When it comes to regional arts and crafts, the present in Oaxaca is as vital as the past. Ceramics, weaving, print making, and cooking remain integral parts of daily life. For the past six years, six Art Division students have traveled annually to Oaxaca to make etchings, visit local artisans, study ceramics and, beginning in 2024, to study cooking.
Two students are hosted by the Centro de Las Artes San Agustín (CaSa), where they make daily visits to different workshops throughout the region. They also participate in making crafts along with the artisanos. Students have worked at the ceramic studio, Taller Canela, where they study with master ceramic artist Claudio Jerónimo López and Tonita Silva. Both CaSa and Taller Canela are located in San Agustín, Etla, an hour’s drive from the center of Oaxaca towards the Sierra Madre Mountains, an area lush with greenery and water. In the city of Oaxaca, students have worked at the print studio Taller Sangfer under the direction of master printer, Fernando Sandoval. Taller Sangfer is considered one of the best print workshops in Mexico.
Beginning in 2024, students have taken cooking with chef Frederick Jimenez. Frederick also took the students to local farms and kitchens where they were able to learn how to make mole and other Oaxacan dishes alongside the local cooks.
Over the years, fourteen of our students have sent designs to weaver Jerónimo Hernández and his family in Teotitlán de Valle, a Zapotec pueblo with an ancient weaving tradition. It is exciting when our students have the opportunity to meet the Hernández family in person and see where and how their carpets were made.
Artists from Oaxaca have also come to Los Angeles to teach and participate in residencies at Art Division. Inez Lara ran a ceramics class. Victor Mortales created an installation and also conducted a workshop. Fernando Sandoval has often come to Art Division to work with students in our print studio. For the past six years students have seriously dedicated themselves to these extraordinary learning experiences. Those who travel and work in Oaxaca gain invaluable skills while connecting to a rich and singular culture. Thank you to The Fred Croton Oaxaca Fund, The James and Alexandra Brown Travel Fund and the Crossed Purposes Foundation Inc. for making this exchange a reality.
