Visiting Artist Series
Visiting Artists from Mexico is an extraordinary cultural experience. By showcasing real Mexican Artists in our restaurants and at local schools, we’re able to share our passion and respect for the culture with our community. While patrons dine they can observe a woodcarver's skill or a ceramist's finesse; children sit transfixed by the activities and parents linger while a DVD video displays images and events of modern day Mexico.
With past artists, we have coordinated additional activities such as gallery receptions at nearby universities and colleges and adult/child workshops offered through local community organizations.
Visiting Artist Activities
Every year Margaritas hosts award-winning and internationally recognized artists from Mexico to tour selected local schools and Margaritas restaurants. Each artist works in a specific medium such as ceramics, wood carving or papier-mâché.
A visiting artist will set up a basic "workshop" and proceed, over a period of 5 hours, to create from scratch (raw wood or raw clay) a complete, highly detailed work of art. At an adjacent table, the artist’s crafts are laid out for viewing. Most items on display are for sale on a first come first served basis. A video presentation shows modern day examples of traditional Mexican festivals and fiestas. They help to provide a more complete understanding of the role of the folk artist in a larger context. The event coordinator translates for the artist and answers questions guests may have. The event typically runs from 4:00 to 9:00.
When we host artists, we notify area schools and arts organizations and distribute press releases to all local media outlets. This offers us the opportunity to share the artists with the community as much as possible prior to their appearance in each restaurant. Pat Picciano, program coordinator and interpreter, accompanies the artists as they visit the schools and arts organizations providing students with a unique and wonderful insight into Mexican culture and folk art. It is a truly unique experience which delights and amazes everyone involved.
