Preserving & Promoting Oaxaca's Folk Art Traditions
FOFA VIDEO
Oaxacan Popular Art in the New Millennium: Nurturing Young Artists View the video.
"Oaxacan Popular Arts in the New Millennium"
Exhibition Catalogue - A Guide for Collectors


AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AND PURCHASE
Read more


Oaxaca's treasured techniques and designs have been lovingly handed down from parents to children-in some instances for hundred's of years. This vital intergenerational connection has ensured the continuation of indigenous traditions in a fertile spectrum of folk arts: ceramics, woodcarving, textile weaving, candle making, tin work, basketry and jewelry to name a few.

Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult in the last few years for Oaxaca's artist families to secure a livelihood through the pursuit of their crafts. Young people, facing the temptations of modernity and Westernization (coupled with recent negative media coverage of Mexico), are especially likely to abandon the art of their forbearers. This situation was exacerbated by labor union protests that began in May, 2006 in and around Oaxaca's capital city. The city has been peaceful and safe for some time now, but as a result of U.S. Department of state "warnings" against travel to Oaxaca, tourism has abated and the local economy has acutely contracted. This has made even seasoned artisans' careers less viable, and demoralizes young people who might aspire to carry on the traditions of their families and pueblos. Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art (FOFA) was formed in June, 2007 in an attempt to help encourage and promote the work of these financially troubled artists.
Send this link to a friend.
Enter recipient's e-mail:


Images from the catalogue "Oaxacan Popular Arts in the New Millennium"