Exhibition
Ajijic artist Cathy Chalvignac will open her studio and garden to the public on Saturday, July 28, 3 p.m. for her latest exhibition of paintings, “Transportadores del Tiempo” (Time Travelers). Besides viewing Chalvignac’s exquisite photographic-realism paintings, visitors will enjoy cocktails, music of the jazz group Acasia and the beautiful ambiance of the garden located at Calle 16 de Septiembre 22.
ASA
The Ajiijc Society of the Arts (ASA) will not have a meeting in August. The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 3, 10 a.m. at La Bodega Restaurant at Calle 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. The speaker will be jeweler Benjamine du Renard with a demonstration entitled “Metal 101.” ASA is a gathering of artists that meets the first Monday of each month (except August this year) to exchange ideas and promote art in the Lakeside area. Visitors are welcome. Coffee will be ready at 9:30 a.m.
Ready for Fall
VIVA la Musica! will present the great Russian baritone Anton Belov in concert on Thursday, October 11, 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar. Belov will perform Schumann’s “Liederkreis” and Italian, French and Russian operatic and choral works.
Thursday, November 15, the operetta “Puss in Boots” will take the stage in Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago. This will be a child-friendly event. The singers are first class and the cast includes ballet dancers.
Look for ticket sales coming up soon at the Lake Chapala Society’s Tickets. Etc. booth.
Get hot, hot, hot!
Get great exercise, make new friends and surprise your old ones by participating in the salsa class taking place each Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the “Old Posada” near the pier in Ajijic. Three instructors from Guadalajara: glamorous, lithe and supple Tanya, dapper Israel and tall and lanky Carlos, show up each week to put locals through their paces.
The classes go for one and a half to two hours and all skill levels are accepted. You don’t need a partner. You do need soft-soled shoes (not sneakers or thongs) and either high or low heels.
This is a good time to show up because the class size is small with the snowbirds gone and we don’t want the class to be canceled. Join in the fun and store up endorphins for a rainy day. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood or a sad mood when dancing salsa.
The cost is a reasonable 50 pesos per person per class.
Kids honored
Children in the Lake Chapala Society Children’s Art Program participated in a contest promoted by PROFEPA (Mexican environment police for flora and fauna). The objective was to encourage the participation of children and youth in the care and preservation of natural resources in Mexico through the creation of artwork that combines creativity and an interest in improving the environment. A special ceremony was held on July 14 when Lakeside Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation honored those kids receiving rewards for their participation. Several also received a monetary gift from Lizz Drummond.
The winners were David de Jesus de la Torre (honorable mention), Jose Maria Reyes Cornejo (special recognition), Jessica Alejandra Garcia (honorable mention), Luis Fernando Gonzalez Avilar (honorable mention), Alfredo Grajeda Contreras (special recognition), Melissa Miramontes Guzman (first prize in her age category), Fatima Guadalupe Lopez Guzman (honorable mention), Alonso Romero Ibarra (special recognition), Leslie Montserrat Cano Medina (honorable mention) and Alma Adela Karina Gutierrez Torres.
Good news at MAS
The news from the Music Appreciation Society (MAS) (which held a community meeting surveying continued support for the 20-year-old organization two weeks ago) is encouraging with lots of folks stepping up to help out. President Kathleen Phelps promises substantial details about positive changes to come our way next week. Stay tuned.
Languages
The International Institute is proud to present the inception of their new language school. The language classes will offer individual attention, with a maximum class size of ten students. They will open three introductory language classes on Monday, August 27. They are: English on Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; French on Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Spanish on Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The enrollment deadline is Friday, August 24. To enroll, call 766-0903 or visit the school at Carretera Poniente 493 in Rancho del Oro in Ajijic.