Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) students are benefiting from the skills of far-a-way sculptors and the generosity of one art exhibitor. Hundreds of rare pieces of Shona art were brought to the campus of MSM April 21-22, 2007 for a first-time Atlanta "uncrating." During the uncrating celebration, an auction of the newly-revealed pieces was held. The weekend fundraiser was designed not only to bring together the culture of Zimbabwe and America but to help bridge the gap that exists between a medical student's tuition and the true costs of a health professions education.

Shona exhibitor Colin Thompson brought the artwork-many weighing hundreds of pounds-at the invitation of MSM President Emeritus Dr. Louis W. Sullivan. Thompson donated $5930.-a portion of the weekend's sales-to the MSM Founder's Fund. The Founder's Fund provides critical support for the fundamental academic and administrative operations of the School. Annual donations to the Fund support need-based scholarships, the MSM library, and classroom and technology enhancements.

Shona artists from Zimbabwe are well known for their stone sculptures. The skill of carving beautiful pieces of art from solid rock has been handed down through generations of Shona tribesmen since 1200 AD. The masterpieces are typically referred to as "Shona" after the Zimbabwean tribe.

Thompson said he hopes to soon return to MSM for another Shona exhibit and sale.