Caring Causes: Monkeybiz

Monkeybiz South Africa, a nonprofit organization that has revived the ancient African tradition of beading and beadwork, is introducing a new line of cute miniature animals to its popular collection.  The range of animals, each a unique piece of contemporary artwork, will include birds, owls, turtles and bunny rabbits. The animals are available in a variety of small sizes and as holiday ornaments in select stores and online with prices ranging from $29 to $57.

Monkeybiz’s goal is to maintain an authenticity of craft while marketing the artwork worldwide.  The Monkeybiz team is continuously guiding the bead artists on their skills, techniques and color palettes – keeping the pieces fresh and incorporating the current trends of décor and design.  The latest additions to the collection are fun and surprising because the subjects are a departure from the more traditional African animals.

“What is most exciting is that the Monkeybiz artists are continuing to develop their craft from the original beaded dolls 13 years ago, to the modern and trendy pieces collected by fans today,” adds Kim Jackson, Monkeybiz creative director and the late Barbara Jackson’s daughter (one of the original founders of Monkeybiz).  “The new line is a nod to Japan’s current bunny rabbit craze and all things mini and cute.”

About Monkeybiz:

Monkeybiz is a nonprofit income-generating bead project started in January 2000 by ceramic artists Barbara Jackson, Shirley Fintz and Mathapelo Ngaka. Through creating sustainable employment, Monkeybiz focuses on women's economic empowerment and health development in the most economically under-resourced areas of South Africa. The project, which has established a vibrant community of more than 450 bead artists, many of whom are the sole breadwinners within their households, has transformed the beaded arts market in South Africa. Departing from the culture of mass-produced curio craft, each Monkeybiz artwork is unique and is signed by the artist, ensuring that individual artists receive recognition for their work. All of the profits from the sales of artworks are reinvested back into the community.