I’m absolutely thrilled — my friend and fellow painter Aklilu is coming to the U.S.!

I met Aklilu nearly 10 years ago, when I attended an exhibition of his art in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I was blown away by his talent. I introduced myself, and asked if he’d be interested in volunteering with me, helping bring art education to early childhood learners in Ethiopia Reads schools. To my delight, he said yes. And through the years since, he has said yes every time I asked if he’d help Ethiopia Reads children learn art, or if I asked him to help fundraise, etc. He always says yes.

 When I asked if he could join us for the second An Ethiopian Odyssey, which took place this past January, he has had to say no for the first time, because he was out of the country. He then encouraged two other awesome artists to come along with us: Yacob Bizuneh and Nahosenay Negussie. All three of these wildly talented Ethiopian artists have exhibited abroad and received international attention for their work.

All of this leads up to an amazing event on Aug. 10, 6-9 p.m., at my studio in Ada: An Ethiopian Odyssey Art Exhibition.

This event is truly a very unique opportunity to see some really special art by all three artists — Aklilu, Yacob and Nahosenay — as well as my own Ethiopia Series and remaining Project 24 pieces, created on location in Leelanau, Mich.

It is a rare chance to see some exceptional African art and my own humble pieces. The event will, in a large part, be a fundraiser for Ethiopia Reads, the organization I have volunteered with for 10 years now. Half of the proceeds also will go to support our Ethiopian artist friends.

This is a more-the-merrier exhibition. If you know people who love art, Africa or both, please forward on this event. Click here to view the details. RSVP is kindly requested, but not required.

Hope to see you all then!

With gratitude,

SS