Authentic Mexican Art, Souvenirs, and Essentials

Barro Negro, Oaxaca

Don Valente Nieto was the famed son of Don Juventino Nieto, and Dona Rosa ; innovators of barro negro, or black pottery. He began to work on black clay as a child due to the constant need to help their parents to have something to eat. Valente and his family were forced to seek or find a solution to increase the value of crafts and this solution came in the form of a particular technique that consists in rubbing the pottery with a quartz stone to the Surface of the piece. This technique gets the piece totally smooth and shiny and was called “bruñir”. Valente has participated in many exhibitions, nationally and internationally, and was highlighted in the exhibition called “30 centuries of Mexican Art” in New York City. His sons and daughter-in-law continue the tradition of his pottery.

Maria T. Guizar Leal, Morelia

The custom of hanging offerings on the walls of churches was very common in towns all over Mexico in the 16th century. These offerings sometimes consisted of a figurine of a body part and were hung in the temple near of the saint or god whose intersection had been invoked. In these temples, shrines, and places of worship, many eyes, ears, arms, and other body parts were founded as a sign of gratitude. These silver figurines were then named “milagritos” or little miracles. In 1992, Argui Diseños was founded in Morelia, Michoacán as an initiative of its founder Teacher María Teresa Guizar Leal. She was inspired by the works of religious art displayed in temples. With the support of her family, she created Milagrería´s Workshop in order to design several pieces, mostly crosses, boxes, and wood carvings, to support a group of artisans from Michoacán who handmade each of these pieces of art using different techniques and materials including silver and gold leaf.

Cesar Salazar, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco

A company with 21 years of experience in the manufacturing of blown glass. Founded in 1984, they have devoted themselves, body and soul, to the production of original designs in blown glass. Each piece of Mexican hand-blown glass is a unique creation. There will never be two exactly alike. The centuries-old glass blowing techniques used by the craftsmen create small air bubbles in the glass giving this type of glassware its well-known name, bubble glass. 

Cristina Larumbe, Oaxaca

Cristina Larumbe, Oaxacan textile designer, inherits a deep cultural legacy that is seen in all her creations through constant interpretations and fusions between the textile tradition of her land and the contemporary languages of fashion. Cristina's work has always been linked to the popular roots of her culture, due to her conviction and sense of identity that she keeps with them. Her creations are considered objects of culture and tradition, through high-quality craftsmanship, always counting on a contemporary and avant-garde touch, balanced with all materials and forms to merge with the current demands of the world of design and fashion.

Federico Pellico, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Federico Pellico, a young craftsman in Playa del Carmen, shows his art through Kiandoru (samurai meditation ritual with candles) using the most traditional and handmade method because he believes in the direct contact of the artist and the raw material. Kiandoru is a fusion between the rich local nature and its way of making crafts, is an elegant product, in tune with the Caribbean, in harmony with nature, with a unique result. Everything starts from our beaches and leads to the creation of an exclusive product that brings to each home a souvenir that is really a part of the Riviera Maya.

Loretta Bartoli, Chapala, Jalisco

The creation of these pieces has a very special process, born in the mind of artist Loretta who initially draws it on paper and pencil. Following this, a prototype in mud is made which is corrected by Loretta. Then, a mold is made and then the piece is made in clay which is cooked at 800 degrees; 200 degrees more than the common clay! Thanks to the process, the piece is more resistant. When the piece is ready to paint, it takes 10 to 12 days as Loretta applies different layers of color. We believe the inspiration can be born every day and in different ways, and we all have an artist inside.

Bernardino Candelario, Tenango, Hidalgo

Each one of the figures that are stamped in the blanket canvases, according to the tradition, reflect flora and wild life without the presence of the man, sometimes without definite form; these colorful forms are called tenangos. Consistent within their designs are drawings of rabbits, hens, horses or dogs, and they are decorated with designs that look like petals of bright colors: yellow, red, blue or green. Together, they are the perfect canvas that harmonizes the culture and life of the community in different important events such as marriage, harvest, birth and other moments of Otomí-Tepehua life.

Juliana, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Mahekal Beach Resort's resident artisan, Juliana hand-paints traditional Mexican pottery daily in the Artisan Palapa. Choose from her one-of-a-kind creations or create your own keepsake to bring home. Julianna's team will glaze and bake your creation overnight for pick up the following morning. Painting and assistance included; payment is by the ceramic piece only; and is in cash or pesos. Hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday.