Yucatan Living

Christmas Shopping at AANY

Unbelievably, this will be the 10th semi-annual ARTE A MANO craft show sponsored by AANY.AC (Amigos de Artistas/Artesanos Nuevos de Yucatán). Here at Yucatan Living, we remember the first year that AANY started, the first show and the first artists. The show was an exciting break from tradition and proved to be an idea whose time had come. Now bigger than ever, this holiday version of the AANY show (there is another AANY show every spring) will present over 75 craft artists from the three states of the Yucatan. The really exciting news is that 15 new artists will be featured. And for the first time this year, a special section will be dedicated to craft artists working with recycled materials.

For five years the volunteers who work to produce AANY, which is a registered Mexican non-profit organization, have sought out the best in craft art in the Yucatán Peninsula. Exhibitors include studio artists as well as select traditional artists. There will be work in all media – ceramics, wood, textiles, metal, glass, leather, jewelry and accessories. Prices will range from very modest to very expensive, but there is something for everyone. Although most exhibitors prefer cash purchases, it is good to know that many will accept credit cards.

For regular AANY followers there will be many familiar faces that have been with the show since the very beginning. Viewing new work by old friends is always a joy and sometimes acquiring more of something you love is a special treat. But it is always exciting to see work by new exhibitors and the organizers of the 2013 show have worked all year long to find 15 new participants. Among them are Arsenio Rosado, master tunkul maker (he makes drums carved out of logs in the Maya tradition). Among some of his special designs are tunkules in the form of grasshoppers, monkeys, pigs, and the plumed serpent, to name a few. Alfredo Guerra Gomez will present his extraordinary alebrijes made of papier maché, as well as a range of work made of recycled materials. Denisse Romay, queen of recycled glass bottles, has designed everything from small functional pieces to large mirrors. Laura de la Vega works in slump glass and has designed both decorative and functional pieces. Salem Ceme Puc creates virtual batik paintings on a line of T-shirts and we think you'll find there is something for every occasion. For more information, you can check the AANY website.

Entrance to the ARTE A MANO show is free but donations at the door are gratefully accepted. These donations help offset the continually growing expenses of this very popular and ever-expanding event. To raise additional support, AANY organizers have organized a second GREAT ESCAPES raffle. The main prizes are two-night stays at five elegant hotels and haciendas. Tickets will be available at the show for $50 pesos each or $450 pesos for ten. The drawing will occur at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 1st at the show.

ARTE A MANO has become a major cultural event in Mérida, with growing attendance from both the Yucatecan and foreign communities. It has grown from a small one-day event with 23 exhibiting artists and attended by 450 people to a major event featuring over 75 artists in a two-day event that draws approximately 4,000 people. For many of the artists, participation in ARTE A MANO has been life-changing, not only in the development of new products and marketing skills but also in sales which, in many cases, represent a large part of their annual income.

Of course, all this does not happen on its own. Scores of volunteers make this possible. The Men´s Club of Merida always helps with set-up and tear-down. Members of the International Women´s Club volunteer for fund-raising committees. Community members work on a team to help artists with their displays, while other design professionals offer free graphic design for PR materials. In addition, there is always a cheerful group of community volunteers to greet guests at the entrance to the show. In short, it “takes a village”.

The Board of AANY consists of Joan Farrell, President, Cindy Allison, Vice President, Norma Peralta, Secretary, Fernando Solis, Treasurer and Annette Hallowell, at large member.

The AANY craft show is called Arte a Mano (Art by Hand)
When: Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st
Hours: Open 10:00 AM til 7:00 PM
Where: CANACO, Avenida Itzaes X 31, Merida, Yucatan
Parking is available on Calle 31 and nearby streets. Food and beverage service will be provided by Restaurante Guerra.