Local 200-person artist and craft group working to raise $10,000 to support Gulf oil spill wildlife rescue efforts
Handmade in Vegas to fold more than 2,000 origami cranes and fish before Sept. 1; All proceeds raised through volunteer efforts to benefit National Wildlife Federation
LAS VEGAS – There is no other community more well-suited to join together and help one another than a group of local artisans and crafters, which has been made evident by the ever-growing number of arts and music festivals in Southern Nevada over the last decade.
Now, as the Gulf Coast faces another catastrophe as a result of the recent BP oil spill, Las Vegas’ growing arts and crafts community is pulling together to help another community that brings beauty and excitement to its visitors – the wildlife living in the Gulf Coast area.
“When disaster strikes every helping hand is appreciated,” said Marlene Reid, a local artisan who owns IslandGirlzJewelry, and a member of Handmade in Vegas. “It’s important we all recognize and respond when and where help is needed. Our organization’s effort to assist others is a testament to how every person can look inside themselves and find their own unique way to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Handmade in Vegas, which is comprised of more than 200 local artist and crafters, is currently underway with a fundraising event to help the federation’s mission and is focused on raising $10,000 by Sept. 1. The organization is in the process of folding 2,000 origami cranes and fish in which they collect $5 donations for online (plus shipping and handling) and will distribute to donators during upcoming festival events in Southern Nevada . One hundred percent of proceeds raised will go to the National Wildlife Federation specifically for its wildlife rescue efforts from the Gulf oil spill.
Handmade in Vegas will be collecting donations in exchange for its handcrafted origami cranes and fish at the following upcoming events:
* July 13 – Handmade in Vegas meeting inside the Arts Factory ( 107 E. Charleston Blvd. ) – Open to the public.
* July 15 – Henderson ArtsWalk at the Henderson Events Plaza
* Aug. 8 – Mt. Charleston Arts & Crafts Fair at the Mt. Charleston Resort
Donations, in exchange for origami art, are also being accepted online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadeinvegas
Since its inception in 2010, Handmade in Vegas has grown into a 200-member local arts and crafters group. The group provides an in-person and online networking and sales platform to local artisans in order to enhance Southern Nevada ’s overall arts movement. Members sell their handmade products on the popular www.Etsy.com site.
For more information on Handmade in Vegas or to learn more about local artists and crafters, visit www.handmadeinvegas.com.
