Summer 2024

166 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 the shop come directly from the people who make them,” Bauer adds.They are sourced from 36 African countries and from some local arti- sans as well, including Carmel ceramic artist John Chappell, whose recreations of African pieces are popular sellers, and beautiful pieces by Carmel Valley candle maker Molly Vogelpohl. Bauer has led a diverse work life.TheTexas native owned two popular Dallas restaurants, Suze and Iris, before relocating to the Monterey Peninsula to take a degree at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (now Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey). A visit to Africa and an up-close look at Elephant Havens convinced her that she needed to do something to help, and the idea for Mopane was born. In addition to donating 10% of monthly sales—not profit—to Elephant Havens, the shop gives another 10% to a different local nonprofit. The organizations are invited to come to the store to give visitors a look at the work they do. In June the featured nonprofit will be Carmel Cares, in July, Our Neighborhood Pet Project, and August spotlights the Monterey Zoo. Mopane is located at 200 Crossroads Boulevard in Carmel. For more information, visit www.mopane.org. Photo: Kelli Uldall (Left) Portraits of rescued elephants adorn Mopane’s walls. Patrons can adopt an elephant with a modest donation. (Right) Medicinal totems from Mali, antique Zambian wedding baskets and ceramic masks by Carmel artist John Chappell.