Today we are going to Muse about Mexican art and fine crafts. If this is your first visit, welcome to Musings. If you have been here before, welcome back. Over time we are going to talk about many things: the past, the present, perhaps the future, travel, art, society and more. Wherever my musing takes me. I hope you will come along with me.
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About 10 miles outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is the Sanctuario de Atotonilco, a world heritage religious site.
It is famous for its chapel and its murals.
It was at Atotonilco that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Casilla took the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe as the battle flag when he led his Indian followers against the Spanish government starting the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.
Galaria Atotonilco
Not far from the Santuary tucked away in the country is the Galaria Atotonilco. It is a destination gallery of fine Mexican art and crafts, one of a kind in Mexico and interestingly owned and run by Mayer Shacter and his wife, transplants from Berkeley, California.
Jeanette and I have been there many times over the years, but this summer we were joined by our friend Beatty. She wanted to see fine work, so we made arrangements to show her the gallery.
An appointment is required since the gallery is located way back on private property away from the main road. I made the appointment several weeks in advance of Beatty’s arrival.
On the chosen day we arrived at the entrance to the property at 11:00 AM, our appointed time. The gate was closed and locked. Hmm!
I gave the gallery a call and explained “We are here“. There was a silence and then questions: “Who made the appointment? We never make appointments before 12:00. We are having an open house today which starts at 12:00. We are still setting up.”
Not the warmest of receptions, but after discussion it was agreed they would open the gate and allow us to wander around outside while the final preparations were being made for the open house.
The first thing you see after winding down a long and narrow road is the gallery.
It definitely stands out. Next to it is the residence which is also very contemporary.
On the back side of the house is a pool, seating areas and vast open space.
I enjoyed wandering around the property nearly as much as visiting the gallery.
The Gallery
However, visiting the gallery is incredible. The art is principally fine crafts, small sculptures and carvings, masks, ceramics and such. The attention to detail and pattern has to be seen.
Here are examples:
There are rooms and more rooms filled with these wonderful objects. There are so many that I tend to get sensory overload and stop seeing what is right before me. I need to take a break and come back again.
Look at these next items. I have narrowed the focus so you see specific pieces. I think the attention to detail is phenomenal.
That gives you a mini-tour. If you find yourself in San Miguel de Allende you should seek this out.
And just so you know, Beatty made it worth while for them to let us browse around.
Nirvana
Afterward, we toddled off to Nirvana, a hotel, restaurant and spa set in the countryside not far from the gallery. It was time for lunch.
more to come
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We now offer tote bags.
For more information, click on “tote bag available” below the image.
Art Work
Also on the commercial side, here are examples of my work you may wish to check out:
Thomas-Tribby.pixels.com is now offering I Phone Cases, Coffee Mugs, Throw Pillows, Greeting Cards, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Shower Curtains, Duvet Covers , Yoga Mats, Tote Bags,Women’s T Shirts, Men’s T Shirts, Tapestries and more with reproductions of my artwork. If you want to check them out, here are the steps:
- 1. Click on this link: thomas-tribby.pixels.com.
- 2. Click on one of the categories in the menu bar at the top: Wall Art, Home Decor, Lifestyle, Stationery or Apparel. It will list a number of options.
- 3. Click on option.
- 4. Click on image and a sizing slide will open allowing you to adjust the image to the way you like it..
Have fun.
My work is available as traditional prints on canvas, paper or metal, but it also available on greeting cards, phone covers, tote bags, shower curtains, t-shirts and more. It makes for some very personalized gifts. Below is the link to the site. I hope you like it.
Click on: thomas-tribby.pixels.com
For information about these or other original works of art, please feel free to contact us:
