When Alea Pierro and Kantara Souffrant learned of January's devastating earthquake in Haiti, they wanted to help repair the damage, and looked locally to do the job. Souffrant, who is Haitian-American, explained that she and her friend asked themselves, "How could we demonstrate solidarity with Haiti and her diaspora? Moreover, how could we contribute our talents and skills to fully engage in the relief efforts? We are neither health professionals nor social workers, nor can we participate in relief efforts on the ground in Haiti."

What Pierro and Souffrant have is deep roots in the South Orange-Maplewood community and a dedicated group of friends, most of whom were classmates from Columbia High School, graduates of the classes of 2002, 2003 and 2004. They joined forces, naming themselves the SOMA Artists for Haiti collective. Members include Laura Consoli, Frank O'Leary, Patrick Tobin, Alyssa Varin and Suzanne Wulach. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the group held a fundraiser at St. George's Church in Maplewood. Proceeds from the event were given to Partners in Health (PIH), a medical group with a long history of service in Haiti.

Souffrant explained that, "We've approached this from a model of grassroots organizing. What skills do we have? Who do we know? How can we get our networks and communities to interact, contribute and support this event?" They decided to hold a silent auction of both artwork and donated goods and to host an afternoon and evening of performances. 

The afternoon performances were focused on children and included an interactive Stories in Motion session and several solo and group works from Pamdance students. Brett Druck, who served as emcee, introduced the musical acts that followed later, with a more adult focus. Bands Pyroclast, Type D, a group of CHS seniors, Animal, Thomas Francis Takes His Chances, and Snake Pliskin entertained the growing audience, who also browsed the artwork and purchased food and beverages. Souffrant and Pierro credited Pat Tobin with recruiting the musical acts and keeping them organized. 

To publicize the event, Pierro and Souffrant relied on social media, flyers, posters and old-fashioned word of mouth. Souffrant explained that St. George's renovated parish hall was both available and appropriate. "In working with the church I'm impressed by their commitment to improving and supporting the members of Maplewood and South Orange township," she explained. "They have a history of producing socially-conscious work and we are honored to be using the space."

Between acts and errands on a busy evening, Souffrant further shared the vision of the collective. "This evening was envisioned as an opportunity to highlight community diversity while creating a space that emphasizes empathy and coalition over charity, supporting Haiti as well as each other as we work in unison to rebuild," she noted. "We are only the catalysts for what we hope will be a much larger project."

On a more somber note, she remarked that "Haiti will be rebuilding for months and years to come." Together, Souffrant and Pierro reminded their classmates, neighbors and members of the audience to "keep your eyes peeled and inner artists ready for the work ahead."