WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Hosting

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.

Hosts & Volunteers

HONORARY VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS & HOSTS

Bridget Andrews - Past Board Member/Artists Supporting the Feria Booth

Diana Ayala - Past Board Member

Suzanna Baillergeau - Past Development Coordinator

Marion Blackmer - Host

Steve Checkoway - Past Admissions/Name Tags Coordinator

Paulette Coburn - Past Name Tags Coordinator

Toni & Ed Combs - Past Raffle Coordinators

Lynda & Pancho Deriger - Past Board Member — Past Set-Up/Take-Down Coordinator

Charlotte Donalson - Past Board Member

Sheilah Dwyer - Past Admissions Head

Susanne Flater - Past Entertainment Coordinator

Delayne Giardini - Past Board Member

Janet & Don Hemmerle - First-Year Start-Up

Marti Hurley de Lopez - Host

Norie Koebel (Deceased) - Past Fashion Show Coordinator

Barbara Madren (Deceased) - First-Year Start-Up

Jerry McDonald (Deceased) - Past Board Member/Accounting Coordinator

Jerry Ondola - Past Set-Up/Take-Down Coordinator

Arvada Parrish - Past Decorations Coordinator

Barbara & Antonio Passarello - Host

Guillermina (Gay) Pérez Vargas - Past Board Member/Chapala Yacht Club Liaison/Entertainment Coordinator

Cathy Roberts - Past Board Member/Finance Coordinator

Roberto Serrano - Past Transportation Coordinator

Sandra Spencer - Past Host Coordinator

Lily Toomer - Host

Clive Toomer (Deceased) - Host

Sandy Wallin - Past Decorations Coordinator

Betty White - Past Banner Sales Coordinator

Susy Wright (Deceased) - Host

Joyce Wycoff - Past Newsletter Coordinator

Antje Zaldivar - Past Board President

Dalia Zepeda - Past Fashion Show Coordinator

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