“There’s just so much to paint here,” says Isabel Deblanc of the magical village she has called home for the past 15 years after discovering it by accident in an AAA travel guide.
A new exhibit at the Casa del Sol, a boutique inn located in the heart of Ajijic, will feature just some of what she paints when it opens Sunday, January 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. Along with this new exhibit, visitors can also enjoy a carefully curated collection of art that includes a permanent exhibition of spectacular sculpture from Francisco Quiroz’s foundry in Guadalajara.
The exhibition of Deblanc’s work features portraits, figuratives and landscapes inspired by the constantly changing light over Lake Chapala. She is eager to emphasize that while she is passionate about her art – she has been doing it for the past 78 years – this former middle and high school teacher is also passionate about those who will benefit from it. Proceeds from the Casa del Sol exhibition of Deblanc’s art will support two charitable organizations near and dear to her heart.
The first, Poco a Poco San Pedro Itzicán, was founded by a group of expat retirees in response to a critical need for assistance in San Pedro Itzicán, Mezcala, and the surrounding areas. Extreme poverty, poor nutrition, lack of access to health services and education, and little work, make it difficult for these indigenous communities to survive. Among other initiatives, the organization, driven entirely by volunteers and an unwavering belief that “a hand up, not a handout” approach is the best way to help, and educates children about the land where they live and how to grow organic plants that will feed their families. For more information about this project and how to support its success and sustainability, visit pocoapocosanpedro.com.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.