Exhibit by Liberian Artist Naplah E. Naplah

You are coordially invited to attend an Exhibit/Opening Reception for Liberian artist Naplah E. Naplah and a Fundraiser benefiting The Lucille and Willie Murphy Foundation (LWMF) at Gems of Africa Gallery on Friday, December 4, 2009 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Exhibit runs thru December 19th.

15% of the proceeds from all sales during the Opening Reception will benefit (LWMF) and will be donated to the Sithabile Child and Youth Orphanage in South Africa.

Naplah was born on December 8, 1955 from the Grand Kru Country in Liberia, West Africa. He is a self taught artist who spent most of his time painting. His interest in art goes back to age 7, when he first saw his cousin drawing pictures of super heroes. At first Naplah would copy his cousin's drawings. Than when he was old enough, he bought his own comic book and drew the pictures line for line. Eventually Naplah became one of the best illustrators in his country and won first place in the Liberian Election Commission Art competition. Following high school Naplah completed three years of schooling in the field of education and began offering workshops and lectures, in addition to demonstrating his technique in different elementary schools. Naplah was also an illustrator for various magazines and text books for the National Catholic Secretariat of Liberia. After a great deal of illustrations, Naplah transitioned his discipline to painting. Since then, his drawings and paintings have been part of group exhibitions sponsored by the U.S. Information Services and other prestigious institutions. He has exhibited his works in Liberia at the U.S. Embassy, the Lebanese Embassy and The Liberian Cultural Center. He has also exhibited in Minnesota at the Broadway Community Center and the Lakeville Art Center.

For more info go to www.gemsofafricagallery.com

THE LUCILLE & WILLIE MURPHY FOUNDATION

Lucille and Willie Murphy were both born in the segregationist South as it was emerging from the Great Depression. It was from this challenging environment that they formed their strong sense of responsibility toward addressing social inequities. Furthermore, giving rise to their unfaltering belief in the power of education to right inequalities and improve the lives of those for whom such education remained inaccessible.

In order to continue their legacy, The Lucille and Willie Murphy Foundation (LWMF) was established to honor those very same principles of higher education and community involvement. The LWMF envisions such community enrichment as its mission and endeavors to carry it out through its various Professional Development / Life Skill and Awareness Programs.

The mission of THE LUCILLE & WILLIE MURPHY FOUNDATION (LWMF), is to assist teens and adults in underserved communities to acquire skills, awareness and abilities that will allow them to have access to improved life opportunities in the 21st century economy.

Back in 2007, LWMF took an extraordinary trip to South Africa to work with the Sithabile Child & Youth Care Center (SC & YCC) and Sedibeng Sa Bophelo on a variety projects. LWMF will be going back again in September 2010 with an even greater charter. We will be purchasing school uniforms and handing out school supplies to the kids at SC & YCC getting them prepared for the school year. In addition, we will be traveling with a variety of professionals (i.e., Doctors and Lawyers) having educational awareness events for the young men and women. Sithabile is a Zulu word meaning "we are happy". SC & YCC is an Orphanage that has over 75 kids in it from ages 8 months thru 21. There are approximately 35-45 boys and girls. Click here for more information on the Sithabile Child & Youth Orphanage.

Furthermore, on their journey, they will be traveling to Sedibeng Sa Bophelo a cooperative project in Soweto, South Africa, to primarily serve women and young children victimized by HIV/AIDS. Sedibeng gives hope and healing for those who live with the stigma of this still taboo disease in Africa. We will be handing out basic toiletries and essentials needed to support the doctors with their everyday challenges. These essentials are but a small part to help fight against such a devastating disease.

They are hoping to raise $10,000 for this project. If you are interested in making a donation, please click here. If you would like to make a clothing donation please send it to:

LWMF
P.O.Box 3003
Decatur, Georgia 30031

For more information about how you can donate or volunteer please contact Gloria Jackson at 312.209.7225.

Thank you for your support.
LWMF