Fort Myers event showcases local women artisans

The News-Press, November 12, 2011

It's just a small spare bedroom in Lehigh Acres, but it contains multitudes: iridescent sea creatures, shimmering hummingbirds, jewel-toned jungle geckos.

Yet all this bright wildlife begins in plastic bags and sectioned bins lining the room's floor and spilling from its closet.

Here, Marta Matias, a mother of three who cleans houses for a living, sits in a molded plastic chair creating - or recreating - the flora and fauna that filled her childhood in rural Guatemala. With needle, thread, tiny beads and polished gems, she fashions necklaces, key chains, earrings and more.

Her work as well as that of other local female artisans will be featured at "Made by Us" on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fort Myers.

Yet, intricate and labor-intensive as Matias' pieces are, the prices are decidedly modest: $5 and up, with most topping out at about $15.

In fact, none of the pieces at the event are going to be more than $200, says organizer Gari Lewis.

"We have so many lovely, one-of-a-kind things - batik clothing, watercolor silk wraps and shawls, tie-dyed pieces - but the prices are all reasonable," she says.

Local women including students at the PACE Center for Girls will be modeling many of the clothes.

Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Fort Myers, the event is designed to raise consciousness as well as funds. Proceeds will benefit the GRACE Project (Guatemalan Rural Adult & Children's Education) and the Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships Inc.

"It's much more than just a fashion show," says Lewis, a professional fashion consultant, model and teacher who lives on Sanibel.

The afternoon will include educational presentations on human trafficking, women's health and social issues. Many of the vendors also focus on the environment and sustainability.

Candymaker Heidi Heinrich, for example, makes her confections with no artificial ingredients, using only locally grown, organic fruit. And Naples clothier Bukki Sittler's dresses, skirts and pants are all made in the USA with eco-friendly fabrics.

"She told me when you're done wearing her clothes, they're perfectly safe to use in the garden," says Lewis with a laugh. "You know - like mulch."