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Association Of Magdalena Women Artists

Association Of Magdalena Women Artists

The association was born in 2009 when three Maya women joined CREER, which offers micro-credits to people in need. These women artists create greeting cards in different designs, which are handcrafted with recycled textiles. Some use remnants from large lots of traditional Guatemalan apparel; others use weavings from huipil blouses and rebozos.

"We enjoy creating art through cards, and we believe each one helps preserve our culture through our distinctive textiles," the women explain.

In the beginning, the women had no experience in handicrafts. An artist in their community volunteered to train them.

Luz, one of the artists, recalls, "I was a little scared at first because I had never painted before and found it very difficult. But with the help of God and the patience of Carlos, we learned to paint. He taught us the primary and secondary colors, and showed us how to create shadows."

Leti says, "It was very tough at first because we didnt know anything. Before we became involved with the project, the only things we knew how to do were cook, clean and take care of our children. I never imagined Id do art work but, thanks to God, creating our cards has become much easier with practice."

This association represents the only opportunity for the women to craft the cards. Most jobs available in the area dont offer sufficient flexibility to accommodate their needs. "For me, the greatest blessing is that I dont have to leave my baby while I work. Although Id like to have a different job, I cant because of my baby. Here, I carry him in a shawl on my back and he can take a nap in the afternoons while Im working. We work from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. I like that because I cook and clean the house in the mornings so I can work in the afternoon," Luz says with a smile.

Leti agrees, and adds, "I work half a day, four days a week, and its close to my house. I thank God that I can take care of my children and have a job at the same time. Now I can spend more time with them I did before."

The income from the sale of the cards helps augment the family economy for people of generally low income. "I always wanted to earn some money to be able to help my husband with the household expenses, and now I can," Leti says. "Sometimes we need to buy school supplies for our children, and now I can. If someone gets sick, we can afford the medicines we need. We never imagined this before I was able to work."

"I never had money before I went to work, and the money from the cards helps me put beans on the table… and other kinds of food as well," Luz says.

The greeting card sales also help a local clinic with part of the income, assuring that patients receive the medicines they so urgently need whether they can pay for them or not. At the moment, the income from the cards is assisting a woman in the village who suffers from diabetes, with food supplements and insulin.

"Every day we pray to God that our little business will grow. We pray that more and more people and shops will become interested in our cards so there will be work for more people and so we can earn more money for our families. That would be the greatest blessing of all," Leti says.

Central America Artisan Empowerment Hu

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.
Maker BadgeEmpowering Women
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Maker BadgeYoung Talent
This artist shows a lot of talent or potential and is in their late teens or twenties.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.
Maker BadgeJob Creator
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs
This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

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