New EWI artist Sonia Punjabi says her work is, “inspired by folk.” Sonia taps into her Indian heritage to create colorful paintings and jewelry. She grew up in the metropolitan city of Bombay, yet remains most inspired by a visit to the Indian state of Rajasthan, known for its vibrantly colored textiles, semi-precious stones, and handicraft traditions.

Sonia was drawn to EWI for its mission and the opportunity it provides her. After only two months, she says the experience has been positive. Sonia will take the EWI business training this month to gain marketing and financial skills. She isn’t sure to what scale she wants to take her business, but she says, “I wouldn’t want to be sitting at home with a small audience. I want to create an avenue.” EWI’s gallery on King Street provides a strong start to this endeavor.

She says of the gallery, “It’s unique. It has a lot of different artwork. I kind of like the concept that here art is anything handmade. It’s almost like a store, but with a cause.” Sonia works at a nonprofit organization, but she notes that EWI is a morale boost for women who do not have that chance. She says it is important for, “especially immigrant women who are in the home, with no opportunity to work. They have these talents, so it gives them this option.”

Donor of the Month: Susan Stafford
Thank you to Susan Stafford for her financial contribution to EWI. Susan has joined the Circle of Twelve, an EWI donor community that underwrites a month's rent for our office and gallery programs. If you are interested in sponsoring EWI during a month in 2007, and being featured in our gallery, email Marga at cfripp@aol.com.

Recurring Gifts Program: Change a Life
Join the growing number of friends of EWI who are donating $15/month to help a woman artist gain entrepreneurial skills.

Hear about Ecotourism and Handicrafts
EWI Director Marga C. Fripp will take part in a panel discussion on, "Ecotourism: Handicrafts, Fair Trade and Cultural Heritage" this Thursday, October 5, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The forum is sponsored by the International Ecotourism Society (known as TIES), and will meet at TIES Headquarters, 1333 H Street NW, SUite 300, East Tower, Washington DC 20005. To RSVP, email education@ecotourism.org or call 202- 347-9203, ext. 423.

Join EWI Salon
Thursday, October 19
6-7:30 PM
Meet EWI artists, volunteers and staff. Browse through the one of a kind art in the shop, and learn how you can help us meet our goals. Bring a friend to our monthly Salon events. Refreshments provided. RSVP to Marga at cfripp@aol.com.

See EWI Artist Featured in Silver Spring
Paintings by Regina Margarita Barker-Barzel
October 9 through November 4, 2006
Exhibit co-sponsored by Empowered Women International.
Opening Reception
Friday, October 13
6:30-9:00 PM
Space 7:10 at Kefa Café
963 Bonifant St.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.589.9337
http://space710atkefa.blogspot.com/

Visit EWI During Gallery Hours
Tuesday-Friday 11 AM-7 PM
Volunteers are needed to cover part or all of weekend shifts (12-6 PM). If interested, email Katie at Katie@ewint.org.