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Nov. 30, 2006 —  Recently the fifth annual Maestros del Art fair took place. This is a wonderful event, put on by a non-profit organization with a large group of volunteers, for the purpose of keeping Mexican folk art alive. Many traditional techniques are at risk of dying out as people seek work in the cities or in other lands.

The artists and artisans come from all over the country. I saw quite a few from Oaxaca in the south, and the famous pottery village of Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua (which I love) also had representatives. In between south and north, I chatted with artists from Guanajuato, Queretaro, and Michoacan. Many other regions were represented too.

The organizers arrange that the traveling artists can stay in the homes of Mexican families and have two meals a day there. For some of the more rural, traditional artists, this may be the first time they have left their own community. They keep everything they earn; no fees or percentages are charged to them. (There was a 20 peso entry fee to the event which helped cover expenses.)

I was feeling a bit frugal after my recent folk art purchases in Colima, so I only got a couple of things at this event… Next year, though, who knows?

It takes place in November, for three days. A great time to visit the Lake Chapala area! Travel light and fill your bags with incredibly lovely treasures!