Feria Exposición Maestros del Arte A.C. Inc.
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I volunteer each year to help where I can. It is such a good feeling to help all the artists and families. The feria has improved in each of the 5 years I've been involved. It's not just a venue for selling wares, there is music , dancing, laughter, food and general good fun. If you haven't been you've missed a good time...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The mission and organization of the feria is really thought through..
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The entire group of volunteers is good. They go beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I find that volunteering for the Feria Exposicion Maestros Del Arte (FEMDA) has been an enriching experience. As a Board Member I can contribute ideas about Mexican Culture and as interpreter/translator I can participate more fully. We also have volunteered as hosts for a folk artists who travel long distances and have very little to spend on hotels and meals. The folk artists are appreciative of the opportunity to bring their special talents to the FERIA in Chapala. I am fortunate to help the FEMDA in as many ways as I can. The FEMDA brings together true folk artists from all over Mexico to sell their art directly to the public. The buyers get to meet the folk artists and purchase exceptional and authentic pieces of folk art. Whether it is fine pottery pieces, jewelry, rebozos (traditional shawls), leather, embroidered clothing, furniture, or even toys, the quality is outstanding.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I get to meet all the folk artists personally and help them with translations or anything else they might need.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Growth would not be a problem. We could double, triple our invitations to local and nationwide artits.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
We have been going to the Feria since its inception and have watched it grow both in size and quality of exhibits. It is not to be missed if you are in the area in November and worth travelling to if you aren't. And the best part of it is that EVERYTHING on display is for sale, - provided you get there early enough
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen it grow from year to year and am glad to support an organization that attempts to maintain the dying crafts of the Mexican culture.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Great stuff to buy.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Put on local shows throughout Mexico and support even more local Mexican artisans.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I agreed to host an Artisan and his family. The experience was wonderful. I visit the family occasionally now and they are so friendly. The father said that the mother and little girl cried when they had to leave. Most of the Artisans come from small villages and many don't have bathrooms so it is like a vacation for them to stay in a nice home and be entertained. The Feria was so exciting! Mexico has some very talented Artisans and these came from all over the country. It would be very costly to travel to all of these areas and finding the Artisans could be difficult. I was so fortunate to be involved.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
be much larger. Unfortunately the size is limited and there are so many artisans who don't get to participate. I am so amazed at the creativity of the Mexican people and it is widespread.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I've been attending the Feria Expo in Chapala every year since it first began, and every year it just gets better. This year, there were dancers, weavers and wonderful demonstrations. The artisans are top quality, and it's always exciting to meet and talk to the artists who actually made the pieces that I now have all over my home. Marianne Carlson, the force behind the Feria, is to be congratulated for putting on such a class event. Pamela Steed
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the chance to meet and talk with the artisans who produced much of the art pieces I have in my home. You don't get that personal experience when you purchase from a store or retailer.
Ways to make it better...
I honestly can't think of anything I'd change. The organizer, Marianne Carlson, has done an incredible job of not just organizing, but adding to the event each year. I'm not an organizer, but Marianne is, and I know that each year will be better.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
We have been involved with the Feria for 3 years. As well as volunteering throughout the year in preparation for the November event we have welcomed Artisans to stay in our home for the 3 day event and it has been a truly enriching experience for us. In the 3 years we have come to know and love many of the Artisans who are so grateful and appreciative of having this wonderful opportunity to sell their folk art.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
We are giving back to the country and the community we have choosen to retire in.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
About 98% of us are retired so we have much more time to devote to this project
Ways to make it better...
We had more funding to pay for the Artisans transportation inorder to bring in people from further a field and also to enable us to do more advertising in the US
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have attended the Feria for several years, but only as a volunteer for the past two. In 2008, a friend called me to help at the last minute and I was so impressed with all the talented and humble artisans and also how much fun we shared even though there is a language barrier (mine is very limited). I asked to be included as a volunteer in 2009 not just to help make the event a success, but to have more of an opportunity to visit with the Mexican artisans and the selfless volunteers. Hope I can continue to help in any way I can. Anyway who has not attended has truly missed a huge opportunity to see the talend and beautiful workmanship that these friends bring for us to see. Betty White
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Please see 1st box
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting the wonderful artists and seeing their beautiful work.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Totally committed.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have seen the difference this non-profit organization has made in the lives of Mexican artist's families throughout Mexico. Artists attend the show at no cost to them and are housed with local residents for the 3-day show. Cross cultural bonds are formed, artists have an opportunity to increase their yearly income which has a ripple effect on their families and communities while keeping art that may have been in their families for generations alive and well.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the income it generates for low-income indigenous Mexican artist families. Their participation in this event has opened new doors for selling their work, educating their children, improving their living conditions and much more.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Be able to find continuous funding so our volunteers could concentrate on other areas of concern to us, such as education, health, etc. of the culture we are trying to preserve.
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