Press Release announcing our opening exhibit in September

This Press Release is being sent to all local media contacts this week.

The Inland Northwest Peace Corps Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2010
PEACE CORPS COMMEMORATES 50 YEARS IN 2011!
The Inland Northwest Peace Corps Association (INPCA) Invites the Public to a Series of Exhibits in Spokane Showcasing Folk Art and Cultures From Peace Corps Sites Around the World

Model cars made of old tin cans. Beads fashioned from mud and melted flipflops. Art etched on recycled silver. Museum pieces. Wood, soapstone, and metal sculptures. Fabrics. Photos.
These are just some of the highlights of a new exhibit featuring the work of artisans from several countries in Africa. The arts and crafts not only reflect the traditions and way of life of the people who created them, but they are also examples of how these cultures continue to strive for survival and sustainability.
This exhibit on African folk art is the first of a series of exhibits sponsored by the Inland Northwest Peace Corps Association, an organization of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who wish to share their treasures, experiences, and knowledge of the countries where they served. Future exhibits will include folk art from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the globe.
“Service in Peace Corps encompasses three goals: The first two goals are to travel to the host country and work along side local people to help solve common problems facing the host country. The Third Goal is to return to the United States to educate our citizens about the country in which we served.” noted Kay Dixon who has been coordinating this exhibit.
Ira Amstadter, President of the INPCA, reminds us that “All of our experiences have been different, different countries, different American images…. and our service activities were also quite different…. Through this exhibit we intend to share and honor these differences as well as respect the commonality that in many ways unites us together as citizens of the world.”
In 2011, Peace Corps will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to developing countries. Nearly 200,000 Americans have traveled to various parts of the world to serve as volunteers. Nearly 9500 from Washington and Idaho have served as Peace Corps Volunteers. The State of Washington ranks third for most Peace Corps Volunteers produced since 1961. Currently, there are 384 residents from Washington and Idaho serving.
As part of Spokane’s First Friday Art Walk, the Peace Corps exhibit on African cultures opens Friday, September 3 in the gallery of Express Employment Professionals, 331 W. Main St. The show will run through October. The Ashe West African Drum and Dance group will perform for the First Friday; snacks will be provided by the Queen of Sheba restaurant.
For more information, please visit http://inpca.net or contact Kay Dixon at (509) 868-0302 or by e-mail at kay.dixon@yahoo.com.