My residency at GRACIA was an incredible, impactful experience that continues to inspire my creative practice and my life as a whole. I fell in love with Antigua. Every day, I woke up inspired to explore and create. From ancient Maya artifacts and traditional weaving and textile arts to Colonial-era ruins to contemporary cuisine, the city is this incredible blend of history and modernity. I had ample time to both explore the city and delve into studio work and Mafer was an excellent guide and resource. In my practice I explore the utilization of natural materials, dyes and pigments and really enjoyed taking both of Mafer's course offerings in that area. During my residency, I was exploring the materiality of corn/maiz as well as its cultural and political influences within Guatemalan culture and that of my own country, the US. Mafer put me in contact with a local restaurant owner that partners with growers of heirloom corn varieties and we were able to meet over delicious heirloom tortillas and have a very informative and meaningful chat. I am so grateful to Mafer for this experience!

I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity of returning to Guate after so long. Not just returning to my mothers birthplace for leisure but the reason being that it was for an artist residency means so much to me. Seeing a procession in person passing through the callesitas de Antigua is much different than solely hearing stories from my family archived through their memories. Post residency there is so much to reflect on and I am currently working on a new body of work in reflection to my short time in Guatemala.

GRACIA was an inspiring time of colors, community, and creating new art forms. Mafer, GRACIA founder and local host, connected me to people and places to help fuel my creative process in Guatemala. I loved wandering Antigua, being inspired by the colors and textures and people. Just as inspiring was the casita with wonderful light and space for creating. I came back from GRACIA ready to create and share my inspiration with others. I would return in a heart beat.

GRACIA is the perfect residency for any and all creative folks. Whether you're a seasoned vet with a degree in art or someone who dabbles on the side, it's truly a magical experience for anyone who does anything creative. Being in Antigua was so inspiring; there are so many colors, textures, lovely people, incredible food and epic landscapes. Thank you so much Mafer, for creating such a wonderful residency!