Support Africa Through Art

Different forms of art were hung up both inside the back room of Augie’s Coffee House and the ally right outside of the shop. The connection and theme of the pieces could be seen without knowing the event's theme. Rhinos, giraffes, flowers, and people of African descent; all had to deal with Lesotho and the African culture as a whole. Event organizer Melanie Papp thanked everyone for coming to the third Beautiful Art Benefit. Augie’s Coffee House, located in downtown, partnered with the organization to support the cause and even roasted a special blend in which proceeds would go to Africa. The Beautiful Art Benefit, organized by Papp, encouraged people to purchase her art pieces because 50% of the profit from each sale would go directly to Beautiful Gate. Beautiful Gate, a part of Beautiful Africa, according to their mission statement online, aims to improve the quality of life for children and families on the African continent, all while striving to show the love and compassion of God. The organization mainly goes into the Southern African area of Lesotho to provide medical treatment of HIV/AIDS to orphaned babies that require medical attention. So far, Beautiful Gate has cared for over 170 children. After welcoming attendees to the event, Papp shared that the best part of running the art benefit was “making the art and getting the word out there. It’s great!” Papp has been involved with the art benefit all three years, but 2014 marks the first year that Papp has taken such a profound role in organizing the show. Guest speakers also spoke for the cause. The first people to speak were Bill and Harriett Bierling. The two primarily shared their experiences about living in Africa and the children that they were able to help. After speaking, guests were encouraged to continue to walk around some more. But for many, the benefit had deeper meaning than just an art show. “It brings back nostalgia,” stated Teri Heemstra, who has traveled to Africa a multitude of times and constantly gets reports from Beautiful Gate and what they are up to through her church. The event roared on for the remainder of the night, with a variety of other guest speakers and plenty more chances to grab a cup of coffee and art pieces as well. Any painting that was not sold will be available on Papp’s online store, found at www.artnrenew.com.