Dear Sir,

Marianne Carlson, who just organized and oversaw another beautiful and successful Feria del Maestros del Arte at the Chapala Yacht Club, deserves a huge vote of thanks from all of us who love to see and collect examples of the never-ending creativity of Mexico’s multi-talented artisans.

This was the seventh Maestros show, which brought together artists from all over Mexico. The show has become so well-known among collectors that groups come from the U.S. to meet the craftsmen and women, and to buy directly from them. This year 62 artists from such widely scattered places as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Guanajuato and Michoacan were represented, with an incredible array of both traditional and contemporary pieces in wood, clay, metal, weaving, embroidery, papier maché, straw work and glass. My husband and I are dedicated collectors, but anyone can appreciate the breath-taking variety, the singing colors, and the distinctive stamp of items made by hand to create both utilitarian and decorative pieces that spring from that fantastic well of creativity, which is part of the “soul of Mexico.” If you missed the Feria del Maestros this year, make a note on your calendar for next November.

Sombreros off to you, Marianne, and to all those who worked on this and other Maestros shows.  Our lives are much enriched by your efforts, and our souls satisfied by the feast for the eyes and other senses that this gathering of artists represents.  Thank you so much.

Janice and Glenn

Hatfield, Zapopan