We are a fair-trade shop located in River Falls, Wisconsin. We import unique treasures from developing countries around the world. Our store originated as a place for performers to sell arts and crafts from their home country while they were visiting the university. The money they made helped pay for travel expenses, as well as additional funds to purchase needed supplies for their villages.

 

With the purchase of an item from Global M.A.D.E., you not only provide a living wage for an artist, but also support our special projects (see projects page). We are a non-profit organization so all proceeds go to funding these projects.

Owner Ila June Brown-Pratt began teaching in 1969 at the University of River Falls-Wisconsin, where she taught many world music and music education courses.

 

Her involvement with world music led her to bring in performing artists from across the world to teach the music of their cultures. In many cases, the performers wished they had a place to sell the products of their culture.

 

Upon Ila June's retirement, an opportunity arose  when an open space became available at Interior Concepts. The store moved to Main Street where the fair trade store continued, along with the opening of Gallery 120.