One of my favorite days on any vacation to Mexico is going to the mercado, the artistic and cultural hub of that area. I love everything about it - the vibrant colors and the great conversations with artists who proudly share their life's work and their parents’ and grandparents’ life work. I especially enjoy the smell of nearby food vendors getting ready to fill your belly with delicious bowl-licking, bone-sucking food you’ll find yourself using your tortilla to wipe up every last bit of flavor your plate has to offer. Can you imagine it?
If you would like to experience this firsthand, you’ll have the opportunity to join me at the first annual Semana Artesanal, Watsonville’s very own art mercado experience curated especially for you on September 21 and 22 at Romo Park, across from the Watsonville Plaza, 11am-6pm.
This event is spearheaded by a small group of strong mujeres dedicated to showcasing art with deep cultural roots. As I spent some time chatting with each of them I learned that they all have a strong passion for art and a deep love for the community of Watsonville.
Josefina Rocha, one of the three organizers, shares that
“a booth is not just a booth. It’s a representation of their entire family and their craftsmanship.”
She explains that they are making an effort to invite people who create in a way that honors their antepasados, ancestors, and the craftsmanship taught to the younger generations.
One of the organizers’ main goals is to create an opportunity for the community and artists to interact and share on a deeper level about each art piece. The mercado is an opportunity to find out exactly how many hours of work goes into the wonderfully scented candles that Ignacio Mata (Soy Tank Candle Company) makes or the story behind Virginia and Isabella (CositasCuriositasss), a mother and daughter duo who make rebozos and beautiful polymer earrings. Through gaining that knowledge and insight it is hoped that community members will value artists and their work, begin to see the arts around them, and integrate art into their everyday life.
Soy Tank Candle Company
Leticia Torres, another organizer, shared that as a young girl her mother shared the art of embroidery with her. Together, they would construct elaborate works of art that were truly stitched with love. She remembers her mother working long hours on a tablecloth only to have it sold at a low price and resold by someone else at a higher value elsewhere. Memories like these drive her to take part in the organizing team. Leticia hopes to “showcase the talent and provide a space where people can see their art and the value it holds so they can sell them at a price that is fair.”
They have been actively looking for creadores, creators, not just vendors, and hope to have artists with generational experience with their art form. They’re expecting to have artesanos, artisans who tend to be overlooked or who shy away from the public eye. I especially loved and agreed with what Eva Quintero, the third organizer of Semana Artesanal, had to say:
“Your work has value and people should know about it.”
The Semana Artesanal, a project funded in part by the California Arts Council in collaboration with Arts Council Santa Cruz County, is part of artists' vision for themselves and the community. Since last December, the organizers have been meeting with support and training from Mireya Gomez-Contreras and Monica Galvan. This powerful group of mujeres is changing the local arts ecosystem by providing an affordable way for artists to get their work out into the community, curating platforms for community engagement with art, and honoring the rich cultural heritage of local artisans of color in Watsonville and the surrounding areas. They want this event to be human-centered. They want people to be curious and to look deeper. They want people to proudly wear the jewelry they buy and know the story behind it all. Join me in celebrating the arts, culture, and creativity we have so much of here in Watsonville.
Immerse yourself in the world of craftsmanship and passion. Meet the skilled artisans who bring their unique visions to life and discover the stories behind their exquisite creations. I hope to see you at Romo Park right here in the heart of Watsonville.
Date: September 21-22, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Romo Park, Watsonville, CA - across from the Watsonville Plaza
Learn More:
Contact:
Email: semanaartesanal@artscouncilsc.org
Artwork by Josefina Rocha