After a year-long hiatus, Ajijic’s Garden of Dreams Boutique Hotel will open its gates on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the first in a new series of art market events.
More than 40 artists and artisans are set to showcase and sell their creative works under the auspices of Artists of Lake Chapala/Artistas del Lago de Chapala (ALC), the organization established in March to replace the defunct Artists Alliance of Lake Chapala and the former Ajijic Society of Arts.
The marketplace will feature paintings and other visual artworks in a variety of media, alongside pieces made from glass, mosaic, ceramic, and textile materials, as well as jewelry and fashion accessories. Visitors can enjoy bar service and a luncheon menu from the Garden of Dreams kitchen, while live music will enhance the experience of a social occasion and personal interactions with exhibitors in a lush garden setting. Admission is free and open to the public.
“I’m really excited about this new opportunity for creative people to show their art and crafts,” says Nancy Diamond, a designer of wearable art who has participated in previous Garden of Dreams art markets since moving to lakeside from New Mexico three years ago. She looks forward to “schmoozing” with guests at her stand, which will feature her unique knitted shawls and jewelry made from beads and found objects. “It’s a great venue for artists working together in a non-competitive forum.”
Diamond is also thrilled to be part of the ALC movement, which encourages mutual support among its members. This involvement has inspired her to explore new creative avenues, including watercolor painting, under the guidance of art market coordinator BJ Hardin. “A day without creating means something is missing in my life,” Diamond says.
ALC holds regular meetings on the first Monday of each month at the Lake Chapala Society, with social gatherings scheduled the third Thursday of the month at local restaurants.
Future art markets are planned for October 19, November 16 and December 14, continuing through April next year. Exhibit space is available to active members for an annual fee of 300 pesos. For more information, contact Barbara Logan 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..">.