The Women Artists of Matènwa, Haiti

Matènwa is a small, rural Haitian community in the mountains of Lagonav, an island in Haiti's great, blue bay. Welcome to the lives, challenges and creativity of this unique Haitian community !

Using picturesque images drawn from their own culture and history, the Atis Fanm, (Kreyol for Women Artists) paint on silk scarves stories from their lives, from the bible, from the Vodou religion, and from memories of flora and fauna that are fast disappearing from their world.

 

 

RaRa: A rousing, month-long, Vodou celebration honoring the gods of life's deepest forces. RaRa is unique to Haiti, with its own fiery music, rhythms and dance.

This summer the artists of Matenwa opened their first storefront, "RaRa" in Wellfleet, Cape Cod Massachusetts showcasing their extraordinary silk, sequin, silkscreened and embroidered artwork.


RaRa is located at 6 Commercial Street next to "The Juice" one of Wellfleet's most popular restaurants. The head chef at "The Juice," Mike Andolina, is an artist who teaches printmaking at the Arts Center in Matenwa.


RaRa is tiny but packed with glittering life!
Come visit, eat great food, learn more about the project and buy gifts for everyone you know. Your support ensures the artists' -- and their families-- future.

Embroidery, a traditional craft practiced in Haiti.

The Atis Fanm are building livelyhood and community through the arts.