BUFFALO, N.Y. –WNED’s Horizons Gallery will host “Haiti in Color” May 20 – June 17. The exhibition is free and open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery is located in the WNED studios at 140 Lower Terrace, across from the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo. Free parking is available.

The exhibition and sale of 50 colorful paintings by Haitian artists is sponsored by Asakivle Buffalo Friends of Haiti. Ninety percent of the proceeds will go directly to the artists.

An opening reception, also open to the public, will take place Friday, May 20 at 6 p.m. The Concert for Haiti in Color follows at 8 p.m. in the WNED Studios. This benefit concert features Gruvology, Emile Latimer and Friends, and Men in White. Two paintings will be auctioned during the concert intermission. There is a suggested $20 minimum donation for admission to the concert.

“This event is about having a good time while helping a good cause. It is a great opportunity to get up and dance but also learn about a foreign culture,” said Sabine Van Wyck, secretary of the Asakivle group.

Event proceeds will go toward building a community center in the drought-stricken village of Soukri, Haiti. “We are working with the people of Soukri on assessing the area in order to dig three wells for irrigation,” said BuWayna Daniels, an Asakivle founder. “We are now in the beginning construction phases of a community center.”

The group, whose name comes from a Haitian Kreyole word meaning “let whoever will participate,” has a three-fold mission: to establish a fair trade outlet for Haitian artists and artisans; to provide education for children in the countryside; and to improve living conditions through building wells, planting trees and providing electricity with solar energy.

For more information, please visit Asakivle.org or contact Van Wyck at (716) 566-8961.

***Art exhibition images available upon request.***