Feria Exposición Maestros del Arte A.C. Inc.
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What a great opportunity to see, support and purchase the work of indiginous artisans and craftsmen/women from all over Mexico, in one place, at one time. Chapalla is a delightful place to visit, founded in 1543 as a fishing village on the shores of Lake Chapalla. It has retained the feeling of a relaxed and welcoming small town all these years. Come and delight in the masterful work of these true artisans, even as they create their pieces. Many of these artists do not speak Spanish, and can only speak in their native indian languages. This speaks to the authenticity of their work and the uniqueness of this celebration.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have met two of these artists from Cocucho, in the state of Morelia, They make beautiful clay storage vessels from an African technique taught to their village by Catholics over 300 years ago.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand the Feria Maestros de Arte to other communities in Mexico, so that more people could experience the uniqueness of this effort.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I had fun
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very enlightened
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
fubd more artists
Ways to make it better...
I had had more fun
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding and volunteers
One thing I'd also say is that...
I feel really great about doing this work
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
This organization is EVERYTHING it says it is. At first the artists don't believe it and don't quite trust it Once they have gone through one Feria, they know that it is really for them. They make a lot of money and pay none out other than a to buy a few meals. They are important and their work is important. As an artist I know what this means. Their family sees them as important and others want to be like them and learn the art and the art lives on. Never have I seen so much wonderful art in one place or been so moved by the creators of that art. The Feria is an experience for all.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It is a marvelous cultural exchange, a coming together of truly fine craftspeople and artists. I have seen this event grow from a very small one to a large one and it has not lost its original goal for a moment. It is magic.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would only add to it culturally. The last one was the best ever with most of the kinks worked out. Last year they added Folklorico and small cultural side shows that really added to it. Being able to watch the weaving was nice.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
getting to know the artists and the art itself
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
a very organized, dedicated, hardworking group.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Just get better and maybe pay a salary to the person who has given her own time and money to the cause and really can't afford it.
Ways to make it better...
I lived in Mexico and did not have to fly down there.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Money
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I cannot tell you how much pleasure we get from our interaction with the artists, some of whom have become close friends. The fact that we can find so many first class artisans in one location at one time is priceless. The knowledge that we are helping in some small way the artists and their arts to survive is more than priceless. By helping the artists, we also help their families and villages.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing from the artists that this show is the most important thing in their year, that the contacts they make here help them grow and expand.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Seek more volunteers and more funding.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the artists. The joy of purchasing items from the hands of the makers is wonderful.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring, hard working, fun people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Establish grants to help artists grow, educate their children, improve their housing.
Ways to make it better...
we had more money to bring more artists.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding, as it is for almost every non-profit.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Volunteering for the Feria was truly a wonderful experience. I'm sure i got more out of it than I was able to give. My guests were a woman and her husband, neither of whom spoke English but we were able to communicate well with my limited Spanish. I picked them up the evening they arrived and would deliver them each morning to the Feria and then pick them up at the end of the day, serve them dinner and visit. They left us an open invitation to visit and we did the same. Volunteering brought me close to the artist and gave me a huge appreciation for the hard work these artists do and the unsung talent of the nation. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
attending the fair.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This art show gets better and better every year with the very best artists from all over Mexico keeping the tradition of Mexican folk art alive and prospering. Hosting one of the visiting artisan families is a great way to get involved and make some wonderful new friends.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Ajijic and Chapala, Jalisco, MX.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
being able to purchase the best Mexican folk art available anywhere at great prices.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
organized, efficient, friendly and helpful.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I had the pleasure of attending the Feria last year and it was a wonderful experience. I was able to see and purchase outstanding examples of true Mexican Folk art from all over Mexico in one place. I was also delighted by the entertainment provided, especially the dance recreating an ancient tradition. I would highly recommend this "one stop" experience for anyone wanting to learn more about Mexican folk art and the culture of Mexico.
Photos
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Absolutly wonderful and so caring about sharing the art of Mexico
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand what they are able to do and help even more artists gain exposure
Ways to make it better...
I could go every year!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have a wonderful set of photos I would be willing to share to show you how amazing this was -- I even got to see a pot made from start to firing right on site
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have a large collection of Mexican folk art or popular art and have found this Feria to be the foremost exhibition of this work in Mexico. The structure and size of the organization and it's volunteer group is without peer in the art world as I know it. The exhibitors are so talented, congenial and appreciative of our interest in their endeavors and the volunteer group of people from all areas of the communities, both local, and international, combine to make each Feria exciting. educational and worthwhile. My personal experiences here have truly, i feel, made me more appreciative of the world around me and more aware of the amazing talents of the people of Mexico. Meeting and visiting with the individuals who make the incredible art work I collect is one of the most wonderful things that have ever happened to me. My help in creating this arena of art, knowledge and friendship gives me a real sense of doing good, doing right and doing a useful chore for humanity. I just cannot praise this event enough.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meeting the artists and artisans who create the art work I collect.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
improve the food service.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the amazing way the organization brings in the exhibitors, gives them a place to stay, feeds them and yet every cent the exhibitor makes at the Feria is his or hers to keep.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
absolutely fine. All very helpful, interested and involved in the event.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
obviously improve all areas of the Feria as needed but especially help with the indigenous people who create the works exhibited at the Feria. Fund film makers and authors of books, etc. on pertinent subject matter regarding the Feria and it's exhibitors.
Ways to make it better...
i been able to arrive earlier to help.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
i personally have always thoroughly enjoyed myself, and left feeling better about myself and about the world around me.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I've been a volunteer for several years. I started out just wanting to be of assistance, but soon got caught up in the experience of helping these wonderful artisans maintain their livelihood by providing a successful venue for their amazing talents.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen the appreciation of the artisans for the venue, enthusiasm and support that we provide to them.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Being able to give to a community group by giving of myself, rather than by simply opening my wallet.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The Board of Directors and the staff of volunteers are unselfish, devoted people.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been attending this amazing artisans fair since it's inception. From the beginning the artisans were among the best in Mexico. The feria not only provides the opportunity to view and purchase exquisite handicrafts from all over the country, but it is a wonderful opportunity to have direct personal contacts and conversations with the artisans. This years emphasis on the art of the rebozo was exceptionally successful and will be one of the ways that this essentially Mexican article of apparel will continue to be woven and worn.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the handicrafts of Mexico stay alive and thrive.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
contact with the artisans, talking with them, learning of their crafts, purchasing treasures from them
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
save many dying arts in Mexico, help more artisans to survive and thrive
Ways to make it better...
Can't think of any way to improve it
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
need for more financial support
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I became a volunteer for the feria 6 years ago and I am now a board member and host for artists. Every year the feria gets bigger and better than before. The artists are amazing and it is such a joy to watch them as they meet the visitors that come to see and buy their works of art. There is a huge selection and the feria has grown to include cultural dancing, food and demonstrations. I am very honored to have had the opportunity to meet these talented people and help promote their work to a broader public and hopefully save some of these arts from being lost.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
by witnessing the joy of the participating artists as they share their work with the public. It is also a pleasure to introduce these fabulous arts to the public.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more volunteers willing to work on the event. It has become quite an undertaking and our volunteers work hard all year to make it a success.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting the artists and learning about their work. After working with them and also hosting them in our home, we have become close friends to quite a few of these wonderful people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
GREAT! Everyone works so good together without the petty conflicts often seen in organizations.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
pay to bring more artists to the show and advertise to bring more visitors to our area.
Ways to make it better...
we could have helped bring more artists to the show. It is very costly for many of them to travel with their art and their family to this event. For many of them, this event is the biggest money-maker of the year for their family.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
getting corporate sponsors to keep it going and help it grow.
One thing I'd also say is that...
It is humbling to see how much the artists appreciate our support.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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