In Search of Art
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by Marianne Carlson (Founder and Coordinator of Feria Maestros del Arte) I have got to be one of the luckiest “transplants” living in Mexico! For over 35 years, I have traveled to all corners of Mexico seeking adventure and experiencing the spirit and essence of this country I now call home. However, since moving to Lakeside, the focus and reasons for my viajes (trips) now have a purpose beyond adventure itself – locating specific Mexican folk and indigenous artists. Wow! Imagine meeting and getting to know some of the finest artists in Mexico. Why does this matter to me? Because eight years ago, I started an art show called Feria Maestros del Arte – only had 13 artists that first year and very little help. In 2008, with the help of a small army of volunteers, the show hosted 58 artists. We are now a Mexican non-profit AC and our mission is to promote Mexican indigenous and folk art that is slowly disappearing by giving the artists a venue in which to sell their work. By the way, we charge the artists nothing to attend — they pay no booth fee, no percentage of sales, Lakeside residents host them for the three days of the show, AND if we are approved for our US 501c3 non-profit status, we may even be able to pay all their transportation this year as well. People are always asking me questions about my travelling. First and most important, I select my travel partner/s. If you are not compatible with your co-travelers, you can often end up taking “the trip from hell.” So, I’m very selective whom I travel with. Next, we all decide on a direction – north, east, south or west. I crank up the computer and bring to life my vast list of artisans to determine who lives near the route we have chosen.
I thought I would share one of my very special trips with you. Last year, four of us headed for Puebla, Hidalgo, and Tlaxcala. One of my artist friends, Julio Laja Chichicaxtla, who makes handmade paper called amate, invited us to stay in his newly constructed house in northern Puebla. “Newly constructed” can mean many different things here in Mexico, but we were adventure seekers, ready for anything.
The “new” house was exactly that. The second most modern home in the pueblo, Julio told us that most of the money used to build the house had come from his profits the years he has been attending Feria Maestros del Arte. I was so proud to have been a part of the success he has found in producing and marketing his art. The amate paper is made from the inner bark of four indigenous trees, and has been used since pre-Columbian times. We were treated to chicken mole and then a viewing of the entire process of making amate — both were incredible.
Feria Maestros del Arte will be held each year, the second weekend in November. If you have never attended, treat yourself and join us. In addition to 60 artists from all over Mexico, Arette Tequila will be offering tequila tasting; you can enjoy lively Mexican dancing and music and participate in the daily charity raffle to benefit Cruz Roja. For information contact Marianne Carlson at (01152 from outside Mexico) 376 765-7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com. |
Unless we are apt to encounter a holiday in a particular village, we do not make reservations in advance. Many of my most rewarding experiences have been from traveling without specific plans — plans can most always be changed, adding a spontaneous and unexpected quality of adventure to the trip. 
Not an easy place to find, Julio met us in a little town (also not so easy to find) to show us the way into the mountains. I hopped in his truck and my three amigas followed in our van. Julio said it wasn’t far. As we wound through the hills going up and up and up, and then down and down and down, I asked Julio again how much longer before we arrived in his pueblo. “Oh, very close now,” he replied. Then, all of a sudden we turned a corner and it was as if we had entered Shangri-la. The high mountains were dotted with little villages that only speak the Otomí Indian dialect and Julio proudly pointed to his village on the other side of the valley. Who cared how long it took? This was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. 
An artist myself, I find it distressing that much of the art I encounter while travelling, I never find anywhere except in the homes of the artists themselves — not for sale in galleries or stores. There are governmental stores designed to help artists sell their work, however, they ask a high commission and many artists choose not to sell in them. So, how does an artist who lives in the mountains of northern Puebla sell enough work to support his family? Well, in Julio’s case, he attends Feria Maestros del Arte and now shows all over the world. He is one of the lucky artists who has found his niche and is doing well. Many others are not so fortunate.