A Folk Art Defense Fund, Built of Paper
IN the two years since the Golden Venture ran aground off Queens, more than half of its Chinese refugee passengers have been held at various prisons and detainment centers, awaiting official settlement of their appeals for political asylum. They are incarcerated, yes, but not daunted.
To raise money for their legal defense, the refugees at the York County Prison in York, Pa., have been making picturesque, often operatically ornate folded-paper art -- pagodas, mythical beasts, baskets and exotic fruits like the pineapple below -- from old magazines.
Nearly 100 of the pieces will be exhibited at the Frank J. Miele Gallery from Sept. 12 through Nov. 11.
"Aside from the human-interest story, the pieces should appeal to people on a visceral level," Mr. Miele said. "They are incredibly beautiful." Most of the works will be priced between $135 and $450. The gallery is at 1262 Madison Avenue (90th Street), (212) 876-5775.  CURRENTS