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There are people in every place and profession who are centers of activity in their
There are people in every place and profession who are centers of activity in their field, people who make things happen for a community by the sheer force of their desire for change. They investigate possibilities, find resources, connect people, and put in huge amounts of time to realize their dreams.
Glen Rogers is one of those people. Her calmness, shy smile and warmth belie her fierce passion for promoting fine art in Mazatlán. An artist and gallery owner herself, she created Artwalk five years ago to afford local fine artists a showcase for their work and give Mazatlecos and visitors a chance ”to see artists in their own environments.” She explains, “It’s really about fine art. When we started there were not too many places to see fine art in Mazatlán. Just shops that carried handicrafts.”
It’s worked. In those five years public appetite for fine art has grown and Mazatlán became graced with more fine artists and art places. This year Artwalk features the work of some 50 Mexican and Anglo artists showing at 25 different stops in the Centro Historico, including artists’ homes and studios as well as galleries and shops.
It’s a popular monthly event. Nancy Morgan, a member of the “blue shirts,” the Mazatlán Tourist Aide volunteers, was one of five volunteers who helped guide visitors through the Centro streets during the November walk. She saw many visitors that day, including those coming to Artwalk from more distant areas of the city, such as the Marina District. “We’re glad to see people from that area come down here. Some never leave their hotels. This is the real Mazatlán.”
Visitors told Morgan what they liked best about Artwalk in addition to seeing new work and talking to its creators. “They like something to do downtown besides eat. And it’s a chance to get exercise, a nice walk. Those places that offer wine and snacks allow you to rest awhile, look around, talk and meet new people.”
The First Fridays Art Walk is a pleasant introduction to over 50 Mazatlán artists.
And there is much to buy in a variety of mediums at reasonable prices. Rogers feels viewing art in the personal spaces of artists and talking directly with its creators is special—you can ask them about their work and discover the story behind any pieces you buy. “Don’t be afraid to engage the artists. Professionals know taste in art is individual and you won’t buy from everyone. Make eye contact, smile and thank them for their work. Compliment anything you like.”
The next Artwalk is scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 2. Here are some suggestions for getting the most from your walk.
Morgan suggests you take advantage of daylight and start your walk at one of the furthest points, such as Olas Altas or the stops near Alemán or Benito Juarez. Then work your way toward the well-lit and busy heart of the Centro Historico, the Plazuela Machado.
Don’t feel pressed to visit every site. Use the descriptions and depictions of each artist’s work and the map in the Artwalk brochure to find what appeals to you and plan your route in advance. You can also check out the website at www.artwalkmazatlan.com [1] for examples of artists’ work and a map.
Or consider focusing on only one part of the Artwalk each time you go. Centro resident and veteran art walker Susan Reynada observes, “I never get to them all. I go to one part at a time . . . I like the time to look at the art, talk to someone, and learn about the artist.”
Form a group and walk together. Someone who speaks Spanish can help communication with the few artists who don’t speak English well. Someone whose taste differs from yours can nudge you into looking at work you may not have considered. And you’ll have friends to drink and eat with in the Centro after your walk is through.
Take the same reasonable precautions you would take when walking in any dense metropolitan area. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave the flashy jewelry at home. Keep purses and wallets close to the body. “It’s safe down here,” reassures Morgan. “Be aware, but feel safe.”
And ask for help if you need it. The volunteers will be around again on December 2. “It worked out well. We’ll do the same next time,” said Morgan.
(Artwalk is from 3 to 8 p.m. the first Friday of every month from November through May. Remaining dates this year are December 2, January 6, February 3, March 2, April 6 and May 4. Look for brochures at area hotels, restaurants, and businesses.)
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