Passport to Folk Art Trips

Join a journey like no other.

IFAM Passport Folk Art Trip participants have the exclusive opportunity to travel off the beaten path to meet master folk artists in their home countries. These small-group trips enable you to see a country through the eyes and hearts of the artists and their cultural surroundings.

The hands-on experiences, full-day discussions, and direct interaction with artists, folk art experts, and local guides provide a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the history, heritage, and heart of the country.

In addition, each trip includes a donation to the International Folk Art Market, allowing us to support opportunities for folk artists around the world.

As of September 15, 2019, the trip donations will be fully tax-deductible. All trip deposits are non-refundable unless a replacement traveler can be found.

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Judith Benkendorf & Helen Travers – Trip participants on May 2019 Morocco

“By the end of our two weeks, two girlfriends on an adventure with a guide and driver became four traveling companions. Kamal and Omar left us with some small gifts of gratitude and a lifetime of memories of the fun we had laughing and singing, as we wound our way through the magic of Morocco—from remote mountains to ancient cities, and from the desert to the sea.”

Upcoming Trips

Japanese | Japan | Architecture

Japan 2024

  • Japan: 1,000 Years of Art, Culinary, and Spiritual Traditions

    April 18-27, 2024

    Trip highlights:

    Explore three major Japanese capitals - Asuka (538-710), Nara (710-794) and Kyoto (794-1185, also known as the Heian Period).

    Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites - in Kyoto: experience Tenryuji, Saihoji, Kinkakuji, and Ginkakuji; in Nara: visit Horyuji, Todaiji, Kofukuji, Kasuga-Taisha and Gangoji.

    Enjoy a private tour of the Japanese spirit world by Kyoto mask maker and IFAM artist, Junya Kouno. The group will experience a special Yōkai Costume Parade in Kyoto that recreates the medieval procession of a hundred otherworldly spirits.

    Experience the stunning setting, sounds, and gardens of Hasedera Temple, outside Nara. As the sun rises over Hasedera’s serene, mountain-enclosed temple precincts, we join the priests in their daily drumming ritual. This ritual has been practiced every single day over 1,000 years to this date.

    While visiting Osaka, the group will experience a private performance of traditional Japanese Bunraku puppets by IFAM artist and master puppeteer, Kanroku and his company, Mokugu-sha.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • April 18-27, 2024

  • $7,950 per person, double occupancy, based on 11-12 participants

    $8,450 per person, double occupancy, based on 8-10 participants

    $1,000 single supplement

    Plus a $500 tax deductible donation to IFAM

  • TO SECURE YOUR SPACE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    Please contact Maki Aizawa, Tour Curator/Leader

    EMAIL: maki@makiaizawa.com / PHONE: 707.338.2003

    This trip is designed for both first-time and seasoned travelers to Japan.

Oaxaca 2024 (SOLD OUT)

  • Oaxaca: Folk Art & Food
    October 16 - 23, 2024

    We will spend 7 nights in the magical city of Oaxaca. From here we will not only explore the rich fabric of the city, but also its neighboring villages where we will visit with master IFAM artists old and new. Our trip will take us out of the city for a portion of each day. Some of the villages we will be visiting are San Marcos Tlapazola, Teotitlan del Valle, Tlacolula, the Ocotlan Valley, Yanhuitlan and Teposcolula.

    HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

    • Spend the morning at the bustling Tlacolula market.

    • Visit the extraordinary ruins of the UNESCO Site, Monte Albán as well as a private visit to the Tamayo Museum which houses the artist's exquisite collection of pre-Columbian objects.

    • In addition to the abundant array of folk art, we will experience the exceptional cuisine for which Oaxaca is so famous, from elegant restaurants to the soulful, flavor rich food from the countryside. This trip will be a culinary delight.

    Please note: This trip will involve a moderate level of physical activity, which may require participants to walk long distances on uneven terrain and to climb stairs where no elevator options are available.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • October 16 - 23, 2024

  • $4,700 - per person, double occupancy (which includes a $500 tax-deductible donation to IFAM)*

    $875 - single room supplement

  • TO SECURE YOUR SPACE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: please contact tour organizer and leader Peggy Gaustad. Space is limited. Our last Oaxaca trip filled in a day.

    EMAIL: canyonpots@aol.com

    CELL: 505-310-1356

Provence 2025

  • In May of 2025, IFAM Passport trips will be returning to Provence for a ten day journey exploring local markets and medieval hilltop villages, sampling delicious Provençal food, and visiting artists who keep multi-generational traditions alive.

    We'll begin our journey in Nice, the jewel of France's beautiful Côte d'Azur, where we'll visit medieval coastal towns, sample distinctive Niçoise culinary specialties, explore a 19th century perfumery, and then make our way to St. Remy which we'll use as our base for the next week. Our daily explorations will take us through the Provençal countryside, where we'll check out quaint villages, food destinations, and a variety of arts and artists including renowned Plumassière (feather artist) Prune Faux, potter Alain Brifa and a variety of textile artists, basket weavers, printmakers, and more. We'll have ample time to shop in the region's exquisite markets, and we'll sample a whole lot of great food — from home cooked Provençal meals, to world-class bistro dining, to visiting chocolatiers and cheese artisans. It's a journey to please the senses.

    Trip highlights include:

    • Traditional arts, crafts, and culinary markets in quaint Provençal towns

    • Access to local arts traditions that only IFAM can offer

    • The coastal botanical gardens at Èze and the Fragonard perfumery

    • Traditional bistro dining in the old town of Nice

    • The stunning white cliffs and blue waters at the Calanques

    • An in depth journey through the history of Provençal fabrics and ribbons with Ruth Ribancourt, editor of Faire magazine

    • The home studio of Plumassière Prune Faux

    • The red and yellow ochre cliffs and pottery traditions of Roussillon

    • Gordes — considered by many to be the most beautiful Provençal town on market day

    • An unforgettable dining experience at Michelin Star restaurant Le St. Estève, which looks out over Cezanne's beloved Mt. Ste. Victoire

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • May 9 - 18, 2025

  • $7300/person double occupancy
    Single supplement available.

  • If you're interested in joining us on this journey into the living art traditions of this incredible region, email josh.schrei@gmail.com for more details!

eSwatini 2024

  • The Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. At no more than 120 miles north to south and 81 miles east to west, Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa. Despite this, its climate, topography, and offerings for visitors are diverse. eSwatini has managed to hold on to that “slow-down, this is Africa” feeling. On this adventure you will:

Tour Swazi Candles, Gone Rural, Khokho Design, Nswenya Glass, Tintsaba Crafts, Coral Stephens Handweavers, Madwa Weaving, Malandela’s Lifestyle, Manzini Market, Mantenga Lifestyle, Ngwenya Glass Complex with their founders and managers to learn how their work is bringing beauty to the world and improving artisans lives.

    Learn about the history of conservation efforts in the country from noted conservationist Ann Reilly and visit the country’s best known nature reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to see the fruits of her family’s labor (and former farmland) first hand.

    Go on a game drive for amazingly intimate encounters with animals like hippo, crocodile, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, impala, blesbok, reedbuck, warthog, grey duiker and three species of mongoose

Hear about the history and archaeology of the country from cultural heritage specialist Bob Forrester. Forrester designed and directed the complete reconstruction of the Swaziland National Museum and created the Bulembu Museum among other things.

    And more!


    Your stays in boutique hotels and ecolodges offer will provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after days spent exploring.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • August 31 - September 14, 2024

  • $7490/person (sharing) for 8
    $8390/person (sharing) for 6
    $1150 single supplement

    $1,500 non-refundable deposit due at booking

ADD-ON COST
    $2190/person (sharing) for 4
    $975 single supplement

  • FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

    BJ Adventures at 505.466.2289
ahdina@bjadventures.com

Peru 2024

  • Peru: Culture & Place
    March 13 - 24, 2024

    Simply said, this 12-day journey is a visit with master artisans in a spectacular country. This is deep and ancient Peru. Culture and Place. A true and intimate immersion into a vibrant land.

    We will meet with the legendary activist and artisan, Nilda Callañaupa, in her village of Chinchero; Shipibo artisan, Olinda Silvano in her Lima workspace; folk potter Artemio Pomo in his family workshop. We’ll learn from the creatives at Warmichic about how they are using clothing design to counter discrimination against rural emigrant women and the designers at Amapolay who fuse present and past in their works to raise awareness of Peru’s powerful Indigenous legacy. IFAM has been honored to host all of these artisans in Santa Fe!

    Yet Peru is endless! We’ll dive into a hands-on retablo-making workshop in Ayacucho, visit a jewelry artisan in Cuzco, see how alpaca are sheared in Patacancha, turn cacao into our own chocolate bars, see the making of story-telling tapestries, cook up an iconic Peruvian lunch and try our hand at weaving. We will peer into the past as we explore ancient temples and ceremonial centers, learn stories with museum visits and fully enjoy the delights of humanity in the plazas, eateries, and markets of Peru.

    The setting for all this goodness could hardly be more stunning. We journey from the edge of the Pacific Ocean to mesmerizing valleys bounded by the spirit-infused peaks of the Andes. Our path takes us through the colonial and bohemian neighborhoods of Lima to the ancient capital of the Inca, Cuzco; A gem among gems. We’ll explore the off-the-beaten-path cultural hub of Ayacucho and spend time in the Sacred Valley in the ancient Incan town of Ollantaytambo with its Incan stonework, ancient canals, and our hotel in the midst of an organic farm. We journey through Lima, Cuzco, Ayacucho, Ollantaytambo, and villages in between. This trip includes three internal flights.

    HIGH ALTITUDE TRAVEL AND TRIP CONDITIONS

    Most of this trip’s travel happens between 9,000’ and 11,000’. We will spend several days at 9,000’ allowing our bodies to get used to the thin air before heading higher. We request that you do your due diligence beforehand to be 100% certain you are physically up for travel at these elevations. This trip also requires a moderate level of phsical activity. There will be urban walks of several miles on uneven surfaces, steps at archeological sites and occasional trail walks of up to several miles. We will travel on winding mountain roads and on occasion be standing for extended periods of time while watching demonstrations of listing to presentations.   

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • March 13 - 24, 2024

  • $5,900 - per person, double occupancy (which includes a $500 tax-deductible donation to IFAM)*

    $765 - single room supplement

  • Peru Fine Folkart is custom designed for IFAM and operated by Traditions Tours/Eric Mindling. Our Tour Host and coordinator is Hillary Freeman.

    TO SECURE YOUR SPACE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Hillary Freeman, tour organizer at hillaryfreemantravels@gmail.com or 650-489-1054.

Past Trips

Cuba 2024

  • Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad

    March 6-13, 2024

    Imagine yourself in the center of Havana Vieja, a mosaic of architectural styles. With building dating from the 16th century, Havana is perhaps the most authentic colonial city in the Americas.

    From the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza to the baroque Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco built in 1719, you’ll learn about this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • March 6-13, 2024

  • TBD

  • For more information and registration please contact: Peggy Gaustad

    Email: canyonpots@aol.com Phone: 505.310.1356

    We will meet in Miami the evening of March 5th at the Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel for a brief orientation and to receive your travel documents. A group code will be provided.

Eastern Cuba 2024 (SOLD OUT)

Oaxaca 2024 (SOLD OUT)

  • Spend 4 nights in the charming city of Oaxaca and its neighboring villages where we will visit with master artists who have participated at IFAM over the years, among them Don José Garcia, Magdalena Pedro Martinez, the Vazquez family of weavers and the women of San Marcos Tlapazola whose red clay pottery tradition dates back centuries.

    Spend the morning at the bustling Ocotlán market.

    Visit the extraordinary ruins of the UNESCO Site, Monte Albán and the city's exquisite museums.

    Experience the exceptional cuisine for which Oaxaca is so famous.

    Travel to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec for 2 nights where we will be immersed in the textiles of this region, a style made famous by Frida Kahlo. We will learn about the food and dance that is particular to the Istmo and be treated to a Tehuano fashion show.

    Our final 2 nights will be on the beautiful Oaxacan coast in Huatulco where we will have the unique opportunity to travel by boat to the coves where the famous purpura pansa sea snails live. Here we will see how the artists have, for centuries, extracted the purple dye from these delicate creatures before gently placing them back on the rocks. Our journey will end in Huatulco with flights available to the US from the Huatulco International Airport.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • February 6 - 14, 2024

  • - $4350 double occupancy

    - $620 single supplement

    Plus a $500 tax-deductible donation to IFAM

  • To Secure Your Spot: Please contact tour organizer and leader, Peggy Gaustad

    email: canyonpots@aol.com cell phone: 505 310-1356

  • After four long years, you can once again join Peggy Gaustad and the International Folk Art Market on a trip to the Eastern Provinces of Cuba, with its unspoiled landscapes, historical landmarks, unique artistic traditions and quiet beauty.

    Trip Highlights - 8 nights, 9 days on the roads less traveled of Eastern Cuba:

    4 days in Santiago de Cuba, a city rich in history from its founder Diego Velazquez, to Hernan Cortez, Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, and Cuba’s national hero, Jose Marti.

    We will visit the community of Mella where IFAM artists, El Grupo Bayate, have transformed their town, due in large part to their success in Santa Fe.

    Enjoy private performances of the award winning, Coro Orfeón and the UNESCO recognized Tumba Francesca, brought to Eastern Cuba by Haitian slaves in the 1790's.

    4 days in the beautiful seaside town of Baracoa, where Columbus landed in1492 and proclaimed it to be “the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen.” Due to its relative isolation over the past four centuries, Baracoa is steeped in traditions which include a cuisine unique to the area, based on locally grown coconut, coffee and chocolate.

    Here we will visit with IFAM artist, Leandro Gomez, whose sculptures of jeeps and trucks depict the main modes of transportation in this remote town. Leandro and his work will be featured in an upcoming PBS Craft in America special.

    We will spend a morning in the Valle de Yumuri where we will explore the canyon river with local guides. After a visit to a cacao farm in the little town of El Güirito, we will stop by a community that preserves the ancient roots of the traditional Cuban son, Nengón y Kiribá.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • January 5 - 13, 2024

  • $3,320 - per person, double occupancy

    $395 - single room supplement

    Plus a $500 tax-deductible donation to IFAM. Space is limited.

  • For more information and registration please contact: Peggy Gaustad

    Email: canyonpots@aol.com Phone: 505.310.1356

Mexico City 2023 (SOLD OUT)

  • Join the International Folk Art Market on a journey to Mexico City including a very special private dinner at the home of Frida Kahlo, MUSEO CASA AZUL.

    TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: 7 Nights, 8 Days

    Spend 3 nights in the very heart of the city at the Hotel Zocalo Central

    Out our front door learn about the extraordinary history of this country: from the visible ruins of the ancient Aztec city at the Templo Mayor; to the remarkable murals of Diego Rivera at the Secretariat of Education complex; to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Zocalo and Palacio Nacional; all within a few blocks from each other

    A wonderful morning on the canals of Xochilmilco where will be serenaded by mariachis.

    A two-night excursion to the State of Tlaxcala, visiting picturesque towns and haciendas, and seeing a variety of artisans working in the age-old practices of sarape making, delicate pepeinado embroidery, Talavera pottery, and the rich cuisines of the area.

    Returning to the city, we will spend our last 2 nights in Coyoacán, a municipality of Mexico City that has retained much of its village-like atmosphere. Here we will visit the exquisite home of IFAM artist, Carla Fernandez, and her contemporary artist husband, Pedro Reyes, who is having a one-person exhibit at SITE Santa Fe this February.

    Our farewell dinner will be a magical private evening at the Museo Casa Azul, the former home, and now museum, dedicated to the life of Frida Kahlo. This rare and elegant experience is something not to be missed!!!

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • October 12 - 19, 2023

  • $5,280 per person double occupancy

    $685 - single supplement

    Plus a $500 per person tax-deductible donation to IFAM.

  • TO SECURE YOUR SPACE: Please contact Peggy Gaustad, tour organizer and leader at:

    email: canyonpots@aol.com telephone: 505 310-1356

    Please Note:

    This trip will involve a moderate level of physical activity, which may require participants to walk long distances on uneven terrain and to climb stairs where no elevator options are available.

Provence 2023 (SOLD OUT)

  • Join IFAM Associate Producer Josh Schrei and local Provençal arts experts for ten days exploring the vibrant arts and markets of Provence. We’ll start off with two days in Nice, where we’ll visit the acclaimed Chagall and Matisse museums and stay at the exquisite Palais de la Mediterranee.

    Then we’ll head to the heart of Provençe for a week of market hopping and arts exploration in Aix and Saint Remy. Join us as we visit quaint medieval towns and pay homage to a varied regional arts tradition that includes ceramics, traditional basket weaving, fabric design, printmaking, glassblowing and more.

    We’ll also celebrate the culinary treasures of the region, as we sample local olive oils, cheeses, wines, and chocolates. After a long year, this fabulous getaway will be a welcome treat for the senses.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • May 12 – 21, 2023

  • Total: $7,500

    $7,000 + $500 donation to the International Folk Art Market.

    Single supplement available. Includes all accommodations, meals, entry fees, gratuities, and travel within France.

  • To secure a spot or for more trip information, please contact Josh Schrei at josh.schrei@gmail.com or (505) 919-9530.

Guatemala 2023 (SOLD OUT)

  • Join Peggy Gaustad and the International Folk Art Market on a spectacular journey to a magical land, including visits with some of our most treasured artists.

    Our 7-night, 8-day excursion will take us to a land of volcanoes, rainforests, ruins, and rich Mayan traditions, including a unique and varied cuisine and a wealth of folk art!

    HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

    3 nights in the lovely city of Antigua, where we will enjoy a visit from Market artist, Amalia Güe. Amalia, along with her beautiful children and huipiles, will travel from her village in Alta Verapaz to spend time with us.

    While in Antigua we'll visit IFAM artists, old and new: Casa de Artes, a family-run store specializing in premier Mayan folk art; the indigo natural dye studio of Olga Reiche; Lidia Lopez and the village weavers of Aguas Calientes; and Mari Gray who owns the studio of Kakaw Designs.

    4 nights at the lovely Hotel Atitlán overlooking the majestic Lago de Atitlán from where we'll explore the town of Panajachel and the villages along the lake. We will meet with the artists of Multicolores, a group of over 50 women rug makers who have participated at IFAM for several years to the delight of thousands.

    Travel across the lake to explore San Juan la Laguna, home to IFAM painters, Angelina Quic and Antonio Coche, natural dye cooperatives, and coffee and cacao farms.

    Visit the colorful and famous market at Chichicastenango. After a lavish lunch of traditional foods, we'll stop by the workshop of some local mask makers before heading back to Panajachel for dinner and music at the ever-popular, Guajimbos.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • December 2 - 9, 2023

  • TOTAL: $4,900

    $4,400 per person, double occupancy

    $680 single supplement

    Plus a $500 tax deductible donation to IFAM

  • TO SECURE YOUR SPACE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    Please contact Peggy Gaustad, tour organizer at:

    email: canyonpots@aol.com

    telephone: 505-310-1356

Cuba 2023 (SOLD OUT)

  • Join IFAM and Peggy Gaustad on a behind the scenes journey with unique experiences to Cuba!

    With an emphasis on the folk art traditions of Cuba, we will have a very in depth and personal exposure to some of the country’s leading artists. We will experience the rich cultural fabric of this dynamic city which is undergoing significant change, while at the same time retaining an atmosphere of days gone by. We will be treated to private dance and musical performances, lectures, and studio visits. Our evenings will find us dining in the finest of Havana’s restaurants in a city that is enjoying a culinary renaissance.

    We will have a private tour of the fabulous new art center, Fabrica de Arte Cubano, where art, music and theater are all presented in a cutting edge environment.

    On our way to Ernest Hemingway’s estate, Finca Vigia, we’ll cross Havana’s bay by ferry boat to the town of Regla, with its long tradition of Santeria. In the evening, we’ll travel down the Malecon, Havana’s iconic seawall, in our own fleet of 1950’s classic cars. Finally, we will spend a full day in the gorgeous Valle de Viñales in the westernmost province of Pinar del Rio.

    Known for its striking beauty, this is the tobacco growing region of the country, where the lush landscape captivates all who visit.

  • Full itinerary sent after inquiry.

  • January 11-18, 2023

  • $3,635 per person, double occupancy plus a $500 donation to IFAM.$450 single supplement

  • To secure a spot or for more trip information, please contact Peggy Gaustad at canyonpots@aol.com or (505) 310-1356.

Guatemala 2022

  • • 3 nights in the beautiful city of Antigua, with a visit from IFAM artist, Amalia Güe. Amalia, along with her beautiful huipiles, will travel from her village in Alta Verapaz to spend time with us.

    • Visit to Casa de Artes, a family-run store specializing in premier Mayan folk art; the indigo natural dye studio of Olga Reiche; and the village weavers of Aguas Calientes.

    • 4 nights at the lovely Hotel Atitlán overlooking the majestic Lago de Atitlán from where we’ll explore the town of Panajachel and the villages along the lake. Met with the artists of Multicolores, a group of over 50 women rug makers who have participated at IFAM for several years to the delight of thousands.

    • Traveled across the lake to explore San Juan la Laguna, home to many painters, natural dye cooperatives, and coffee and cacao farms.

    • Visited the colorful and famous Sunday Market at Chichicastenango and the workshop of some local mask makers before heading back to Panajachel for dinner and music at the ever popular, Guajimbos.

Mexico City 2022

  • • Spent 4 nights in the historic center of Mexico City at the newly opened Hotel Zócolo Central from where we’ll explore all that this extraordinary city has to offer in terms of museums, murals, folk art and food.

    • Behind the scenes visit to the folk art collections of the Museo de Arte Popular and Fomento Cultural Banamex in the glorious Palacio Iturbe.

    • A wonderful morning on the canals of Xochilmilco where will be serenaded by mariachis, followed by an afternoon at the famous Bazaar Sabado in San Angel.

    • A two day, one night excursion to the State of Mexico visiting the picturesque weaving town of Malinalco, famous for their finely made rebozos, the iconic Mexican shawl.

    • 2 nights in Coyoacán, a municipality of Mexico City which has retained much of its village like atmosphere, with a visit to the exquisite home of IFAM artist, Carla Fernandez, and her contemporary artist husband, Pedro Reyes.

    • A magical farewell dinner and private evening at the Museo Casa Azul, the former home, and now museum, dedicated to the life of Frida Kahlo.

India 2022

  • • The local handicrafts, fabrics and tribal arts surrounding Bhuj, including the Qasab-Kutch Craftswomen’s collective, the world-renowned Khatri block printing studio, and the Khatri tie-dye workshop.

    • The opportunity to study with local artists and try your hand at block printing and embroidery.

    • The sun temple of Modhera, one of only two sun temples in India.

    • Rani-Ki-Vav, one of the finest examples of ancient stonework in all of India

    • The markets and textile museums of Ahmedabad

    • Agashiye rooftop restaurant, one of the best restaurants in India!

    • A safari into the Little Rann wildlife sanctuary, home to unique native flora and fauna.

    • The white city of Udaipur with its gorgeous lakes and palaces.

Oaxaca 2022

  • • Visited the homes of several IFAM artists including potters Marisela Gomez and Manuel Reyes, the weaving family of Don Isaac Vazquez and jeweler Yesenia Salgado Tellez.

    • Toured the temples, palaces and plazas of Monte Alban, one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, dating back to 500 BC.

    • Traveled to the Mixteca Alta for two nights where we will be exposed to the markets and artisans of this unique, remote area including the village of San Pablo Tijaltepec where the women make beautiful, intricate blouses using an age old pickup weave technique. The work of these women has inspired the clay work of Marisela and Manuel.

    • Stopped at San Augustin Etla where we toured the old textile mill which is now an art center created by renowned artist, Francisco Toledo, enjoyed the legendary food of Oaxaca, from upscale restaurants to salt of the earth home cooked meals.

Morocco 2022

  • • Stayed in extraordinary 4 and 5 star boutique hotels across Morocco.

    • Daring dinners like those at NUR in Fez, recently featured in the New York Times.

    • Europe’s gateway to Africa and guardian of the Strait of Gibraltar.

    • Wandered the “blue pearl” of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen.

    • Viewed imposing Roman ruins: the House of Orpheus, the Forum, the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, and more in Volubilis.

    • Walked the labyrinths of the ancient Fez Medina and Mellah (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), experiencing the aromas of sacred spices and foods, and bustling alleyways that overflow with beautiful Berber wares.

    • Visited IFAM artist Amina Yabis and the women’s association she founded to see firsthand how hand-woven buttons have provided economic opportunities for their community.

    • Visited IFAM master weaver Khadouj Boufi who founded the Hana Women’s Association, and immerse yourself in their gorgeous boucherite rugs that are made using age old techniques while using discarded, up-cycled fabrics.

    • Enchanting drive through the striking countryside of the Atlas Mountains.

    • Experienced the mosques, palaces, and lavish gardens of beautiful, bustling Marrakech.

    • Met other contemporary artists like jeweler Amina Agueznay.

    • Behind-the-scenes tour at the Musée d’Art Contemporain African Al Maaden!

Uzbekistan 2022

  • • Journeyed back in time at the old quarter of Tashkent, Khast-Imam Square to see one of the oldest surviving Korans before visiting embroiderer Madina Kasimbaeva with her dark red “Palak” designs, Muhayo Alieyava’s Bibi-Hanum for contemporary apparel with Uzbek textiles, the Museum of Applied Arts and ceramicist Akbar Rakhimov.

    • Visited the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis of Samarkand, A UNESCO World Heritage Center, where elaborately decorated buildings that date to the 1300s reflect the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty, and Valentina Romanenko, a famous textile designer known for her rich blends of silk, painting and embroidery.

    • Sightsaw around the beautiful Registan Square and its imposing madrassahs, before making paper with local artists.

    • Visited the biggest mosque in Samarkand – Bibi-Khanum and the colorful and frenetic Siob Market that is nearby.

    • Found an antique ikat or embroidery at the Urgut Market before meeting ceramists at the Urgut Ceramic School.

    • Continued on the Silk Road to Bukhara to visit the famous embroiderer Farkhod Ramazoznov.

    • Packed in more of the beautiful artisan traditions of Bukhara by visiting a silk weaving workshop, the Bukhara Gold Embroidery Factory, the Museum of Blacksmith’s Art, and much more!

    • Explored the historic walled city of Khiva visiting woodcarvers, carpet weavers and UNESCO silk weavers. Visit Nukus to see the Museum of Igor Savitskiy, where wondrous works of art from the Karakaplak people are housed.

    • Enjoyed unique Uzbek dining experiences (including making pilav with locals) while staying in charming inns and hotels that are beautifully appointed with traditional Uzbek decor.

Mentor to Market

Mentor to Market Programs (M2M) provides training, workshops, skill building, peer-to-peer learning, and long-term support that helps folk artists improve their livelihoods and participate effectively in the global marketplace.

LEARN MORE