Why VirtuArte Is Traveling to Cuba
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?
- Cuba has a 99.8% literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world.
- Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean in terms of population.
- There are only 90 miles of ocean between Cuba and the tip of Florida.
- 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.
- 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:
- Community Project of El Grupo Bayate — paintings
- Studio of Leandro Gomez — sculptures
- Casa de la Cultura
- Taller de Grafica Experimental — etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and collagraphs
- Studio Art Brut — all mediums
- Artisan Market, at the Central Cultural del Almancenes San Jose — handicrafts
- Studio of Sandra Dooley — paintings
- 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.
