An Opening in Patzcuaro

Last night (December 23) we attended an opening reception for Victoria Ryan, an artist I met briefly at the monthly women’s breakfast. It was another opportunity to meet some of the expats, and it proved to be a fun, interesting evening. This reception was held at Mistongo, a restaurant that is very supportive of local art and artists, and is a focal point for the regional expat commnity. When we were here in April we attended a performance by a flamenco group based in Mexico City, and had a wonderful evening.

Victoria’s work is very professional, focusing on her life both here in Pátzcuaro and in Caleta de Campos, a small beach town on the Michoacán coast. Her subject matter is views of the town, indigenous rituals of the area, and views from her studio on the beach. Unfortunately we were so busy talking that we neglected to buy the painting we both wanted. There were a lot of red dots on labels when we left, which always makes an artist smile.

In the process we met the local birding guide, several people who apparently live in our neighborhood, and a woman who invited us to her Christmas party on the 25th. Everyone here is very interested in newcomers and very friendly.

Mark commented that it reminds him of Salida in the early days. I met a woman who also grew up in Boulder, and we said, almost in unison, “What high school did you go to?” For her it was Boulder, and for me it was Fairview. She went to Casey Jr. High and I went to Douglas. Small world.