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.
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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
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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
Photos
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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
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
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...
More feedback...
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
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