Pottery, paintings, and passion abound at Haiti’s 18th Artisanat en Fête | Photos

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Visitors at Artisanat en Fête wandered from stall to stall, their eyes lighting up with awe as craftsmen and craftswomen skillfully worked on their creations before a live audience. A potter delicately finished his clay vase, while nearby, a leather sandal maker carefully stitched soles, their hands moving with practiced precision. It was a scene of beauty and resilience—creativity thriving despite the challenges.

The 18th edition of Artisanat en Fête, Haiti’s largest annual craft fair, brought together over 230 artisans this year, transforming Pétion-Ville into a vibrant celebration of Haitian art and craftsmanship on Dec. 14 and 15. Pottery, sculptures, rock designs, crochet dresses, leather sandals, and flower bouquets filled the grounds, alongside traditional Karabela dresses and metal artworks—each piece a testament to Haiti’s rich cultural heritage and the artisans’ unwavering spirit.

“If Artisanat en Fête is held this year, it is mainly for the artisans who continue to create, despite the challenges of life in recent years, despite the fact that many of them are displaced artisans who have lost their clientele,” said Max Chauvet, director of Le Nouvelliste, which organizes the event with the Institute for the Research and Promotion of Haitian Art (IRPAH).

Chauvet underscored the importance of preserving Haitian craftsmanship, calling it essential for the country’s future. “Supporting Haitian craftsmanship and local production [is crucial], because despite the difficult times, we must start thinking about reconstruction, which will not be possible without our artisans and creators,” he said.

At one of the booths, participants eagerly ordered flower bouquets as designers arranged vibrant blooms right before their eyes.

While the fair didn’t see the large crowds of previous years, the energy remained palpable. Attendees offered words of encouragement, browsed the unique offerings, and purchased handmade pieces—a small but meaningful show of support.

“I am happy to be at Artisanat en Fête to exhibit, despite the country’s issues reducing the number of participants. We are here,” said Moles Suffren, a maker of handmade bracelets. For Suffren, this year’s biggest challenge was sourcing materials like wood beads and threads amidst nationwide disruptions.

“There is no traffic. It’s with the materials I already had that I am able to create the works displayed at the fair,” he said. “I hope the country will return to normal so that people can move around and go to work normally.”

Artisanat en Fête offered more than just art; it was a moment of hope—a space where Haitian resilience and creativity took center stage, reminding all who attended that even in difficult times, beauty and craft endure.

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Pottery, paintings, and passion abound at Haiti’s 18th Artisanat en Fête | Photos was first posted on December 18, 2024 at 2:17 pm.