The days when Mexican folk arts equated with border shop trinkets in people’s minds are long past. Today, Mexican artisans occupy a place with some of the finest in the world. These individuals create unique pottery that is considered to be among the world’s best; weave beautiful tapestries utilizing traditional materials and natural dyes; meticulously carve and paint intricate wooden fantasy animals; and fashion unique silver filigree jewelry.
Guardians of age-old folk traditions passed down from generation to generation, these devoted indigenous artisans—some of them tucked away in remote villages of Mexico— often dedicate days or weeks to creating one exquisitely crafted piece.

The museum is once again hosting the best of these artisans. Some of them will be returning, some are new to this year’s event. Be sure and join us at this year’s annual three-day Mexican Artistry celebration. Visitors will be able to observe, and converse with the artists as they work. Finished works will be on display and for sale. Admission to the event and parking are free.

Artists (confirmed as of  Jan. 31, 2025)

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.

Porfirio Gutierrez
(Oaxaca) Porfirio is the proud descendent of many generations of Zapotec weavers. Porfirio is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as an artist working to preserve the traditions of natural dyes. His art has been shown on PBS as well as a documentary funded by the Smithsonian Institution. Porfirio has just returned from the United Arab Emirates 2023 International Traditional Craft Forum. He had the honor of being invited to share his work and culture with artists from all over the world. Porfirio lectures at universities, art foundations, and museums and has shown his work in eight countries on four continents. Porfirio will be demonstrating his weaving techniques and talking about the natural dye process.

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.