A few close ups of quilt

Leslie memorial quilt

 Our friend and volunteer Leslie died unexpectedly March 20, 2010. Some of her Aba House friends contributed both financially and creatively to create a memorial quilt. It was completed this summer by Louise Mabess, a British quilter. Many of the children at Aba House added a square...even Talk True got creative.
Our thanks to everyone.

potters in Ghana

At Aba House we encourage creative interaction. Each summer we bring people from around the world to work with Ghanaian artisans. Many disciplines are explored. This summer one group will focus on African pottery.
For a visiting potter being in Ghana is like letting a kid loose in a candy store. There is so much to sample. Ghana has 10 regions and each has it's own pottery traditions.
Michael Cardew, a well know British potter, worked in Ghana from 1943-1948 establishing a workshop at Vume. Vume is still a thriving pottery center and on our list of places to visit.

Here is a link to a story I wrote years ago when I went to study with Mami Akua. This traditional village is still on our itinerary. http://www.studiopotter.org/articles/?art=art0011

It is encouraging to see the pottery tradition continued, although on occasion one encounters plastic shopping bags where pots once sat.

Are you a potter or interested in traditional African pottery? You can sign up for our (infrequent) mailing list at http://www.culturalcollaborative.org and we'll keep you informed about our workshops.

Here's the cover of our book. It's on the way to the printers.
It's hard to put into a catagory. A little autobiographical, a little informational, and a lot of observations by Ellie about her 30 years in Ghana. It came partly from all the orientations for new arrivals at Aba House.
After being in Ghana a few days visitors think they've got it all figured out. They don't.

To pre-order a copy contact aba@culturalcollaborative.org

Cost of book is $15.00. Free shipping in the USA if you mention this blog.

All proceeds from sales go to educating the Aba House kids.

Puffin Grant

We are happy to announce that we have been awarded a 2012 Puffin Foundation Grant to continue our work in Ghana this summer. This grant was awarded to fund our project in Nungua which will help connect local artisans and tourists visiting our village.

We are looking forward to a productive summer!

Textile workshop in Ghana

July 8 - 21 ,2012

Memories of Africa Textile Workshop

sponsored by Cross Cultural Collaborative

This is an opportunity to work with indigenous African artists at our cultural center in Ghana.

Learn African textile techniques, visit traditional textile villages, go to large outdoor markets, galleries, museums and much more.

Please go to:

http://www.culturalcollaborative.org/textile2012.pdf

for details. If there are any questions : aba@culturalcollaborative.org

would you like to come to Ghana in February?

we are organizing a trip to Ghana for February 2012

we are flexible & want your visit to include things that are of interest to you - you can follow our recommendations or let us customize something just for you

the cost is US$400.00 a week for airport pickup - a room at our guest house across the street from the ocean - breakfast/ dinner & opportunities to interact with our Ghanaian neighbors

cost of guides & transportation to visit outdoor markets, traditional villages, galleries and sites of historical interest is determined by means of travel - taxi:van:tro-tro & number of participants

minimum stay is any 2 weeks in February (or longer if you'd like)

signup deadline is January 1, 2012

contact aba@culturalcollaborative.org for questions- more details or payment options

check out our website: http://www.culturalcollaborative.org