Raquel’s Artist Casa in Grecia

Artists Family in Grecia

Tuesday-October, 4

After saying goodbye to Escuela Peters, we began our hiking journey to the town of Sarchi. Along the way I was struck by the lush landscape of coffee, sugar cane, bamboo and tropical trees on the hill sides. I also noticed beautiful Oxcart designs on the bridges and buildings which are painted by local artists and I was told only found in Sarchi.

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Approximately 2 miles later we arrived in the down town of Sarchi. After looking at a local artist/tourist shop and finding some unique gifts, we took a taxi from Sarchi to Grecia where Raquel’s family lived. When arriving at her parent’s home I was greeted by her father Ismael and Rosemary. Rosemary had prepared a nice lunch of pasta and sauce, bread and salad. We also had a wonderful custard and plantain desert. Rosemary had three art students at her home who were learning to draw landscapes.  I really enjoyed watching the students develop their paintings using watercolor and images of landscapes during my visit.

Next Rosemary and Raquel took me into a room filled with incredible artwork! I was struck by the enormous talent of the mother and daughter team. Raquel made paintings that were in pieces and could be rearranged to make different paintings. She also used piece of wood which she painted stories and attached in interesting ways. Her art work made me want to discover the stories behind them. Her mother Rosemary painted on larger canvases and had a wonderful sense of design using many geometric shapes. Her style was so warm and her depiction of woman very unique. Both of them often painted cups of coffee with their figures. I am super excited to work with them next winter! Before I left both Rosemary and Raquel gave me artwork. Raquel also gave me a book she had illustrated, Dientes de leche for children.

The program is to evoke in each child a unique ability they may not know they have. By touching on the arts, literacy and exploration through technology, I can only imagine the awesome creativity we will be bringing to this rural coffee community school through Kids Share Workshops and Sister Schools!

“The schools I have visited on this site investigation are being considered based on volunteer support, desire for cultural connections and home stay accommodations. All schools will be supported by Sister Schools through Partners of the Americas.” 

Kristina Applegate Lutes, Program Director & Founder