Charity auction during the Habanos Festival

[Ryan]

Some of you probably know that I am working with coffee farms in Pinar del Río. My wife came to Cuba with me last June and started art projects in the schools. Some artist friends in Havana came with us and were impressed with what they saw.

These guys then visited us in Dublin with the idea of having an art auction in Havana during the festival to raise money for the community.

I got quotes and a supplier in Pinar del Rio to install solar panels, storage batteries, fridges and freezers into the local schools for light and safer food.

I told the artists that, as it will be the Habanos Festival, to put forward cigar-related, or at least Cuba-related art, to get punters in. I have also donated a couple of boxes of vintage cigars for it.

We gave the thing a name, "La Ceiba Cubana Project"

I just got the catalogue from Cuba today and the invite with the address. The catalogue is attached to this post.

I am not asking for any money from anybody. Just if anyone on the forum is going to the festival they might want to come along or if they know anyone going, to let them know.

There will be a welcome cocktail and a cañonazo specially made for the event for the first 50 people.

I talk to people in Cuba every day. There are uncertainties, I'm well aware, but life goes on. 

Time and Date: Tuesday 24^th February, 5pm-7pm

Venue: Coco Blue y La Zorra Pelua, Calle 14 #112 entre 11 y 13, Vedado

La_Ceiba_Auction_Catalog_Feb_2026.pdf

[Ryan]

I thought I’d put up images of the catalogue here. The pdf is a big download.

Amalia Abreu is the only one of these artists I haven’t met yet. She’s from Pinar del Río. I really like her stuff, especially rebuilding the tobacco barn.

[JPark3]

I love how "JEFF" is at the top of a page in all caps 😂😂

I hope everything goes goes well!!

[Ryan]

Just now, JPark3 said:

I love how "JEFF" is at the top of a page in all caps 😂😂

I hope everything goes goes well!!

JEFF. Jose Emilio Fuentes Fonseca. I’ve posted about him here before. In November 21, when I first met him. He’s a good guy. He gave great speeches to the school kids last summer about how art can be a career etc. 

[JPark3]

2 hours ago, Ryan said:

JEFF. Jose Emilio Fuentes Fonseca. I’ve posted about him here before. In November 21, when I first met him. He’s a good guy. He gave great speeches to the school kids last summer about how art can be a career etc. 

Oh I wasn't poking fun at him or anything like that. When I clicked the thread, the page immediately went down and "JEFF" was the first thing I saw and it caught me by surprise.

[El Presidente]

Looks to be a great cause and a fun event! If you are in Havana for the festival, get along 

[westg]

Some great pieces there. I hope they make a lot of money Andy. Congrats 🫶