Connie De Jong presents "Fair Trade with Andean and Amazonian Communities."
De Jong, PhD, is executive director of Global Gallery, a nonprofit international fair trade education and retail organization. Global Gallery is dedicated to promoting fair trade handcrafted products from around the world and offers cultural education programming through special events and workshops. Dr. De Jong holds a doctorate in art education/cultural policy and arts administration and a master's in comparative studies from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's in ethnomusicology from Lake Forest College. Her passion for travel complements her work in fair trade and she has had the opportunity to work in the development and promotion of arts communities in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America. Connie also owns her own fair trade distribution company called World Peaces, focusing on enviornmentally friendly jewelry and accessories. She has presented at The Ohio State University, Denision University, and Otterbein University.
Exploring Andean and Amazonian cultures can be approached from many angles, but cultural products often reveal a great deal that other medium cannot communicate. From musical performances and recordings to jewelry, basketry, clothing, accessories, art pieces and more, these cultural products reflect traditions while also expressing the constantly transformative process of their makers. Join me to peruse a selection of objects, images and sounds as we muse on the role of the Fair Trade advocate in connecting makers and markets.
Dr. Connie DeJong is an entrepreneur, arts administrator, community educator, international fair trade wholesaler, retailer and researcher, and a non profit management specialist. She first traveled to South America (Chile) as an undergraduate and has been going back ever since, as well as to Africa and Asia. She spends most of her time currently working to grow her company, World Peaces, as well as training students through classes, internships and mentorship. She is also cofounder of the Ethical Arts Collective in Frankinton, and the Director Emeritus of Global Gallery.
Lunch will be provided for all participants. To confirm your attendance and lunch reservation please RSVP to wibbelsman.1@osu.edu.
For more information, visit the Humanities Institute website.
