By BJ Cothran

Batik photos by BJ Cothran

Additional photos by David Lippiatt

Change begins with one small step in the right direction.  For Kari Krywy, that small step was to invest in beautiful batiks.  This generous act proved to be a life-altering experience, because along with discovering an age-old art form, she also met WE International founders David and Tina Lippiatt.
 
The dynamic couple from Wisconsin shared their life’s passion with Kari and others to bring attention to global poverty and injustices, particularly those affecting women and children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"To know that I could help in some way is a humbling thought,” said Kari, who is offering the batiks for sale in her Surf City coffee shop, Hunga Bunga Java.  “My goal is to sell these exceptional prints to raise additional money.”

In the case of Kari’s batiks, the dyes are bold and the graphics are strong.  A batik refers to a cloth decorated in an ancient technique of dyeing fabric using a wax relief.  The parts of the fabric covered with a removable wax don’t take the dye. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"They were created by various people associated with an orphanage that we have been helping to get started in Jinja Uganda,” David explained.  “One hundred percent of the money that Kari gave us for the purchase of the prints was wired to Uganda last week to be used mostly for children’s school fees,” he added.

“I want people to see these prints and realize that we can all do something to help, something to get involved in making this a better world,” said Kari.

 

 “When I go and meet my friends and acquaintances in the developing world I see they do not always want charity…they really want a chance.  WE International is about giving them a chance to dream, to have dignity and the tools to succeed in providing a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” says David, Founder and Director, WE International.

 

 

David and Tina Lipplatt, Founders of WE International

The Details

Hunga Bunga Java
328-JAVA
M&M Plaza
Surf City
Small prints - $20
Large prints - $45

For more information about WE International, go to www.weinternational.org or email info@weinternational.org or call 1-608-334-2064.