Arte A Mano

ARTE A MANO

Coparmex, Avenida Hidalgo y Calle 38, Mérida (click on map).

Sat. Mar. 20: 10 am - 7 pm.
Sun. Mar. 21: 10 am - 5 pm.

“To foster awareness of the excellence of Yucatecan artisans, and bring their work to light.”…The goal of Amigos de Artesanos Nuevos de Yucatán (AANY) is still the same; however, as the quality of the contributors has improved, there has been a shift away from the word “artisan”, as it perhaps implies lower quality or more naive art. Instead, the work is really that of creative, dedicated, professional artists. And the name of the show reflects this change: “Arte a Mano,” with art for home and heart. Their fourth showing is coming up on March 20 and 21, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

A common perception that Yucatecan art is limited and mass-produced has existed largely because the truly talented artists are not receiving the exposure they deserve. When compared with the well-known quality of art from places such as Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Guanajuato, it became clear to the members of AANY that the missing link was marketing.

AANY does not have any financial interest in the promotion of the artists. They simply wish to improve the situation of the past, where art shows were not juried, resulting in a collision of quality of art ranging from mass-produced to truly unique.

AANY and its artists have come far in a year and a half. Their first three shows, in November 2008, March 2009, and November 2009, have proven the need for their group and an audience that appreciates what they have to offer. There continues to be a better balance between rural and studio artists. The March showing will include the customary 40 to 45 artists in the media of jewelry, accessories, wood furniture and carvings, mobiles of organic material, incised jícara, tapetes, baskets, handmade paper items, ceramic art, lamps and sconses of various materials, and many assorted art objects. And there will be approximately 12 new participants, not only from Mérida but also from San Felipe, Panaba, Playa del Carmen. Tulum, Nunkini and Calkini (Campeche).  AANY is continually extending its search efforts to the whole Yucatán peninsula and has found some wonderful new surprise additions for the spring event. There will, of course, be lots of old friends with new products.

AANY has become a movement, really; participating in an AANY show is now considered an  achievement and a privilege.

The March 20-21st ARTE A MANO show will be at Coparmex, Avenida Hidalgo y Calle 38, just past the IMSS hospital and just off the Donde glorieta.  This exhibition space is air conditioned. Saturday March 20: 10 am to 7 pm. Sunday March 21: 10 am to 5 pm.