Artists from Vancouver Island, British Columbia are on the verge of packing up their travel bags and work tools to take part in the first edition of the Feria Internacional Arte Ajijic (FIAA). They will star at the Mexico-Canada cultural exchange scheduled for February 19 through 23, centered at the town plaza.
The fair will lend the opportunity to watch master woodcarvers demonstrate their craft, as they turn rough logs into handsome works of art in traditional and contemporary designs.
The visiting artists lined up by FIAA mastermind Efrén González are Gordon Dick, Robinson Cook, Arthur Berry Campbell, and Hjalmer Wenstob. They will be accompanied by Tim Masso, a Nuu-chah-nulth linguist and culture teacher.
Lakeside area artists are encouraged to participate in the fair by renting exhibit space to show and sell their works. The cost for a three-meter display area is 1,000 pesos for the full five days. José Meléndrez is handling reservations via WhatsApp to 33-1252-0812.
A program of free entertainment is also taking shape.
Monday, February 19 opens with Mariachi Juvenil Axixic, at 3 p.m., followed by the FIAA inauguration at 4 p.m. Mariachi Real Axixic picks up with more music at 4:30 p.m., with the Ayuntamiento de Chapala Ballet Folkórico closing the day at 5 p.m.
On Tuesday, February 20, the entertainment starts at 5 p.m. with a performance pending confirmation and Chapala’s Redes y Cantos chorus appearing at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 21 brings aboard students from the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales (CREM) at 5 p.m. and the Ixtlacateotli folk dance troupe at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 22 kicks off with an art auction, at 3 p.m., continuing with operatic tenor Ezequiel Ojeda performing at 5:30 p.m. and the Orquesta Típica de Chapala concert at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 23 shows feature Trio Los Bohemios, at 5 p.m. and Son de México children folk dancers at 7 p.m., with the FIAA closing ceremony at 8:30 p.m.