| In Haiti, many things are lost, discarded, or abandoned. Through the Apparent Project, Shelly and Corrigan Clay have made it their mission to reclaim these things and to give them new and useful lives. Through the Apparent Project’s artisan guild, these impassioned humanitarians work with local artisans to use discarded materials such as cereal and cracker boxes, oil drums, and trash paper to create beautiful “upcycled” pieces of jewelry, journals, and stylish home decor. The creation of these products not only reuses waste products, giving them a new life and purpose, it also creates a new life for the artisans that make them, many of whom live below the poverty line, by giving them steady work and income. |
| The Apparent Project's trade workshops, which teach parents skills in fine arts and crafts so that they may generate an income through the production of internationally marketed artwork, are a continuation of its primary goal: the continuing support and care for Haitian orphans and potential orphans—children on the verge of abandonment because their parents have no way to feed or house them. In addition to its artisan programs, the Apparent Project also creates food programs that feed street children, and is in the process of establishing a day care center where orphans can learn vital skills through educational programming. The Clays settled in Haiti after traveling to Port-au-Prince to adopt two orphans, but were displaced as a result the devastating earthquake. Even though they now live in America, Haiti is endeared forever in their hearts and they have made it their mission to do as much as they can to create new life for the discarded and displaced by engaging its vibrant and resilient artisan communities. Urban Zen is captivated by the impeccable craftsmanship and the endlessly inspiring mission of the Apparent Project, and we invite you to visit Urban Zen to see our gorgeous selection of beaded jewelry from the Apparent Project. The jewelry, and the people behind it, embody beauty in its truest form. |
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