FOR INFORMATION ON HOSTING, CONTACT HOST COORDINATOR BRENDA BYROM quierobrenda@gmail.com

Have you ever wished you could meet more Mexican people, get to know them and learn about their culture directly from them? Then, why not volunteer to host an artisan during Feria Maestros del Arte?

Hosting has been an integral part of the Feria ever since the first year. Here is an opportunity to span the gap between cultures and learn about Mexico’s incredible folk art directly from an artisan whose work is steeped in tradition and Mexican culture.

Why has hosting become so popular at Lakeside?

It could be that the experience of hosting an artist in your home will outweigh any material object you may purchase or exhibition you may attend in Mexico. It will allow you to experience up close, the artisans’ devotion to family and dedication to their work.

Founder Marianne Carlson relates, “The artists are very special people. Some of their art brings tears to my eyes when I watch the caring and thought they put into each piece of their art. The artists take such pride in their work and it breaks my heart to think that without a ready market like the Feria—one that is within their means to attend—this heritage of handwork might disappear.”

Visiting artists are not accustomed to the modern conveniences in Lakeside homes. Brenda Byrom, our Host Coordinator will supply you with a list of suggestions that will help your guests feel more comfortable in your home: i.e. it is suggested that as a host you show your guests how to turn on the hot water and advise them that towels, shampoo and soap are for their use. Many of the artists are from humble homes and villages, as evidenced by the artist who asked a host whether she should walk down to the lake to wash her hair — she was readily shown how the shower worked so that she might wash her hair.

Language barriers rank as the most frequent host concern, however, your match up with an artisan is evaluated by Brenda, and she works with you to ensure you are comfortable with having non-English speaking guests. If you would be more comfortable with English speakers, Brenda will help you with that request as well. We live in a bilingual environment, so this can be an exciting challenge."

Experiences differ, of course, depending on the degree of involvement desired by the host family, and by the artists. But it can be a learning experience for both the hosts and artists and can form long-lasting friendships.

The Feria will always offer our maestros a venue at no cost to them AND with the continued support of our local community hosts, we will offer them a life-changing experience too.