Do you love Mexican art? Would you like to be an integral part of bringing artists to the feria? Are you interested in helping to preserve rapidly-disappearing Mexican folk art traditions?
Then we’d love you to host an artist during the Feria Maestros del Arte!

Hosting has been an integral part of the Feria ever since its first year, and will offer you a unique way to learn about Mexico’s incredible folk art traditions directly from an artisan. The experience of hosting an artist in your home often outweighs any material object you purchase. and will allow you to experience up close the artist’s dedication to their work. It is a wonderful opportunity for both the hosts and artists to connect.

Feria founder Marianne Carlson says, “The artists [who come to the Feria] 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 … this heritage of handwork might disappear.” 

What does it take to be a host?

Hosts need to provide a place for the artist to sleep (a bed, futon, or pull-out couch) and easy access to a bathroom. The accommodations don’t need to be fancy, just functional!

Hosts need to provide breakfast and dinner for the artists while they are here. You don’t have to cook these meals yourself; you can order food or take artists out for meals. As long as everyone is fed, that’s a-ok. Most years, the Host Committee organizes potluck dinners to bring together hosts and artists on the Saturday night of the feria - it’s a great way to connect with other local art lovers, and even more artists.

Hosts will pick up the artist(s) they are hosting at Hotel Real de Chapala on the Thursday afternoon/evening before the Feria, and provide transportation to and from the Feria each day. However, we realize that not every host may be able to drive the artists every day so we will have shuttle buses available for the artists on the Feria days. The shuttles will run along the carretera; one shuttle will run east from the Feria toward Chapala and San Nicolas de Ibarra, and one will run west toward Jocotepec. Pickup and drop off spots will be determined based on need, and the shuttles will run in the morning before the Feria and in the evening after the Feria ends for the day.

After you drop off your visiting artist, feel free to explore the feria - hosts get free admission to the feria for all days!

Once you’ve committed to hosting an artist, the Host Coordinators will match you up with a visiting artist, and provide additional suggestions and support throughout the feria.

But what if I don’t speak Spanish?

Language barriers rank as one of the most frequent concerns among potential hosts. We will work to ensure that hosts are comfortable hosting non-English speaking artists and will do our best to accommodate those who would prefer to host English speaking artists, but we can not guarantee that will be possible. 

READY TO HOST?

You can sign up and provide your information on this form:
https://forms.gle/nCqbXp5AbJ3hhkKeA
Once we have your information, we’ll be in touch with you directly.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING?

Please contact us! 

Email: feriahostinfo@gmail.com
WhatsApp / Mobile: +1 720-256-7371.