OAS is venue for opening reception of traveling Photo Exhibition: New Perspectives: Dominican Republic

On May 3, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD)/Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), hosted a reception at the OAS Terrace Level Gallery in honor of one of their initiatives, New Perspectives: Dominican Republic, a photo book which has been turned into a traveling Exhibit.

Over 100 guests attended the opening gala reception, including dignitaries like Dominican Ambassador to the OAS, Virgilio Alcantara, his
deputy Edgar Aponte, and the Dominican Embassy was represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Wellington Bencosme, plus the cultural Attaché Ada Hernandez. Also present were partners and associates from various private, public and NGO sectors, foreign diplomatic missions and many OAS staff members.

The ambience was exquisite and invitees were treated to a full display of unique aerial views of the Dominican Republic, whilst getting the opportunity to mingle
with other guests. A monitor on a continuous loop, screened even more images from the book, showing provinces of the Dominican Republic, including Samaná, La Altagracia, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Perdenales, Barahona, and Monte Cristi, among others.

GFDD Director, Asuncion Sanz, gave some heartfelt introductory remarks, and expressed her appreciation to everyone for coming. She pointed out the importance of the exhibit in terms of Dominican
cultural heritage, as even many citizens have not had a chance to see these different types of terrains. She also thanked the Organization of American States Department of Cultural Affairs/Secretariat for External Relations and the Art Museum of the Americas who had made this exhibit possible. Also recognized were the sponsors Amborigena, a Santo Domingo based jewellery enterprise specializing in Dominican Amber and Larimar, and Odebrecht, who both regularly lend their support to
GFDD/FUNGLODE. Last, but not least, the efficient FUNGLODE/GFDD team headed by Semiramis de Miranda were lauded for their many months of hard work organizing the logistics of the event.

The floor was then given to Dominican Ambassador to the OAS Virgilio Alcantara. The Ambassador warmly welcomed the eclectic audience, and spoke on behalf of the OAS. Of the book and partnership with the OAS he said he appreciated the artistic side of Anne Casale’s work and
praised her ability to capture the moment and valued how this particular moment in time evokes emotion. He continued that he was proud to be associated with GFDD/FUNGLODE and supported it wholly in realizing the aims of the OAS.

Then, internationally acclaimed photographer, Anne Casale, discussed how the book came to fruition thanks to the vision of its Editor-in-Chief, Natasha Despotovic. Ms. Casale, a French native, but resident of DR for over 20 years, said she always
saw the DR as a never-ending source of wonders. She added how grateful she was that now the people of Washington, DC will get a chance to sample this unknown face of the DR and its hidden treasures. For More information, please go to www.newperspectivesdominicanrepublic.com

Advanced copies can be purchased online at:
http://www.dominicanaonline.org/Portal/english/compras/compras.asp
All proceeds go to help protect DR’s rich biodiversity through GFDD’s environment projects.

Opening Reception: Monday May 3, 2010 5- 7pm
Open to the public: May 1 – 31, 2010 9am – 5pm (weekdays)
1889 F Street NW – Washington DC , 20006
Location: Terrace Level Gallery