In 1967, under the leadership of Board member Dr Walter Neiswanger, the museum started the first museum collection of Haitian art in the US. The offering has since grown to over 200 carefully selected works, with many of the most significant artists represented, such as Hector Hyppolite, the Obin family, Rigaud Benoit, and Wilson Bigaud, just to name a few. With much of Haiti now devastated by the recent earthquake, it is the obligation of institutions like the Figge to educate the public about Haitian culture and its issues. The museum has teamed up with the American Red Cross to direct donations to help Haiti recover and rebuild. Please come in and see the fabulous and fascinating world-famous Haitian art on offer, which can be found all over the museum, including the lobby, the galleries, and other public spaces like the Wintergarden. And when you visit, please consider giving to the American Red Cross Haiti relief fund by placing money in the American Red Cross donation cans located in the lobby.