The UUCS Microfinance Project held a sale of Zimbabwe Art on Sunday October 1 and October 8 to benefit the UUCS Microfinance Project and Zimbabwe artists. The last time this very popular sale was held was about eight years ago.

The Zimbabwe Artists Project works with women artists (and a few men) from rural Weya in Eastern Zimbabwe, buying art directly from them and selling it to people in the U.S. who are looking for beautiful and meaningful art and who want to support their artistic talents.

Women of Weya are subsistence farmers, mothers, and householders as well as artists. Most women live on their own, providing for families. Some are widowed, others are single heads of households, since throughout Zimbabwe men leave the rural areas to seek work in cities. Women’s income from agriculture is unpredictable and limited. Sales of their art help women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer. Since the market for Weya art in Zimbabwe is extremely limited, sales in the U.S. are critical. ZAP purchases more art than any other buyer, delivering cash at the time of purchase. ZAP celebrates the artistry and accomplishments of these talented women, and support become economically self-sufficient.