The art of people and gorillas living in harmony
By Kathleen (Katie) Doyle ’71

This is a story of women weaving beautiful baskets in a remote corner of Uganda with few visitors to appreciate them. Of talented young men in Rwanda with little hope of making a living through their traditional crafts.

It is also my story–a retired BGSU alumna from California who wanted to give more than money to a cause I was passionate about. I decided to donate my business skills and support the communities that truly can contribute to the preservation of the endangered mountain gorilla. That is how Virunga Artisans was born. And after just one year, it is starting to change the lives of these few people who came together because of the magnificent mountain gorilla.

All of the proceeds from the sale of Virunga Artisan products go to wages based on fair trade principles for the artists, their associations or the International Gorilla Conservation Program Business Enterprise.

For more information, visit www.VirungaArt.com.