An intriguing artistic project is underway in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
The exterior walls of Escuela Primaria Cuauhtémoc are being transformed into a canvas for a series of murals created by 16 lakeside artists, each showcasing their unique talents and techniques.
The murals will wrap around the school along Calles Independencia and Ramón Corona, featuring relief works in clay, wood, and cartonería, as well as paintings in various styles. The subjects will focus on Mexican cultural expressions, particularly the history, customs, and lifestyles unique to San Antonio.
A notable feature includes two ceramic sections dedicated to mystical creatures of protection known as tonás and alebrijes, to be crafted by Chapala’s masters of pre-Hispanic reproductions, Eduardo and Carlos Torres.
San Antonio’s history will be represented in cartonería by Octavio García Pérez, while Ruth Ibarra Espinoza will create a parota wood tableau depicting village brickmakers.
Artists contributing to the painted murals include Antonio López Vega, Miguel Mora de la Torre, Vicky González, Soe Herrera, Orlando Solano, Efrén González, Moctezuma Medina, Carolina del Toro, Isidro Xilonzochitl, Alejandro Aguayo, Marcos Zaragoza, and Bruno Mariscal.
All of the artists are volunteering their time and effort. The Chapala government is supporting the project by installing a wrought-iron and tile awning to protect the artwork from weather damage.
The San Antonio Delegación office is now accepting donations to cover the costs of paint and materials. Sponsors for individual toná and alebrije figures can have their names inscribed with a donation of 500 pesos. Official receipts are being issued to all donors. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.