Artist and merchant combine efforts to aid Doctors Without Borders

Newburgh —Artist/activist Shawn Dell Joyce and store owner/community activist Marge Bell team up to present a benefit art exhibit for Doctors without Borders at Newburgh Artisans from Oct. 1 through Dec. 23. A percentage of sales from this exhibition will be donated to Doctor’s Without Borders for their fine work in the refugee camps of Darfur, the genocide-plagued region of the Sudan. The Newburgh Artisans is located at the corner of Ann and Liberty Streets. A reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. A closing Kwanzaa reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 14. The refugee camps in Darfur are the inspiration for Shawn Dell Joyce’s pastel paintings. She worked from photos taken by a “Doctors without Borders” volunteer to create a series of paintings that exemplify the strength and dignity of a population facing down hunger and brutal repression. Called a “sustainable artist,” Joyce often partners with such socially progressive organizations as Doctors Without Borders to help raise funds for the organization and to raise the public’s consciousness through her art. Newburgh Artisans is a community-building enterprise begun by Marge Bell in 2002. It features fairly-traded goods from around the world and the works of local and international artisans. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Those interested will shortly be able to log onto www.globalcommunityarts.com or www.newburghartisans.com to gain a glimpse into the beauty of this special shop. Doctors Without Borders is an international aid agency that goes where it is needed without regard for politics or religion. For further information, visit www.msf.org.