I began working in Haiti over 19 years ago with the goal of fighting poverty through art. During that time, we have worked with as many as 120 artists, cultivating business relationships, and building friendships. We have learned the good that comes from Fair Trade. Because of our firm belief in Fair Trade and its practice, every sale we make of metal art makes a positive impact on the artist who produces it. Those benefits flow through the whole workshop and create prosperity for their own family, workers and apprentices, and ultimately, the entire village. We are proud to be a part of that and we hope that as you admire your new piece of handcrafted, recycled folk art you will feel a bit of that pride as well. Casey Riddell.

Artist Profile: Jean Bernard St. Charles

Tiny Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti is anything but quiet, announcing itself to those who venture there. Hammers clang and chisels tap and in loud proclamation, “We do metal sculpture here!” Indeed, all of our 80-plus artists live and work in this artisan’s village, many having learned their trade from fathers, cousins, neighbors and friends. Starting out as young laborers, cleaning and sanding the metal, and banging it flat, they advance to the apprentice stage, where they learn the intricacies of detail and design work. As their skills improve and savings become sufficient, experienced artisans often strike out on their own, selling their own work, forming their own workshops, taking on laborers and apprentices, thereby expanding and perpetuating their craft as well as bringing greater prosperity to their community as a whole. As one artist put it, “I helped many people to learn this sculpture. My dream is to have a larger workshop and give more people work. I trust in God that my dream will be realized.”

Providing a marketing avenue for the artists is where It's Cactus comes in. Not only do we give the artists access and exposure to the world marketplace, as a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we ensure that our artists are paid equitably. Additionally, we uphold the highest social and economic standards, and promote long-term sustainability through dialogue, transparency, and respect.