MISSION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Guatemala Art and Culture Connection features original art and crafts from traditional Mayan villages around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. The paintings depict scenes such as harvesting crops, food markets, ceremonies and nature that are an integral part of the life and culture. The artists are known for their distinctive style and their works have been exhibited in places such as the Smithsonian in Washington and galleries and shows internationally. The crafts include beadwork and weaving for which the artisans are also famous and often incorporate designs and figures that are based on centuries old traditions. Both the art and the crafts are important ways the artists and artisans maintain their culture.

Our vision is to utilize this art and the crafts as a means of connecting people across borders and cultures and supporting local initiatives in the communities we work with. We also seek to increase awareness of the economic, political, environmental and social issues impacting these indigenous communities and to cultivate an appreciation of their rich art and culture while helping to support the artists and local economy through the fair trade sales of their art and crafts. A portion of the proceeds of the sales assist Ayudame a Pintar Mi Futuro (Help Me Paint My Future), an after school youth art program that serves youth of San Pedro La Laguna from families who struggle with poverty and other issues.

Our hope is that this project will help foster deeper understanding and mutual appreciation and cooperation across borders and cultures to bring into being a more equitable, just and peaceful world.

Thank you for taking the time to appreciate this art and the crafts and for your interest in and support of our project.

Imre and Lorna Kepes