Overjoyed by Oaxaca

Stevie and I presenting weaver Nelson Mendoza a copy of the SchoolArts Magazine in which he is featured.

I always think I am going to be able to work while I am traveling but that never seems to be the case. I'm just back from Oaxaca, Mexico, from our SchoolArt/CRIZMAC Folk Art Extravaganza. Stevie Mack and I are getting ready to start our Celebration of Pueblo Indian Art and Culture this evening in Santa Fe, but I want to share some photos from Oaxaca. We had a fantastic time exploring Oaxaca and visiting folk artists in their homes. Folk artists in Oaxaca are really suffering from the lack of tourism caused by mostly unfounded fears about Mexico. Everyone was welcoming and friendly and we were always comfortable being there. We ate in restaurants all over Oaxaca and no one in our group got sick. It's a beautiful part of Mexico and reminds me quite a bit of Santa Fe.

Amy Sue McPartlan and I posed with a giant puppet in front of one of the many folk art stores in Oaxaca City. If the puppet was out front, the store was open. This was only half a block from our hotel.

We had wonderful breakfasts together at our hotel before heading out everyday on our explorations.

Stevie and I are joined here by Oaxacan wood carver Manuel Prudencio Cruz and his wife at their family compound.

A view from the bus one day. The gray plastic figures reminded me of silver milagros. Thanks to Amy for this photo.

The most beautiful window in the world, open to the air in Oaxaca (no glass).

More to come...