In an ongoing quest to keep our collection of unique gifts fresh, and diverse, on 12 March 2019, I will travel to the Mexican state of Oaxaca. I will spend five days in its capital Oaxaca de Juarez and three days in the surrounding area, including a trip to Monte Alban, the “Rome of the Zapotecs.” I will visit with local artisans and participate in other cultural events. Oaxaca is known for its high percentage of indigenous people, including the best known Zapotecs and Mixtecs. The culture and folk art produced in the area have their origins thousands of years in the past, and Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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
