Feb. 23, 2005 – The Safety Zone's 3rd annual world-class art show and sale, "The World Hand: Alaska on Down," will open with a gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at
Caneel Bay Resort on St. John.
The sale will continue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 8 at Caneel Bay. Caneel's renowned chefs will prepare special hors d'oeuvres for the occasion, and champagne and chocolates will be served.
One of the most diverse art shows in the islands, "The World Hand: Alaska on Down" will feature more than 40 artists from the Virgin Islands, the U.S. mainland, Alaska, Africa and India. Many of these artists participated in the first two exhibitions.
Among the amazing works will be the highest quality paintings, sculptures, dolls, ceramics, fabric art, wood turning, mixed media and more. All at affordable prices.
The annual art show and sale is a major fundraiser for The Safety Zone. Last year, $17,000 was raised. The money is used to support the myriad activities and programs offered by the nonprofit advocacy organization.
Executive Director Iris Kern said that this year even more is needed, especially because government funding for 2005 was cut drastically. The organization's bank account is so low that two members of The Safety Zone staff have worked without being paid.
The Safety Zone, St. John's domestic violence and victims of crime agency, is a nonprofit organization devoted to ending domestic violence. Its mission is to effect change through intervention, information, education, support, and advocacy for the general public in regard to domestic violence, abuse and/or neglect of infants, children and adults in or outside the family unit, and to provide services to all victims of crime.
The Safety Zone offers counseling, emergency aid, and St. John's only safe house, Lucy's Place, where women and children fleeing sexual and physical abuse can find housing, counseling and other support.
In addition to seeing over 200 clients annually, The Safety Zone presents outreach programs throughout the island, trains police and advocates, offers support groups for victims, and therapeutic groups for men who batter. Dress is island fancy.
Tickets are $50 in advance, $65 at the door and can be purchased at The Safety Zone, Connections, The Drug Center, Chelsea Drugs or by phone.
For more information or reservations, call The Safety Zone at 693-SAFE (7233) or 690-SAFE (7233).
