real time fundraiser leaderboard to see where the Lambs project currently stands.

Midwest Sanctuary Coverage

If you missed the opening reception (like me!) or if you can't make it over to Altered Esthetics for the show, check out some images online!

Also, check out the review of the show on by Matt Konrad on mnartists.org.

Can you find Rabi?

Black Creativity 2008

On January 16, 2008, the Museum of Science and Industry will open "The Magic and Science of Cinema and Television," an interactive exhibit that explores the dynamic careers, technology and star power that make your favorite news programs, television shows and blockbuster movies possible.

The exhibit will open as part of the Museum’s annual Black Creativity celebration — a 6 week program that highlights the achievements and heritage of African Americans. The annual Black Creativity program, will celebrate its 37th year in 2008. It will be supported with programming that includes a juried art exhibition (open for the duration of the exhibit), a symposium, cultural performances and educational workshops.

If you're in the Chicago area, please stop by to see “Remanence 1” and "Remanence 3". The judges of the juried art exhibit included: Jonathan Green, Faheem Majeed, Charles E. Bethea, Patrick McCoy, Jumaane N'Namdi, and Kymberly N. Pinder, Ph.d.

Museum of Science and Industry

57th Street and Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60637

January 16-March 2, 2008

Reminder: Opening Reception for Midwest Sanctuary

Don't forget to stop by on Friday for the opening reception of Midwest Sanctuary!

Midwest Sanctuary

Artwork by and about the diverse people of the Midwest

January 3-26, 2007

Altered Esthetics

1224 Quincy St. NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

Gallery Hours

Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 - 7pm

Saturdays 1- 5pm

Opening Reception

Friday, January 4

7pm - 10pm