The joyous colors and surrealistic scenes of Haitian artists will adorn the main lobby of the University of Central Florida Library during the month of September, including eight works recently donated by Suzanne Shoemaker of Miami to the university's West Indies collection. Her donation was in memory of her late husband, Don, former editor of the Miami Herald. The Shoemaker's collection of Haitian art began with a wedding gift in 1969, and they soon became captivated by the vibrant, often fantastic scenes they came to believe Haitian artists used to help people accept the world of spirits.
Few countries have as rich a variety of cultural influences as Haiti.
Revolutionary slaves took the island from the French in 1803, blending their West African heritage and religious customs with the colonial French culture. The unique artistic environment of Haiti arises from the contrasting social elements such as Voodoo, Catholicism, natural beauty and crushing poverty, according to art librarian William Fidler. It will be closed Monday, September 4 for Labor Day.