Artisan & Architecture Tour in May 2023

We will start this 11-day adventure in Morelia, one of the most Spainlike of all colonial cities in Mexico in the state of Michoacan.  

We will stay right  in the heart of the city, two blocks from the zocalo, in a hotel that was originally a private mansion built in the 17th century.  We will explore the many museums and numerous churches.  The Casa de Artisanias , the Ex-Convent of San Francisco, contains an impressive collection of the state’s crafts. 

About an hour away, we will travel into the wooded mountains of Patzcuaro with its whitewashed houses with red tile roofs.  We will stay a block from the main zocalo at a small hotel that overlooks the Basilica. 

We’ll visit 16th century painted chapels, 

  old monasteries and

 the library that has a massive mural by Juan O’Gorman depicting the history of the state. 

We’ll go out to small villages where you will meet many of the artisans.  It was Don Vasco de Quiroga who  came from Spain in 1531, who was  influenced by the teachings of  Thomas Moore’s Utopia, for he created villages with  hospitals and community centers. Crafts were established in each village,   making them self supporting.  Woodworking,   copperware, 

weaving, pottery, lacquerware continues to this day. 

A visit to Tzintzuntzan noted for its ceramics, basketry and stone carvings.  

A stop in Santa Clara de Cobre where copper work has been its main craft since the Spanish arrived. 

The colors, textures and imagination of the indigenous are resplendent in all of Michoacan.

This and much more is explained in a detailed itinerary, available soon.      

For years I have explored the area and adding to my personal folk art collection.  I led a similar tour there a few years ago.  In pondering my first “Artisans & Architecture” venture, I asked a rather famous authority on Mexico what she thought of such an idea.  Here is her response:  
    

“Dear Robin – I like your idea for a special reason: The grand artistic winds that swept Mexico for so many centuries are slowly disappearing. The architecture may still stand, but old maestros are dying, and many of their sons and daughters are being lured away from the apprenticeship in the arts.  The artisans who excelled at ceramics, weaving, metalwork, wood carving and the rainbow of Mexican crafts are inevitably leaving the scene.  But because you know where to look, some of the genius can still be found in the secret back country of Old Mexico.  I would recommend most highly that your friends take this opportunity to visit these artists before the scene disappears.  From seeing you interface with these humble but genius artists, I know you have a special rapport with them which will give your friends a very rare opportunity for an artistic experience which they may never be available again.  Buena viaje!”

My good friend, Rick , who lives in Patzcuaro, will also be on board for this tour.  He is an expert in Mexican history and folk art.  He personally knows most of the artisans in Michoacan and has been a judge at the concursos (large folk art fairs) in the state for the last two years.

May 12 - 22, 2023