You don't normally hear of an Art Gallery being considered a "Fair Trade" institution, but the Upper Room falls into that category. All of the artists represented by the Upper Room Art Gallery are either employing people in the production of the artwork, or are funding economic development projects through the sale of their artwork. Architect and designer Wendy Fernando-Regalado creates incredible lamps from organic handmade paper that employs people in a resettlement area of the Philippines.
Fine Art furniture artist Benji Reyes of the Philippines creates employment for 17 men by hand-sanding the exotic hardwoods that he recycles from demolished buildings. His exquisite designs not only speak volumes about the need to stop deforestation, but he also cares for the craftsmen by providing healthy and caring working environments.
Artist Ann Wizer's work employs garbage pickers in Jakarta, Indonesia, through her foundation XSProject. Her chairs are made from non-biodegradable single use packaging which has been saved from going to the landfill. She employs workers to hand wash the packaging, then hand cut into thin strips, which are then formed into this amazingly comfortable and one-of-a-kind furniture. The Upper Room currently has one of these chairs for sale at the gallery.
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1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., downtown Ft. Lauderdale
954-828-1505
Current hours are: Tuesday-Thursday: 1:00-7:00pm, Friday: 2:00-10:30pm, Saturday: 4:00-10:30pm, Closed Sunday & Monday
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