Courtesy of Wikipedia

I will be traveling with a group sponsored by the International Folk Art Alliance, an outreach travel program organized through the International Folk Art Market (IFAM), an annual event in Santa Fe, New Mexico whose mission is to “create economic opportunities for and with folk artists worldwide who celebrate and preserve folk art traditions.”  I had the pleasure of attending the annual event last July, and I will be making a return trip this Summer.

As a center of folk art, Oaxaca is known for the variety and beauty of its indigenous arts.  For example, I will be meeting with artists such as Manuel Cruz Prudencio, who carves from wood and paints creations known as alebrijes.  I had pleasure meeting him and purchasing one of his creations at the IFAM 2018 in Santa Fe.  I am looking forward to seeing him in his studio and learning more about his process.

I will also be meeting with another IFAM connection, Magdalena Pedro Martinez, a talented sculptor who works in black clay that is unique to Oaxaca.  She sculpts women in traditional dress, including precious couture details that are being lost to modernization, preserving the knowledge and creating unique works of art.  To round out the trip, I will also be meeting with artisans who specialize in textiles, jewelry and pottery.

My trip will be the subject of posts of photographs and videos on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to showcase the beautiful artwork and the amazing people of Oaxaca.

While traveling, I will be looking for items to add to the VirtuArte collection.  VirtuArte prides itself on offering our clients a curated array of unique, distinctive gift opportunities created by artisans from around the globe.  In keeping with the VirtuArte vision, I will be meeting with the artisans, learning about the history behind their work and exploring their process.  This in-depth knowledge will enable VirtuArte to offer targeted gifts, with interesting, engaging back stories that will be included as part of the gift, making each one all the more memorable.

I am SO excited about this trip and sharing all of my discoveries, that upon my return I am hosting the VirtuArte — Experience Oaxaca Event.  If you would like to be one of the first to know when registration goes live for this event then register here

You will have seven (7) days before the rest of the public to secure your spot (and spots are limited).  My events are sought after tickets.  I will be talking about the trip, serving food and drinks from the region and showcasing new additions to the VirtuArte collection.  This is a great way to ensure you are in!

Also, for anyone saying they want to be on this VIP list, I will be sharing some special private content with you, including photographs of Oaxaca, videos of the artists I’me meeting and their works of art and a “sneak peek” of some of the items I’m bringing back with me.

I can’t wait to share my trip with you.

Best regards,

Debbie

The post VirtuArte Travels to Oaxaca to Source Unique Artisan Gifts appeared first on VirtuArte.

This coming Thursday, the 15th of February, I’m leaving for Cuba, a country I’ve wanted to visit for a very long time to experience its culture, history, and Cuban folk art.  I want to see Cuba before it all changes.  I want to see the architecture, ride in a classic car, experience the culture, etc.

Did You Know These Facts About Cuba?

Did you know?

1. Cuba has a 99.8% literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world.
2. Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean in terms of population.
3. There are only 90 miles of ocean between Cuba and the tip of Florida.
4. Cuban food is a mixture of Spanish and Caribbean dishes that incorporates a lot of spices.  Many traditional meals include black beans, shredded beef, rice and plantains.
5. Dance is very important in Cuba.  The Botero, Mambo and Cha Cha were invented in the country.

Traveling To Cuba

In November 2017, the travel rules for Americans were changed once again.  Americans must now travel with an organized US-owned company tour group.  I am going with the International Folk Art Alliance, whose mission is to celebrate and preserve living folk art traditions and create economic opportunities for and with folk art artists worldwide.

One of the reasons I chose this trip was the focus on the art and culture of Cuba, with a particular emphasis on the folk art of Cuba.  I am visiting Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city located on the southeastern coast of Cuba; Baracoa, located in the Guantanamo Province near the eastern tip of Cuba; and, of course, Havana.

Exploring Art, Culture, and History in Cuba

The Itinerary Includes …

In each location, I will visit the historical sites, such as San Juan Hill, where Teddy Roosevelt famously fought during the Cuban/Spanish/American War; the Plaza de Armas, the site of the oldest Spanish fortress in the Americas; and El Finca Vigia, the estate of Ernest Hemingway.  I’m looking forward to seeing these sites; however, more important to me are the visits to museums and contemporary art spaces, attending dance performances and concerts, and most of all, the visits with local artists.

Copyright: Kobby Dagan

Discovering Cuban Folk Art and Artisans

Cuba has a tradition of painting, woodworking and papier-mache.  On the itinerary is a visit to the:

1. Community Project of El Grupo Bayate — paintings
2. Studio of Leandro Gomez — sculptures
3. Casa de la Cultura
4. Taller de Grafica Experimental — etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and collagraphs
5. Studio Art Brut — all mediums
6. Artisan Market, at the Central Cultural del Almancenes San Jose — handicrafts
7. Studio of Sandra Dooley — paintings
8. Studio of Guillermo Estrada — paintings

Bringing Cuban Art Into the VirtuArte Collection

Throughout the trip, I will be looking for new artists and pieces to add to the VirtuArte collection.  I can’t wait to see what I find.  Periodically check out the VirtuArte Facebook page.  I plan to post photographs while I’m in Cuba.

If you’re interested in hearing about my trip and seeing what new pieces of art I found, then “save the date” Tuesday, 27 March 2018.  I will be speaking that evening at the VirtuArte Gallery. More information to follow.

The post VirtuArte Travels to Cuba to Discover Folk Art and Artisan Gifts appeared first on VirtuArte.