Small Details

I like to give everyone on the tours a small journal to keep a record of their trip. Some people write, some draw and some put photos in them. One part memento and one part self reflection.  Super happy with how these turned out. They're going to be the covers of the journals.  Handcarved block print and handset type printed on a letterpress. Tour starts in less than two months.

Snow and Sun

 I am happy to say that the March Art Retreat is just about full with nine people signed up. Just a few weeks ago we only had four and then it just happened really fast.  I think it had something to do with the snow. It snowed and suddenly Oaxaca became just that much more beautiful.  I used the deep powdery snow to try an old Scandinavian trick and cleaned my Zapotec rug in the snow (photo above).  Worked like a charm. So yes it's snowy and I am dreaming of Oaxaca and sending a big welcome to everyone joining us for the retreat.  Two months from today!Nos Vemos!

Geeking Out in Bookstores in Oaxaca

I'm always  on the hunt for copies of Arte de Mexico when I'm in Oaxaca.  You'll usually find a rack in museum stores and bookstores. They are large magazine format with lots of pictures and essays from various intellectuals and artists and a few full page ads at the beginning and the end.  Plus, joy of joys, there are  English translations in the back. Each edition is devoted to a particular art form found in Mexico, from corn husk dolls to revolutionary art. You never know what you'll find.  I was pretty excited when I was in the shop at Mt. Alban and came across this edition from 2001 focusing on ex votos, those folkiest of folk paintings thanking God for all varieties of miracles.  On the March 2017 Art Immersion tour we're going to visit the church in Huayapan which has a great collection of ex votos just to tempt those ex votos fans amongst us, you know who you are. Come with us and make art and drink in all that Oaxaca has to offer this coming March.