Co-Directors of
The Krataa Foundation

Mary Hark
Professor of Textile Design and Hand Papermaking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and proprietor of HARK! Handmade Paper Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mary produces editions of linen and flax papers for book designers and artists, as well as unique paper-artworks that combine handmade papers with mixed media. Her work has been exhibited and collected internationally. Hark received a Fulbright Senior Research Award to Sub-Saharan Africa where she began her research into Ghanaian handmade paper.

Michael Asaam
Forestry Commission of Ghana
Accra, Ghana

Mr. Asaam is an environmentalist and landscape designer committed to sustainable practice. He works as a financial specialist for the Forestry Commission of Ghana in Accra. Mr. Asaam is part of a team that oversees the public lands where the invasive Pulp Mulberry is growing, and travels throughout Ghana and internationally, working on sustainable land management projects.

Beate Maria and Anthony Agyekum Amankwaa
Ejisu, Ghana

Proprietor’s of Dr. T-Bone Services Ltd. in Ejisu, Ghana, an award-winning metal design and fabrication enterprise that includes an iron forge. The Amankawaa’s are established small business owners with a long-standing commitment to good design, fine craft, fair business practice, and local economic development.