Vassar Haiti Project

Freshman James Landreth ’16 reflects on his first experience at the Haitian Art Auction and Sale this past weekend – the most important date on VHP’s annual calendar! Needless to say, thanks to all of you, the sale was once again a resounding success chock full of memorable and exciting moments. Is it 2014 yet?

James Landreth ’16 with Robyn Yzelman ’15 at the auction

Because my first experience with VHP was the Avon art sale, I thought I knew what to expect for the April art sale. I knew it would involve teamwork and planning, and that the experience would be a positive one. I did not expect, however, for the sale to go so far above and beyond my expectations as it did. The April sale dwarfed the one I had first encountered, which meant that everything about it was more complex as well.

Turning a part of Vassar College into a space attempting to bridge the gap between us and Haiti turned out to be an involved process, and was one we had to begin several days in advance. People from all over our community came to help, with different ideas and perspectives on building this new space coming into play both before and during our sale. But like the family we are, VHP didn’t falter during this time, but instead grew stronger, and turned out an even better sale because of our variety of viewpoints.

The auction was dedicated to longtime community volunteer Roseanne Ashby (middle)

Lorraine Kwok ’15 presenting an auction painting

The room itself became a magical place for a few days, wherein we were privileged to hear our fellow VHPers speak about their experiences in Haiti, and wherein we were also able to share as a group our efforts to rebuild Haiti and connect with Chermaitre.

It’s this ability to work together and create, and this way of making spaces magical, that makes the Vassar Haiti Project an important part of my life and of our community as a whole. For me, the privilege lies in just being there and sharing this space.

The sale was bustling with volunteers and customers, new and old!