REWEAVING A LIFE MEXICAN ART EXHIBITION.

(See photographs)

It is our pleasure to invite you to a Gala Reception/Inauguration for the Reweaving a Life Mexican Art Exhibition to be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 7:00 pm in Steacy Hall of All Saints' Westboro Anglican and First United Church, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa. 

The exhibit tells the story in paintings, ink drawings and woven palm baskets of the women of Tlamacazapa , Mexico , through the eyes of four artists - two Mexican and two Canadian. The women weavers of Tlama are in a process of social transformation to achieve clean water and sanitation in their village, to make education a priority for their children and achieve literacy for themselves and youth, and to improve the significant health issues facing their people, especially those of the malnourished young child and the pregnant woman. Within a violent and disorganized setting where they have long been oppressed, the women weavers work to transform their silence into a compelling call to action . Their goal, "clean water for all", reflects their belief that sufficient, pure water and a harmonious environment are basic human rights and a collective responsibility.

The exhibit serves to create a bridge between this group of indigenous people of Mexico and concerned people in Ottawa and other parts of Canada . The opening event will bring together some of the women weavers of Tlamacazapa and a group of our own native people from Minwaashin Lodge in Ottawa who will perform a singing and drumming ceremony.

Ten years ago, a Calgary community health nurse, Dr. Susan Smith, began working with the villagers of Tlamacazapa, and founded the non-governmental organization Caminamos Juntos Para Salud y Desarrollo/Walking Together for Health and Development. Responding to needs as identified by the villagers themselves, the program has evolved as described in the attached Mission Statement.

The women of Tlamacazapa are reweaving their lives, to ones that are rich with purpose, pride and peace.

The exhibition will continue through the month of November in Chapel of the Holy Spirit, All Saints' Anglican, Westboro and First United Churches , 347 Richmond Road .

Opening times during November will be Mondays through Fridays, noon - 1:30 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sundays, noon - 4 p.m. and other times by appointment. Contact: Marcie Taylor at 613-863-8304 or email marcie.taylor@hotmail.com.