With the economy in bad shape, business owners are seeking new ways to keep business alive. For Swahili, a store specializing in African crafts in Eugene, OR, the Dogon Fusion Modern African Furniture Exhibit was just the ticket to revitalize business. Leslie Mittleberg, owner of Swahili, hosted the event for designer Percy Appau at Fifth Street Public Market Friday evening.

“I’ve never seen this many people in the store,” said Tyler Morse, a sales associate. “Locally, it just gets the buzz going and does a lot for the store,” Morse said. “His paintings are brilliant.”

Eugene residents, from professors to students to African nationals, weaved through the aisles of the store, perusing through the zebra-striped, rainbow-colored, crocodile-encrusted merchandise. His work included desks, mirrors, cabinets and paintings, all with African roots and multi-cultural flair. All of it was for sale with the items starting in price from a just a few dollars for little trinkets and going into the hundreds for some of the furniture.

Mittleberg said she was happy to have the exhibit in her store. Swahili offered free wine and snacks as part of the event. Said Mittleberg, “The event is in support of Percy.”

Appau is the main designer for the store and works in the workshop Swahili has in the basement of the building. Said Appau, who began working at Swahili as an intern a few years ago, “Design on paper is different from doing the real thing. I’ve been fortunate to get that training.”

“I’ve been influenced by women,” said Appau, who often features women as the subjects of his paintings. “I’ve gotten tough love from all of these women in my life.”

Appau, a Ghanaian national, started his work at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He also traveled to Honduras to help natives develop traditional crafts before coming to the University of Oregon to study business. He said his travels have influenced his work. Said Appau, “My journey from Ghana has been very rewarding. I incorporate many cultures.”

Alongside the Dogon exhibit, many of the stores in Fifth Street Public Market were holding events for themselves. The little boutiques and cafes also offered drinks and snacks. The clothing boutique Spyce held a champagne and gift party.

Tariro, a non-profit organization aimed at providing education to Zimbabwean girls orphaned by AIDS, co-hosted the event with Swahili. The members set up a table with informational pamphlets and answered questions to anyone who wanted to donate to the cause. They also provided entertainment by performing traditional Zimbabwean music.

This event, which was also held last year, has had a lasting impact on Appau.

“I want to see people’s reaction,” Appau said. “It’s about taking art to a different level.”