Dear Friends,

I write to share with you the work of Emma Membreño, a Honduran immigrant, who learned to paint while spending 21 months in Sanctuary at the Albuquerque Friends’ Meeting from 2017-18. Emma’s charming paintings - often depicting flowers, birds, moonlit skies and landscapes - have been converted into popular greeting cards, “Paintings for Peace.” Sanctuary Works is the sole US distributor for Emma’s work, and as such, celebrates not only the works created by Emma in Sanctuary, but also the process of Sanctuary as an avenue for undocumented individuals to pursue legal status in the United States. In that sense, Sanctuary truly works!

Emma’s quest for legal status continues, complicated by COVID-19 induced delays. Our commitment to her, however, remains strong and steadfast, notwithstanding the unexpected delays and passage of time.

Thank you for sharing the attached flier promoting Emma’s cards with your friends, colleagues and congregations. Proceeds from card sales go to support Emma’s immigration process. Further information is available at: www.sanctuaryworks.org or on Facebook.

Appreciatively,

Sarah Malone

Co-Clerk, Albuquerque Friends’ Sanctuary Task Force