The Haitian Art Society conference celebrated the September 29th opening of Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti at the National Gallery of Art. The first ever exhibition of Haitian art at the National Gallery features 21 paintings recently donated by HAS members, alongside works by African-American artists who visited, worked in and were influenced by Haiti. The exhibition continues through March 5, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum features a show called Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860 - 1960, which includes previously unshown works by three of Haiti's masters - Castera Bazile, Hector Hyppolite and Rigaud Benoit.

The openings of the Spirit & Strength and the Revolutions show come at a moment when good news about Haiti, its people and culture is badly needed. On top of the wave of violence currently besetting the country has come a flurry of vile and cruel attacks on Haitian people by shameless American politicians and online trolls. 

Go see both shows and tell everyone!