Travel writer and community activist Neill James created a study and art program for local children in 1954 that evolved and has flourished as the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Children’s Art Program.
James’ program produced a proud legacy of talented and well-known local artists.
Reminiscent of James’ goal of educating children and giving them the opportunity to explore and develop artistic creativity, children gather every Saturday at 9:15 a.m. to read fairy tales, legends and fables. Then from 10 a.m. to noon on the back patio of LCS, encouraged by Mexican, U.S. and Canadian volunteers, the children draw and paint. Local artists Javier Zaragoza, Jesus Lopez Vega and Antonio Lopez Vega, are among the successful graduates of the program who continue to teach the children in various art mediums and techniques.
These three legacy artists have created great enthusiasm among the children as they designed and are now supervising the painting of murals on three bodega doors at the back of the LCS property. When finished, these doors will express the essence of the Children’s Art Program, and how it nurtures creativity. The students painting their original creations on these metal “canvases” know these are a permanent reminder of the program’s 60 years of history.
The LCS provides the young artists in the program opportunities to exhibit and sell their work at special events and an extensive collection of greeting cards created from the children’s work are sold on the LCS Patio on weekdays. A large part of the proceeds from these sales is given to the child artist, with the balance paying for the cost of producing the cards and purchasing art supplies. As well as participating in annual contests, some of the older children have been commissioned to illustrate books for local authors and to create specific paintings.
The Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) private donors, volunteers and the LCS make it possible to continue this inspiring program. For more information or to become involved, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The LCS Children’s Art Program supervisors and members of ASA are finalizing plans for the second annual summer art camp slated to be held daily from Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25 in the gazebo.
This project wouldn’t be possible without the generous financial support from ASA and the dedication of its members, who come every day to help with a variety of art workshops. This year, the LCS Children’s Art Program Summer Camp will feature sessions in jewelry making and beading, papier mâché, figurative and wet paper watercolor techniques, clay sculpture and print making. Area children may attend free of charge with those under five years accompanied by an adult.
Additional volunteers are always needed for art camp; those interested can email Jennifer Stanley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those wishing to assist these programs financially or donate materials can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..