If you want to see the soul of a culture, look at its art. You will see traditions passed on generation to generation. You will see their natural resources, their unique hand. Most importantly, you will see the beauty of the culture's history and the hope of its future. Such is the case with the artisans of Haiti. So much was destroyed in last year’s devastating earth quake, but not the people's spirit…or their artistic expression.

Urban Zen is on a mission: to help develop, market and present the work of Haiti artisans to the western world. As an ambassador to the preservation of Haiti's artistry and expression, Donna Karan and her team have been going down to Haiti at every opportunity, working one-on-one with the artists and manufacturers. "The artistry and skill is breathtaking," says Donna. "I am so inspired by what I am seeing and the people with whom I’m working with. I couldn't be more excited."

Haitian artisan work is like its people - diverse, textured, resourceful and beautiful. The examples are endless: the innovative tobacco leaf work of Sylvince Jean Paul and his girlfriend Yvette Celistin. Any one of the beautiful sculptures or metal work by artisan/architect Philippe Dodar. Paper mache bags by Caribbean Craft and its owners Magalie and Joel Dresse. Metalwork done in Croix de Bouquet, as led by Serge Lolimot. Stonework from Leogane's carving community, where Urban Zen’s "Million Hearts for Haiti" come from. Shelly Clay’s "Apparent Project" workshop, where beads and jewelry are made out of recycled products.

Many of these pieces and others will first be available at Urban Zen Stores, including one of a kind objects of desire. From there, the possibilities are endless. Says Donna, "Let's build a bridge to the arts of this nation, a bridge that will sustain the hearts and minds of this cherished culture for generations to come."

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