On Monday July 19, 2010 we returned to the Centro de Arte for diplomas, the watching of the video (from the concert), and to write down the notes and chords for La Bamba (for the students to continue practicing at home). Most of the students who participated in the workshop will be able to check out a guitar from the Centro, or rather their parents will be able to check out a guitar for them to use. (Note the lovely indigo tapestry behind us, a handicraft of a local artisan named Irma Guadron. Indigo is harvested locally by hand and cured into a deep blue dye for clothing and artwork).
After that I had one more class in the evening (no photos) where I showed the video once again (and I will post it in an upcoming entry), then we cleaned up, and put away the guitars for the next taller. I have been told that the next guitar teacher is coming for at least a month this September (2010).
But before I close I'd like to show a photo of Sister Peggy (talking to my mom actually) from about 2 months ago. She had to return to the States to do more fundraising and, unfortunately, she missed the final concert / graduation ceremony.
She is talking to my mom, Val Liveoak, who has been gracious enough to introduce me to nearly all the people I know in Suchitoto. My mother is a Quaker who works with Friends Peace Teams and she organizes and trains facilitators in Alternatives to Violence Workshops throughout Central and Latin America. Suchitoto is one of her favorite "bases" when she travels. I can see why, it is VERY safe (all times of day) and the air is fresh, cool and clean. AND we both can drink the water out of the faucet directly! (There is an excellent water treatment plant near the town I have yet to visit)
You may have noticed all the artwork around the Centro, in the background. Here is another incredible one of a vaquero with his "blue jeans" notice what the canvas is made from!
I hoped you liked reading about the Taller de Guitarras de Suchitoto!
If you have interest in participating, or supporting or consulting on future workshops similar to this one, please contact me with your ideas or offers of help! I would love to hear what kinds of ideas you all have about this workshop!
Also if you have a craving to volunteer I can most definitely recommend the Centro Arte to you as a place to work or teach. After traveling around Salvador and Nicaragua to several different farms, collectives and foundations, I think Centro Arte is one of the best at getting real and concrete results through educating the kids in the arts. Depending on the situation, they may even be able to cover your housing and meals. And bottled water and coffee are available all day!
Peace and love to all my friends in El Salvador and around the world!
Abrazos y nos vemos!
-- Edward Grigassy
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