History
Master architect and historian Eduardo Vargas will begin a workshop titled “Civilizations, Art, Culture and History” on Tuesday, April 24 at the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center in Chapala.
The lectures will start with pre-historic times and end with World War II. Cultures covered will be Rome, Greece, England, Germany and Russia, beginning with France. The classes will be held on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sign up at the Cultural Center, Gonzalez Gallo 1500 (old train station). The classes involve a lot of graphics but some knowledge of Spanish would be helpful.
Spring quarter
The Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center has new classes and workshops opening in April (after Easter Week or Semana de Pascua). Some of them are:
Singing for adults with Maestro Jose Abel Velazco Llamas on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.
A violin workshop with Maestro Daniel Medeles on Fridays from 3-5 p.m.
Maestro Juan Luis Valadez will hold classes in painting and drawing for adults on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
Maestro Moises Ramirez will teach guitar playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4-6 p.m.
Maestros Griselda Alcantar and Paul de Alba will teach classical dance for adults on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m.
Prices for the classes and workshops vary. For the low-down on fees and any other information you need, call the Cultural Center, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is nearly always an English-speaking person there to help non-Spanish speakers.
Gallery stays open
Galeria Di Paola will be open during Semana de Pascua from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owner Maria Di Paola is now showing the engravings on paper by distinguished Guadalajara artist Benito Zamora, an impressive masterpiece, oil on canvas by twins Hugo and Carlo Villalobos, stunning bronze relief work by Leon Felipe Partida, and, overall, works of art representative of the old and the new generation of artists of Mexico. She also has put leather handbags designed by Sergio Bustamante on sale at a 50-percent discount. Galeria Di Paola at Colon 11 in Ajijic. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The telephone number is (376) 766-1010.
Feria
Organizers of Feria Maestros del Arte have set the dates for the 11th edition of the event for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 16, 17 and 18 in Chapala. Already revving up their engines, they are looking for volunteers of all kinds who are interested in helping sustain the wealth of Mexican folk art and indigenous art. Volunteers are needed to host the 65 or so artists and artisans who will come to Lakeside for the event or who would like to help coordinate various aspects of the Feria. It’s a great way to meet interesting people, make lifetime friendships and know that you are promoting some of the best treasures Mexico has to offer.
Vendors at the event are not charged to participate. There are no booth fees and no percentage of sales imposed. However, unless the Feria can find outside funding, the artists have to pay for their transportation to and from the event. The cost is often prohibitive for those living on the other side of Mexico.
Check out the website at www.mexicoartshow.com to learn more. While you’re there, you might want to take the opportunity to send a donation to the project through Pay Pal through the site.
Contact volunteer coordinator Lynda Deriger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There’s a place for everyone to be involved.
Gosh
Ken Gosh will open his El Gallo Gallery at Calle Victoria Guadalupe 30 in Ajijic during Semana de Pascua. Paintings by Dan Williams, Varn and Gosh will sold at reduced prices. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Gosh at (376) 766-4171 to sign up for painting classes.
Storytellers
The next event for Storytellers, “Just for the Fun of It!,” is set for Tuesday, April 10 at the Lake Chapala Society. Writers and readers Ken Clarke, Michael McLaughlin, Larry Reeves and Liz White will hold forth with wit. The cash bar opens at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. Proceeds benefit the Jim Collums Education Fund.