History
Art Made Here began as the Lacandón Children's Art Workshops with artist Kelynn Alder's travels to Chiapas, Mexico, in the early 1990s. As Kelynn painted and drew in the Lacandón communities, the children's curiosity and creative appetites prompted her to bring them paints and paper on subsequent visits. This then led Kelynn to invite a select group of artists to join her in offering the jungle communities a variety of creative working methods and materials, and in doing so, the Lacandón Children's Art Workshops were born.
The first workshops were held in March 1996 in Nahá and Lacanjá by four artists: Kelynn led the drawing and painting workshops, Michael Bartalos held printmaking, Nola Lopez offered mask-making and polaroid photography, and Josh Gosfield led the collage sessions. The group also included art historian Barbara Frank, Chiapas guide Barry Norris, and videographer Robert Powers. The kids drew on their environment, culture and dreams to create a unique collection of artworks which were later exhibited at the Children’s Museum of the Arts in New York City.
The Lacandón Art Workshops have gained great momentum in recent years:
In 2009, photographer Janet Schwartz joined the program as Chiapas guide and digital photo instructor; in 2010, the jungle community of Metsabok was added to the workshop schedule; and in 2011 the sessions expanded beyond the Lacandón community to include San Cristóbal de las Casas. Also, in recent years the kids of Lacanja have enjoyed inspirational drawing and painting field trips to Bonampak as part of their workshop activities.
In 2009, photographer Janet Schwartz joined the program as Chiapas guide and digital photo instructor; in 2010, the jungle community of Metsabok was added to the workshop schedule; and in 2011 the sessions expanded beyond the Lacandón community to include San Cristóbal de las Casas. Also, in recent years the kids of Lacanja have enjoyed inspirational drawing and painting field trips to Bonampak as part of their workshop activities.
In 2011 we re-named the program as Art Made Here to describe a borderless endeavor. While the Lacandón community remains the heart and soul of our operations, we envision implementing the workshops wherever else it can be of benefit.
Most recently, we entered into partnership with the Lower Eastside Girls Club of New York, now our fiscal sponsor. As a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, the Girls Club accepts tax-deductible donations on Art Made Here's behalf. We are grateful for their generosity, encouragement, and shared goals for the future.
Most recently, we entered into partnership with the Lower Eastside Girls Club of New York, now our fiscal sponsor. As a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, the Girls Club accepts tax-deductible donations on Art Made Here's behalf. We are grateful for their generosity, encouragement, and shared goals for the future.