By Mary Spicka
Friday, February 3rd, 2017 5:00pm – 9:00pm Open Gala Reception, with Wine and Tapas at Mansiones Cruz del Mar, Punta Santa Cruz
Saturday February 4th, 2017 10:00am – 3:00pm
Open exhibition
The exhibition will feature the work of twelve artists from the Huatulco community, elsewhere in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Guests will be able to experience a wide variety of artistic expressions with over 75 pieces of art for sale, including silk painting, bronze sculpture, acrylic and oils on canvas, mixed media and photography, all while meeting the artists, enjoying wine and tapas, visiting with friends in the comfort and elegance of Mansiones with its hilltop views. This year’s exhibition will include a raffle of unique works of art created by each of the twelve artists. The proceeds from the raffle will fund next year’s exhibition, and help foster the growing art community of Huatulco.
Jim Spicka started the first “Huatulco Being” art exhibition in 2012. He was the solo artist, and because of the warmth and support of the community, his vision to grow the event has become a reality.
The Artists
Abdías García studied at the School of Fine Arts at Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca. Specializing in painting, he has participated in numerous local and statewide exhibitions. He now teaches drawing and painting at the Casa de Cultura; his works are influenced by music and fantasy.
Ángel S. is a graffiti artist whose local works include the whimsical graffiti benches at the new Rotary-sponsored Park Library in Sector U2.
Ann McLeod maintains an art studio in the mountainous jungle near Huatulco. She taught herself to paint in her early twenties and has been a successful artist for nearly half a century. She said, “If I can inspire others to feel a sense of wonder and responsibility toward our shared beautiful earth, then I will feel successful as an artist.”
Beatriz Madrazo has participated in over 15 solo and group exhibitions throughout Mexico. She paints in oil, acrylic, and mixed media, exploring color and using motifs of the human figure and nature; her work ranges from portraits to abstraction. “Art is a way to shape an internal feeling making each work the reflection of oneself, of the soul, and of our memories,” stated Beatriz.
Don Robertson’s works on canvas and paper have been inspired by the magnificent views that he enjoys from his home in Huatulco. “Huatulco has become my creative space where I have the inspiration and the time to interpret my surroundings onto paper or canvas or sculptural media,” stated Don.
Jim Spicka is a multi-faceted artist whose work this year focuses on large acrylic-on-canvas pieces of bold, colorful images and local scenes. Spicka stated, “My art is intended to move people, bring joy, energy and life to its environment. For me, art is a strong, creative outlet that allows escape from the ordinary, day-to-day world, and to live outside of myself.”
Kevin Spreitz is a Canadian fine art and documentary photographer who now lives in Bahías de Huatulco year-round. He has exhibited in several countries, and has been featured in The Globe and Mail, BWGallerist, and Nik Radio.
M.J. Kelly retired from Canada to discover that “Living here is breathing in color!” Her large paintings explode with those colors, creating a resonant interaction with the viewer “usually too deep and powerful for words.”
Rafael Ortega has participated in over thirty solo and group exhibitions in Mexico, Canada and Europe. He founded and directed the Casa de Cultura in Bahias de Huatulco. He uses his paintings to express his concerns with change, instability and indefinite potential.
Richard Saunders’ work as a sculptor has taken curious paths: “Like all such paths, they led back to where I began—back to myself—always returning me to my primary fascination, which is with line and form, and with that elusive quality that makes things beautiful.”
Susana Rubin is the founder of Galería Rubin in Santa Cruz, home also to Fundación Pintando Esperanza (Painting Hope). The Foundation’s mission is to build classrooms for Mexican children, with Susana’s school-building project at the primary school Josefa Ortíz de Domínguez in Arroyo González is their first. Susana’s artistic talents have led her to using project-based art education to build self-sustainability for both school and community.
Victoria Wuotto is a silk painting artist whose works include framed art and silk fabric for garments. Victoria conducts classes and workshops in the art of silk painting.