It all started with a desire to help. When the Haitian headlines began to pour in, bannered with devastating images, I wanted to do something. 
Haiti struck a special note. It was already counted as one of the most economically depressed in the world, before the earthquake. The island of Hispaniola was one of the places I sailed to early in my trip, and while I spent my time in the Dominican Republic (Haiti’s only bordering neighbor), I had lots of encounters with the Haitian people. Now, with every moving image that passed my eyes, I wanted to go more.

"In Memory-A Hatian Bride" Photo by Derek Turner

"Day Dream" Dominican Republic-Photo by Derek Turner 

But in life, when you can’t do what you want… you do what you can. So without a plane ticket or any medical experience, I decided to use the one thing I had plenty of - pictures. The idea was simple: sell photography to raise money for Haiti. As I spoke more with others, I found there was an entire community of artists moved by the devastating images, ready to do something.

The artists differed in style, in training, in background, but each one was anxious to use their talent and creativity to make a difference. Out of that desire came “Artists for Haiti”, an art-for-people project. Each artist agreed to donate art at little more than cost, with proceeds helping our distressed neighbors.

"Anna Begins" Art by Molly Holland

"Memory of Trees, Crimson" Art by Stacy Mark

To ensure any monies raised are used to their fullest potential, The World By Sea has formed a relationship with a specific hospital located just outside the capital of Port-au-Prince, who, like so many others, have seen an influx of need. All proceeds raised are donated to the Hospital Albert Schweitzer-Haiti, and directed specifically toward providing healthcare to those displaced from by the devastating earthquake. This medical facility has been committed to saving and changing lives for more than 50 years in Haiti.

Over the past several years I have had the privilege to travel the world, raising money and using the money to try to help people. From Africa to Argentina, I have visited prisons, orphanages, even spent one week serving farmer wives tea in the Outback of Australia. For me it’s more than a sense of responsibility, it’s a passion. As it turns out, it is a passion shared by many.

"Lilly Anne and the Fish Parade" Art by Joe Sorren

"Derek Turner: The Road To Happiness" 

Just a few hundred miles from the tip of Florida a nation has been devastated. We can’t all go there to help, but we can all do something. Some people can paint, other can purchase. Some people can provide medical service, others provide the supplies. Whether it’s time, money, or talent… it’s nice to realize we all have something to offer.

For more information, please see:

http://www.theworldbysea.com/the-artists-for-haiti-project/

"The World By Sea" Photo by Derek Turner