Wendy WilliamsBy Wendy Williams
MOVED by the energy of the mountains and the beauty of the Alpujarras, a group of international artists formed a cooperative to help the dozens of struggling artists who live in the area.
One year on and Alpuajarra: Arte Vivo has proved to be a success with a monthly art and craft market in Orgiva and an annual exhibition in Granada.
Launched in 2010, the Mercado de las Artes showcases the works of over two dozen artisans from around the region.
Including a huge range of works from paintings and ceramics to woodwork and jewellery, there is also interactive workshops and live music.
Jeannette Claessen, a sculptor, explained: “Since the beginning of the market we have put a lot of attention into the quality of the products we sell and we try to present a good atmosphere to the public.
“Participating in an association with other artists and handicraft producers we have the opportunity to work together and develop new things in cooperation.
“The powerful energy of the mountains, the quiet and the beauty give us a creative energy which I don’t feel anywhere else,” added the Dutch woman.
“We want to show that everybody has the capacity to create beauty and that beauty matters and contributes to the quality of daily life.”
Her colleague Angel Vera, who has his own workshop in the Poqueira gorge, added: “We work together as a team and help support and promote each other.”
The art market takes place at Plaza de la Alpujarra in Orgiva on the first Saturday of each month
Anyone in the Alpujarras hear of the great painter from Los Angeles, Paul Herman? He lived most of the year in that beautiful Alpujarra area of Spain and spent a few months in Marbella where I met him. A very gifted painter of portraits, wall murals, trompe de ole’, etc. I’d love to hear from him, and hope he’s OK.