Inspiring friend and GlAmazon Zoë Tryon raising funds and working for ClearWater Project in the Cofán community where we work with Asociación Sukû artisans in Ecuador. Zoë has been working with indigenous Amazon communities since 2006. Committed to supporting these ancestral lands and cultures, she helps bring awareness about the devastation caused by oil extraction in the Amazon.

Emergildo Criollo is a Cofán leader and key artisan in the Community of Cofán Dureno in Ecuador. He personally made a number of the samples in the collections made by Cofán artisans featured on ORG by vio in the Collections section. The ClearWater project is a joint project by Amazon Watch and Rainforest Action Network. Watch the other videos for more on the artisans and our work in Amazon communities.

ORG by vio® presents the exquisite work of Asociación Sukû artisans of Cofán Dureno in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In partnership with Cofán artisans, designer Violeta Villacorta selects the most beautiful traditional jewelry and accessories, while co-creating stunning collections of modern handmade beaded fashions inspired by their ancestral artistry. Visit our shop for more.

ORG by vio® presents the exquisite work of Awajún artisans of Urakusa in the Peruvian Amazon. In partnership with Awajún artisans, designer Violeta Villacorta selects the most beautiful traditional jewelry and accessories, while co-creating stunning collections of modern handmade beaded fashions inspired by their ancestral artistry. Visit our shop for more.

In July 2011 Designer Violeta Villacorta traveled to meet Awajún artisans in the Peruvian Amazon. Violeta was invited by the artisans to explore the possibility of working together to promote and sell their exquisite crafts, as well as co-design collections for a wide market, while remaining authentic to their traditions. A two-day stay in their community marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

La diseñadora Violeta Villacorta está trabajando con artesanas Cofán para promover sus artesanías y generar un sustento económico para la comunidad ~ una cultura y gente rica, quienes viven en harmonía con la Naturaleza. Este video relata su primera visita de una semana en Mayo 2010 y una segunda visita en Octubre 2010.

The last week, we went to FEINCE for papers and opened a bank account for the artisans with funds that were raised for the project in July; had more computer trainings in Lago Agrio, as internet service was not yet set up for them in their community; bought beautiful collections developed with the artisans; and ended with a beautiful walk to San Rafael Falls.

This week the Arts & Crafts center got its own tables and chairs that the artisans ordered from a local carpenter; had computer trainings at the crafts center and in Lago Agrio, the nearest and biggest oil city in the Amazon; and ended the week with the inauguration of the Arts & Crafts center.

Second week in the Cofán Community of Dureno, Ecuadorian Amazon, October 2010. Working in the Arts and Crafts center with borrowed tables and chairs from the school and reporting on the building of the Arts & Crafts center with funds raised with the help of a number of contributors by designer Violeta Villacorta.

Designer Violeta Villacorta travels back to the Cofán Community of Dureno in the Ecuadorian Amazon for a month in October 2010 to continue the creative project with Asociación Sukû artisans. First week of meetings, getting the Arts & Crafts Center ready for the artisans and a welcome celebration.