Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art

SPEECH BY ARDEN ROTHSTEIN

As President of Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art (FOFA), I want to thank you all for your generous support of the spirited, endlessly creative artesanos of Oaxaca who we are here to celebrate.

When our board initially formulated FOFA's mission in January of this year, despite the serious impact of civil strife that began in Oaxaca in May, 2006, there were signs of the restoration of good times. Our major focus was encouraging young promising artists to carry on the region's extraordinary folk art traditions, while also introducing personal innovations.

Unfortunately, the persistent - but unmerited -- news of political strife has flatlined tourism to this paradise for folk art and culinary aficionados. Those who have savored the delights and charm of Oaxaca this year -- even as recently as late August - know that its great climate, folk art, contemporary graphic art scene, delicious food, its archaeological and its colonial architectural treasures that have earned it a World Heritage site designation by UNESCO, its warm, welcoming people, and verdant countryside are all there as usual. But there are no tourists to enjoy these treats.

So go to Oaxaca! This is a great time -- and an important time -- to visit. In addition to having lots of fun, you will offset the sense of despondency its natives feel about making a living. Traditionally optimistic indigenous artists, even those who have weathered many fluctuations in the economy, have begun to see emigration as the only solution. Half of the artesanos in at least one woodcarving pueblo, San Martin Tilcajete, have left with their entire families and are unlikely to return. More and more of these great artists will become dishwashers unless they can see a future for their crafts.

Even a little goes a remarkably long way to sustain Oaxaca's talented artists and enable them to continue their traditions. Last December several of us in NYC organized a holiday sale of folk art pieces by 6 Oaxacan artesanos. In August, one of them,
the well-known ceramicist Guillermina Aguilar Alcantara, mother of 9, mother-in-law of another 9, and grandmother of 29, tearfully thanked us, commenting that the money we sent had fed her huge family for the whole year! (auction item 17, part of 9 and featured in many books, including auction item 23). In our visits to many indigenous pueblos this past August, we informed artesanos about FOFA. They were deeply moved to know that people understand the seriousness of their situation and are trying to help. Some more fortunate artists are looking out for their less fortunate compañeros.
One renowned rug weaver, Isaac Vasquez, who was lucky enough to be invited to sell in Santa Fe's International Folk Art market in July, insisted upon donating one of his beautiful pieces (auction item 11). The talented woodcarver and painter, Jacobo Angeles Ojeda and his wife Maria, fortunate to have many American collectors, were similarly moved to donate an outstanding example of their work (auction item 18A; another of their pieces is auction item 18). Jeweler, Brigitte Huet, who was recently hosted by Joyce Grossbard in NY and therefore able to sell her work, gave us a hand-crafted
pre-Columbian design silver necklace (item 5); another of her pieces was donated by a gallery owner (item 7).

Tonight we bring Oaxaca to you, a sampling of its art, food and vibrant spirit.
Our original goal was to net $15,000 for FOFA's inaugural project, a juried exhibition of promising young artists to be assembled and exhibited in Oaxaca, and then to tour major cities in the U.S. In view of the persistent, desperate plight of these valiant and talented people, we are also brainstorming about projects that will offer immediate assistance. One promising avenue is internet training and consultation to help Oaxacan folk artists find avenues for directly selling their work outside of Oaxaca, while remaining in the region.

For this, we need to exceed our original goal. You can help by making generous offers on our terrific selection of silent auction items: trips, outstanding folk art pieces, signed books, jewelry, and gastronomic treats including dinners at Mexican restaurants, and vintage mezcal and wine. Enjoy taking a special piece of Oaxaca home with you, while also helping the artesanos continue to do what they love to do in their homes.

Finally, we are planning a day's outing on Saturday, December 1st, from NYC to the memorable exhibit "El Maestro Francisco Toledo: Art from Oaxaca, 1959-2006" opening on October 20th at the Princeton University Art Museum. A native Zapotec son and resident of Oaxaca viewed as one of the most important Mexican artists of his generation, he is also an intellectual, cultural and moral leader who supports educational and cultural causes. This will be an additional fundraiser for FOFA. Kate Mellina, a member of our group, in collaboration with Caroline Harris, Curator of Education and Academic Programs at the museum, are in the process of arranging the day's educational events. These will be announced on our website in the next few weeks.

Countless people to thank who have made this event and the success of FOFA's launch possible. I will name merely a few, and hope all the others will know how much they are appreciated.

David Schlachet, Lahra Prychodko and Guy Jacobson whose donation of 205 makes this fundraiser possible, and their manager Andy Kelly

Chef Aaron Sanchez of Paladar and Centrico Restaurants for creating the wonderful Oaxacan botanas we have enjoyed all evening

The many generous people who are responsible for the great buzz you are no doubt feeling by now: