Local Artists Create for Haiti Tap-Tap Benefit Saturday

The largest public transportation system in Haiti are privately owned, but publicly funded operation shared cabs called Tap-taps. (The “tap-tap” name is derived from the sharp taps on a metal panel signifying a passenger’s request to be dropped off.)

Twelve artists (most of which are local) have come together with the idea of creating smaller keepsake versions of the tap-taps to be auctioned off with all money raised donated to The Haiti Connection, a Raleigh-based organization with deeply rooted connections to Haiti. The five-year-old organization has a proven capacity to orchestrate sizable and effective relief campaigns and will be charged with getting medical supplies, resources, food and water purchased with your donations to those most in need.

The artists involved include Sean Kernick, Paul Friedrich, Aroe 77, Amy Richards, André Leon Gray, Victor Knight III, Matt Scofield, Matt Curran and more. Each artist has adapted the standard wooden cutout to reflect their own style as well as a tribute to the style of the Haitian cabs. Some come with mp3 players that play only Haitian music, other with spray cans and some are just beautifully painted objects. Check out some of the ones already created below.

The benefit will be above Gravy on Wilmington Street in the space formerly occupied by Loft 135. For more information see the TapTapBus Website.

The Haiti Tap Tap Benefit

Saturday, March 13th
7-10:30pm
135 S. Wilmington St. (above Gravy)
$5 suggested donation at the door

This evening of Haitian food, music & art features:
A sampling of traditional Haitian food prepared by a collection of Raleigh chefs
DJ Jerry Thompson spinning traditional and popular Haitian music
Authentic Haitian artwork presented by Gregory Wah and I Care Haiti, Inc.

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