The Superstition Mountain Museum presents a celebration of fine art from Mexico at this free three-day event, March 14-16, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum grounds, patio, and barn will be filled with some of Mexico’s finest artisans. Meet potters, wood carvers and painters, a weaver, and a silversmith — many demonstrating their art and production techniques to visitors.
Artists include Mata Ortiz potters Tavo Silvera, Manuel Rodriguez, Laura Bugarini and Hector Gallegos, Jr as well as Oaxacan painter-woodcarvers Julia Fuentes and Reina Ramirez. Visitors will be delighted with live demonstrations of their craft and a sale of their work. They have traveled many miles to exhibit here and include internationally-recognized, award-winning artists. Their work is sought after by collectors all over the world.
This free event is family-friendly and educational, offering tremendous photographic and shopping opportunities. Parking is also free for visitors.
A fund raising event is also planned for Saturday evening, March 8 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of live music, great food, and fun conversation. The Encore Quartet will add a touch of class and culture to the evening. Enjoy the majestic backdrop of the setting sun on the Superstition Mountain range. Guests can move about the museum grounds during the event. Founded in 2003, The Encore Quartet performs all over the state with a wide variety of music for any occasion. Reservations and tickets are required for this event. Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple. Tickets are available in the Gift Shop or online HERE
The museum is situated on a 12-acre site just beneath the west end of Superstition Mountain and is loaded with historical buildings and artifacts pertaining to the history of the Lost Dutchman Mine and of the area. It is run by the non-profit Superstition Mountain Historical Society and is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, go to www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org or call 480-983-4888.
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Introducing The Magic of Mexican Artistry Guests
Octavio ‘Tavo’ Silvera
(Mata Ortiz)Tavo is among the best known potters in Mata Ortiz. His variety of repertoire and color schemes – from deep reds to white slip polychromes – has made him a true favorite among collectors.
Manuel Rodriguez
(Mata Ortiz) Manuel Manolo Rodriguez is among the most innovative of the Mata Ortiz second generation potters. He began potting when he was in his teens. He watched Juan Quezada but really learned from working with Juan Quezada Jr. Since then he has taught many other potters and has worked directly with some of the best of the first generation of Mata Ortiz potters. Early in his career, Manolo was making animal and human Paquimé figures. Then he moved to making medium-size ollas and decorating them with Escher-like patterns that also incorporate birds, fish and reptiles growing out of the complex geometric designs.
Laura Bugarini and Hector Gallegos, Jr
(Mata Ortiz) Master Potters Laura Bugarini Cota and Hector Gallegos Martinez are a husband and wife potters who learned their skills from their incredibly talented parents. Laura Bugarini’s first inspirations were the ancient Paquime designs, and her initial pots were sold to the tourists who visited Mata Ortiz. Laura noticed that most of the potters were using similar designs, so she began experimenting with something totally different. After a year of practice she was able to create her own finely detailed band work design, a design that would come to be known as the Bugarini Style. Today Laura is one of the most sought after artists in Mata Ortiz, and her work is considered to be some of the finest in the village. Laura Bugarini has exhibited her art work at more than 50 international art shows. Hector Gallegos Jr.learned pottery from both of his parents in his later teenage years. Early on, Hector moved away from his parents’ precise geometric style in favor of etched sgraffito work incorporating finely detailed animal designs. Hector has participated in numerous international art exhibitions.
Reina Ramirez
(Oaxaca) Reina Ramirez was married to Master Carver Mario Castellanos and she is the genius that developed the painting techniques that the couple became famous for. Reina hails from a traditional wood carving family and inspired much of their work. She is now carrying on her famous family’s tradition, making a name for herself in the world of Oaxacan wood carvings. Reina’s work is gorgeous and purely sculptural — a level above the rest.
Julia Fuentes
(Oaxaca) Julia paints stunning animal figures on hand-carved copal wood in the style that Oaxaca has become famous for. Her work has gained international acclaim for the complexity of the carvings, and for a painting style that reigns at the top of her craft. Julia is the only Oaxacan wood carving artist that has been trained in painting by the prestigious Bellas Artes art school. Her work is collected by institutions and collectors all over the world.