Opening Inauguration for Legado de Colores
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin
(Ecuador 2015) Back in February, I dropped by Museo Bahia de Caraquez and enjoyed reminiscing with the staff about the Mola Series Exhibition the museum sponsored back in 2012. Ready to work on a new series of museum artifacts, I asked permission to take a few photos. With a bit of red-tape, the director Sixtina Ureta authorized me to photograph a few of my favorite pieces. She also told me that my “Spiral” painting in their collection would be included in an upcoming show.
From 2013: Imagine my surprise when the guide at the Bahia de Caraquez Museum told me that my painting was in a new exhibit upstairs!
After a few delays, the museum’s most-recent show opened this morning for the viewing pleasure of a group of students. I knew there would be students, but I did not realize that they were students of art! Many wanted their photos taken with me in front of the spiral painting, and we had several laughs – especially when I crouched down with my back against the wall to be the same height as Sixtina. Several other artists and supporters of the arts attended the formal presentation – it’s always a special honor to witness extranjeros who attend the local events.
There were young artists and older students, so I sat on the floor to be closer in height with the younger ones.
Sixtina discusses the museum’s colorful paintings for the Legado de Colores exposition at Museo Bahia de Caraquez
from 2012 “The Mola Series” – Painting pictured at Portoviejo Museum before it reached its permanent home at Museo Bahia de Caraquez.
“My teacher would like for you to come downstairs,” one student said as the gathering ended. I followed Sixtina and others down the stairs to a level below the main floor. A second art event was about to begin!
The paint brushes on the floor made me smile! – Museo Bahia de Caraquez
Javier has done a great job with the 50 young artists, and I spent the next hour looking over shoulders, critiquing, advising, backing up Javier’s instructions, giving short demonstrations (very short) and giving autographs of encouragement.
Step into the classroom, look over my shoulder and enjoy the assortment of work created by these talented young artists.
Javier’s classes – Museo Bahia de Caraquez Ecuador
Art class Museo Bahia de Caraquez
The museum will showcase the students’ work in two weeks – Thursday April 9th with a reception in the evening. I mentioned that traveling back to Jama at night is sometimes a problem, and Sixtina immediately invited me to stay in her home! It will be fun to see the students again as they bask in the spotlight. I’ll have to take a special book and ask for their autographs!
Before closing the door to this post, let’s step back upstairs and meet my newest model:
Jama Coaque artifact – Museo Bahia de Caraquez
Watercolor in progress: I thought that some colors, in honor of the new exhibition, might jazz up this one’s wardrobe!
A bundle of positive energy, Sixtina is rarely without her signature smile!
Thanks for touring the museum and taking a Timeout for Students!
Z
The enthusiasm is priceless!
Always in the midst of fun and creativity. Such a life! 😊
Absolutely wonderful! I wish that I could have been part of that art class! xo – Z
^..^
I particularly enjoyed the students’ paintings. Did you happen to notice the resemblance between the “cityscape” and Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings of New York at night? The flower that looks like a calla lily is lovely, too. What an enjoyable time that must have been!
Living in a country with so much warmth must give energy. I admire all your activities. Great gallery, I saw your work too!
What a fun day! And what an honor to have your work in the museum.
Kids have such creativity. This was wonderful for them and great for you having your work there.
Z, this is wonderful. You, the artist, teacher and fan, embody what art is all about. It is infectious. Thanks for letting us going on the ride. BTG
Art infuses joy and enthusiasm into our lives. A wonderful day!
Thanks for sharing your experience, LIsa. Javier’s pupils all look so intent on the pictures they are creating. I love your watercolour. 🙂
I love how you can take a museum artifact and make it come to life through your watercolors, Lisa. What a great interaction between you and the students and even better, to spend the night with Sixtina and “talk art”. The calla lily painting is eye catching. 🙂
How inspiring, Lisa! Congratulations on having your work included…
Bravo Zulu on your inclusion!
Lovely to watch your impact on the world, Lisa. 🙂 and I love that initial statue at the museum.
Delightful post as always Liza 🙂 Love the coffee bean ornaments on your latest model 🙂
I love that sculpture, the first photo in your series. I can’t even imagine how thrilling it must be to have a piece of work exhibited in an art museum of this caliber. Those kids look like they are, indeed, in their element.
What an amazing life you live! Thanks for continuing to take us along ♥
looked like a fun time ! We’ll have to head up to Bahia to view the students art. Hugs amiga
It fit right in. Beautiful work. Congratulations on the recognition.