World-Reknowned Metalsmith to Introduce Peace Belt to Wesleyan Audience

Wendy Black-Nasta, a nationally recognized jewelry designer living in Middletown, established the Artists for World Peace Foundation in 2003. AFWP is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for artistic expression that fosters world peace and raises funds to benefit humanitarian causes.

Tonight from 7:30-9 p.m. at Wesleyan University's Judd Hall, in Room 116, AFWP will hold a presentation to introduce visitors to the foundation and the world-famous International Peace Belt. Black-Nasta will be on hand to talk about the foundations in Kibosho, Tanzania.

"Artists for World Peace has committed to sponsoring the living and educational expenses of nine children at Good Hope Orphanage Center in Kibosho," says Black-Nasta. "This falls under our umbrella project, Children of Peace.”

"HIV/AIDS has greatly impacted this little remote village in Tanzania," explains Black-Nasta. "Proper treatment is difficult in this rural area. With the completion of our community health center, local villagers will be able to receive medical attention."

The Kibosho health center will serve the 2,500 villagers, and once the clinic is up and running, the Tanzania government will staff it with a doctor and a nurse and establish a medical dispensary. AFWP is $18,000 short of the $86,000 fundraising goal, set to be completed by June 21.

"Right now, the nearest clinic is a 12-mile walk from Kibosho," said Black-Nasta. "If we can treat the villagers for HIV and AIDS, we won't continue to have such large numbers of orphans. The health center will have a strong impact on the lives of the larger community."

Tonight's presentation will feature a six-minute DVD, created by Middletown's Kate Clay and edited by Wesleyan’s Abby Horton, which focuses on the current work  by AFWP in Kibosho, Tanzania.

"We will also feature work being done for a self-sufficiency project with Lukundane, a 30-member co-op in the village," says Black-Nasta. "We are setting up an interest-free micro-loan program. This will create income for motivated villagers wanting to start their own businesses."

"Our micro-loan program, known as the 'Peace Pig Club,' is aimed at building a grinding machine to grind maize, the staple food. This way women will not have to walk miles a day, carrying huge bags of corn on their heads, to have their corn ground."

The presentation will feature the International Peace Belt, making a rare stopover in Middletown. Designed in 2003 by Black-Nasta, the Peace Belt is made with gems representing 115 countries.

"In the past eight years, the Peace Belt traveled to 18 countries on five continents," Black-Nasta says. "This belt was worn during hundreds of artistic performances, sacred ceremonies, at peaceful and spiritual gatherings in New York (Ground Zero), and in South Korea, Haiti, Spain, Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, Egypt, Tonga, Scotland and more."

"Now there is chance for Middletown people to see it and hear about its travels."

The presentation will also offer linens, jewelry and artwork brought back from Tanzania. All of the proceeds from their sale will go to the health center fund. For information, call (860) 347-4219.

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