“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! Continue reading