A new exhibit mounted at the Galería al Aire Libre Axixic (GALA) features a stunning collection of photo portraits of village matriarchs aged between 80 and 100.
A number of the women who were subjects for the Fountains of Life project were present as honored guests at the opening reception Sunday, May 12, appropriately timed in conjunction with Mexican and U.S. Mother’s Day celebrations.
GALA consists of a series of metal frames for large format photographs that are embedded in the garden spaces ringing the plaza. The current exhibit showcases ten images that will remain on view for three months. Another ten, displayed on portable easels at the opening, are on hold for a follow-up show scheduled in August.
All but two of the portraits are works by Xill Fessenden, a talented resident photographer who doubles as GALA’s founder and curator. She devised the open-air gallery concept in 2016 after being selected as an invited artist for an outdoor exhibit in Mexico City sponsored by Banamex.
Envisioning a cultural enterprise that would attract people not inclined to visit conventional galleries, Fessenden has personally financed exhibits that focus on local nature and community life and rotate every three to four months.
Patrons interested in supporting GALA are encouraged to contact Fessenden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..