In 2001, photographer Gil Garcetti traveled to West Africa for the first of what would be several visits to the continent. Enthralled by the land and the people, Garcetti became deeply committed to raising awareness of and funds for safe water in the region. Thus was born Women, Water and Wells, a selection of fifty-eight striking photographs from his forthcoming book, Water is Key (Balcony Press). Garcetti's rich black-and-white photographs reveal the link between water and human health in West Africa, as well as the dramatic economic and social development successes that can be achieved when safe water is delivered to villages.

Women, Water, and Wells captures the challenges, successes, and hopes of people—particularly women—who are faced with the daily task of providing safe water for their families and communities. The exhibition begins with several landscapes and scenes of daily life from Niger, Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso, and then chronicles the important work of non-governmental organizations in the struggle to provide healthy drinking water and to eradicate a variety of diseases linked to unsafe water. Later sections show the beauty and joy of locating safe water sources, and the numerous ways that safe water benefits peoples’ lives through sanitation and health, education, economics, and agriculture.

Proceeds from the sales of Water is Key will benefit the Pacific Institute an Oakland, California-based think tank dedicated to protecting the natural world, encouraging sustainable development, and improving global security. The Pacific Institute will use 100% of the money raised to benefit NGOs working on safe-water initiatives in West Africa.

Sep, 2007	Opening Day Book Launch
	Gil Garcetti