Residency program
Need some cultural stimulation? The 360 Xochi Quetzal Artist and Writer’s Residency Program in Chapala currently has three residents who are planning to share their talents with the community on Saturday, July 26, 5 p.m. at the Chapala’s Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center (old train station).
The event will feature musician Michael Romero, playing with two colleagues, and performing music written during this residency. Romero’s group Strumero is a popular group in the United States.
Poet Raphael Dagold will read work from his provocative book “Bastard Heart” and newer work written in Chapala. He will also be selling and signing copies of “Bastard Heart” (winner of the Gerald Cable Book Award).
Kathleen Nowak Tucci, the resident visual artist, will share a Powerpoint presentation of her high fashion jewelry made from bicycle inner tubes and other surprising recycled materials. Nowak is the first eco jewelry artist to appear on the cover of a major high fashion magazine – Vogue Italia.
This is an inspiring group of dedicated artists whose creativity is sure to excite and inspire. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and donations will go to support other cultural events at the Chapala Cultural Center.
Jesús López Vega
“Atavismos,” an exhibit featuring works by Ajijic-born artist Jesús López Vega, opens Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. at the Estudio Galería Metzcalli (Carretera #40) in San Juan Cosala.
Lopez Vega’s work has been shown extensively throughout Mexico and the United States, in both individual and collective shows.
Cocktails will be served and everyone is welcome to attend. The show is organized by the Jocotepec Culture Department (Dirección Municipal de Arte, Cultura y Tradición de Jocotepec).
Chapala recital
Rounding off this month’s offerings at the Chapala’s Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center (old Chapala train station) is a piano recital by top University of Guadalajara student Nicolae Ionescu on Thursday, July 31. The recital begins at 7 p.m. and entrance is free.
Viva la Musica
The next Viva la Musica Summer Season concert will be on Sunday August 31, 4 p.m. Sergio and Hugo Ernesto Garcia Medina – a virtuoso guitar duo from Guadalajara, known as the Duo Medina-Gracian – will perform.
ASA Board of Directors
The members of the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) recently elected the new board for the coming year. Deena Hafker will continue as the group’s president with first Vice President Barbara Passarello, second Vice President John McWilliams, Treasurer Gwynne Lott, Secretary Marian Decker, and Historian Marian Leith. Filling out the slate of ASA officers are the committee heads. They include: Ken Caldwell, membership; Megan Tingen and McWilliams, publicity; Val Decker and Julie Wayne are in charge of web maintenance, and technical support. The members at large are Benjimine and Monica Petrowtsch.
ASA is not meeting in August, but they will pick up their regular first Monday of each month meeting schedule on September 1. All meetings are held in La Bodega restaurant.
Saturday Night Unplugged
Ready to unleash your hidden talent? Why not head down to the Market Cafe in Ajijic on Saturday nights and join in their “Open Mic” sessions. Singers, musicians, comedians and poets are all welcome.
If you prefer to keep your gifts to yourself, then you can simply chill out and watch the fun unfold.
As well as enjoying “Saturday Night Unplugged” patrons can munch away on hamburgers and other delicacies and slurp back beer and wine.
The Market Cafe is at Carretera #20 in downtown Ajijic (where Benno’s is). Call 331-322-0377 for more information.