Art Workshops in Guatemala

Calling all textile and travel enthusiasts !!

girl w loom by richard nelson

WEAVING, TEXTILES AND
MAYAN CULTURE TOUR TO GUATEMALA with Richard Nelson
17 - 26 March 2011

Join photographer, artist and textile collector
Richard Nelson for an informative and heartwarming look at the weaving communities and indigenous
villages surrounding Lake Atitlan and
La Antigua Guatemala.

Richard offers a unique perspective as our tour leader because he lived in Guatemala, on Lake Atitlan, for many years. He had the incredible experience of living in San Lucas Toliman during the devastating earthquake that shook Guatemala in 1976, and then stayed to help with the recovery effort. So, in addition to his textile expertise, he has many personal stories to share.     Photo: Girl with Loom by Richard Nelson

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"We are still basking in the glow of a great trip with Richard !!
Karen and Lou Matjesko Original Tour 11/05; Lakes Villages 11/08

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The focus of this trip is to learn about and visit the villages of magical, mystical
LAKE ATITLAN. We'll call Santiago Atitlan home base, and from there visit cooperatives in many of the lake's villages, including San Lucas Toliman, Santa Catarina Polopo, San Antonio Polopo and San Juan, San Pedro and San Marcos la Laguna. We'll stay four nites at the lovely POSADA SANTIAGO. Lucky us !!

As with all our weaving tours, you'll meet and learn from many local textile experts. But in addition, we're going to explore the strong cultural link between backstrap weaving and the spiritual
Photo: View from the Posada by Liza Fourré aspects of female identity (in Mayan legends weaving was a gift to women from the goddess Ixchel). And, then, of course, rosa santiago

there is the pretty fascinating subject of the Mayan calendar's long count end date - winter solstice 2012 - and its implications. So we'll explore that a bit, too. We may even suggest a few books to read beforehand to facilitate lively discussions.

We designed this experience to be a bit more relaxed than our other tours. In part, as a request from our many returnees who simply wanted enjoy the beauty and villages of this incredible lake. However, there is PLENTY to experience and learn, and although it may be difficult to find time to sit by the pool and relax, we'll certainly give it a try!!

*** A highlight of this workshop is Sunday, when you'll see 'alfombras' - carpets made of sawdust, flowers and pine needles that families design and create in the streets in front of their homes. They do this each Sunday during carpetmaking

Lent, before processions pass by -- hundreds of people from churches carrying 'andas' - heavy floats - on their shoulders, with figures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and other saints. As a group, we make one in front of our hotel, it's a GREAT, once in a lifetime experience !!

Photos: Rosa in Santiago and Alfombras by Liza Fourré
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** If you'd like to join us, just send in a $500 deposit with the registration form on our web page. We determine room choice according to date of registration. So, the earlier you register, the better your chances for the nicest rooms !

For more information or any questions you may have,
just email Liza, call 612-825-0747,or skype: lizafourre
and we'll get you set to go!!
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Richard is an artist, photographer and collector of Mayan textiles. His passion for backstrap woven textiles began while studying in Tlaxiaco, Mexico way back in 1973. The experience changed his life and documenting the ancient ruins, architecture and indigenous cultures became his artistic focus. He then lived, studied, volunteered and wove in Guatemala for years.

Richard spent 23 years as a designer for Macy's (first Dayton's, then Marshall Fields) by day, but his heart and soul are with the indigenous cultures of Central America, where he collects textiles and photographs the people who produce them, while also capturing personal, abstract images of daily life.

He just published a wonderful story in Ten and Two Magazine on Mayan Textiles is also currently exhibiting his work and sharing his experiences at Twin Cities area libraries through a grant from the Ramsey Co Libraries and MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. He was curator of the 2005 exhibit "Maya Textiles from the Guatemalan Highlands" a 30 year retrospective of color images and backstrap woven textiles from his private collection at the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota. Richard now works in freelance design, teaches and exhibits his work while he figures out how to return to Central America as often as possible. You can learn more about Richard and his work at Richard Nelson Design and email him at: richardenelson1@me.com

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Also offered with
ART WORKSHOPS IN GUATEMALA:

17 - 26 MARCH 2011

Book Altering, Collage and Mini Altars
($1845) with Kit Davey

Weaving, Textile and Mayan Culture Tour /
LAKES VILLAGES ($1945) with Richard Nelson

31 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2011
                                                                       Photo: Fisherman on Lake Atitlan by David Wells
Travel Photography / A Study in Lights and Contrasts
and Lenten processions ($1975) with David Wells


Watercolor / Ink and Wash ($1845)
with Marian Alstad

22 - 31 JULY    2011

Art Adventures for Educators
(but open to all who love to learn $1795) with local instructors

Nature / Botanical Sketching
the Beauty of Guatemala with Cynthia Padilla
lidia teaching

Backstrap Weaving and Mayan Culture
with Lidia Tarton de Santos ($1795)

27 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2011

Photography / Spirit of Place
with Doug Beasley

Photo: Maximon Man by Doug Bealsey
man praying / beasley

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STILL WORKING ON:

** CUBA -- I'm afraid the recent election results do not bode well for lifting the travel ban to Cuba .... but we are still working on it. Write your congressman to support opening travel to Cuba !!

*** A Southwestern USA Textile trip with Dr. Laurie Webster

** ECUADOR Photography Workshop
with photojournalist Caroline Bennett

** Total package price, including tuition, lodging in a lovely colonial style hotel, a hearty breakfast each morning, ground transportation and some pretty interesting cultural experiences varies for each workshop, but runs approximately $1795 - $1995.

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Art Workshops in Guatemala Liza Fourré / Director
Phone: 612-825-0747 fourre@artguat.org