|
|
|
October 2010 - Volume V, No. 10 OUR MISSION: To protect and preserve our natural heritage and help build an environmental culture while developing a Botanical Garden dedicated to Mexican flora and providing an oasis of peace and tranquility for all.
PRESENTATION OF BOOK: “HISTORIAS DE UN JARDIN BOTANICO, EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE” Saturday, October 23, 1:00 pm | In The Cultural Center Ignacio Ramirez Nigromante Auditorium (Bellas Artes) | Free Entrance In the context of the Book Festival that will be taking place that week, this recently published book by the presitigious Santillana Editorial house will be presented. This publication is the result of a collective work conceived and coordinated by the editor, Maria Angeles Gonzalez. Cesar Arias and Martin Smith of El Charco contributed descriptive chapters along with contributions by Luis Palacios and Adriana Tovar de Teresa (who sets forth the unknown history of botanical gardens in Mexico). The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs by Patricia Lagarde and drawings by Dante Escalante. We invite members and friends to attend this presentation at which all the collaborators of this publication will be present. The book will be available for purchase and you may get it autographed at the same time.
LAND ART IN THE CHARCO – CALLING ALL ARTISTS Various artists have worked in this media, Land Art, such as Robert Smithson, Andy Goldsworthy, Richard Long, Hamish Fulton, Chris Drury, Walter Mason, Sebastian Silva, Jim Denevan, Dennis Oppenheim, to name a few. Places that are protected, conserved, have harmony and peace, such as the Botanical Garden and Reserve of El Charco del Ingenio inspire artists to use them as a perfect canvass – in this case 11 projects of Land Art which will be integrated and contribute to the beauty of San Miguel. We convoke artists and all creative people to walk, sit, smell, get to know the canyon, reservoir, paths of El Charco to be inspired and to join us in this experience. Eleven projects will be selected for presentation on November 27th, 2010, judged by a panel of professionals. Agnes Olive, graduate of Sheridan School of Design in Ontario, Canada and a practitioner of art therapy, has worked for 30 years as a professional artist in various countries and represents many artists in her gallery in Canada. Since 1996 when she arrived in San Miguel, Agnes has worked with various natural materials. Her last show, “Oneness of Spirit”, is about the interconnection between people and nature. Ingrid Suckaer is an essayist and art critic, researcher and curator of modern and contemporary Mexican art. She has studied communication and history and has written a biography of Rufino Tamayo. Ingrid is an independent curator whose projects have been presented in various countries. Representing the Botanical Garden, Hermes Arroyo has created a series of works using natural materials such as rocks, earth, plants, natural fibers, dried vegetable and inorganic matter, in an ingenious and creative way. Hermes is a sculptor, teacher, and creator of masks and mojigangas in San Miguel. Marlene Parra, designer specializing in the editorial field, has training in enamel jewelry and design from INAB. She participated with photography and writing in an international collective, Calm in Trees, which explored the relationship between people and nature in various art forms and music. Join this first Land Art exhibition!! Download the call to artists here.
DAY OF THE DEAD ALTAR From Saturday, October 30th to Sunday, November 7th | Boveda | Free Entrance October 30 and 31 Every year the Garden prepares an altar for Day of the Dead under the guidance of Hermes Arroyo, artistic director of El Charco. This year we dedicate a special altar to our friend and benefactor, Walter Meagher, botanist and naturalist, who died in England this past July. On this occasion the traditional offerings to the dead will be accompanied by an exhibit of several plants which have finished their life cycle but still surprisingly conserve the beauty of their colors, textures and form. In this way, we honor Walter and demonstrate the importance of propagating species on the point of extinction. The altar and exhibit will open to the public on Saturday, October 30th starting at 4p.m. There will be punch, atole, music and eulogies. We hope to share this offering with friends and supporters of the Botanical Garden.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: Augustina Cerritos This month we introduce Dona Augustina Cerritos, who is from the countryside and who assists El Charco with cleaning. Everybody admires her sense of responsibility, her sweet nature and common sense. She is always punctual and very self motivated and particular about her work. Without a doubt, Dona Augustina is an important link in our team who every day brings life to the Botanical Garden.
THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN, JARDIN DE LA TIERRA, IS COMING ALONG… We are already receiving congratulations on the work that is visible in this new space dedicated to young people. We can start to see the shape of this paradise from our creative childhood dreams. The lookout now has a firm handrail, the entrance bower is inviting and the solar observatory rises to the surprise of everyone. All comments about this new space are welcome.
THANK YOU – During the month of September some very special planters were donated by the talented local artist, Luisa Field. Most of these unique planters have already been purchased by people knowledgeable about art who commented on their beauty. We would like to give a special thanks to Luisa for donating these works to the Garden which has helped generate needed funds. Look for more of her work in our plant area.
THE GIFT SHOP We also invite you to see the creative jewelry designs made from seeds by Leonar Silva. And you can warm up in our cafe with some hot coffee and light snack or dessert.
THE FULL MOON CEREMONY We invite everyone to this open celebration that has been taking place for many years during the full moon cycle at the Four Winds Plaza in the Botanical Garden. We celebrate the Full Moon Ceremony to come back into balance with nature on earth. Come and enthusiastically participate and dedicate your intention and energies at the Plaza of the Four Winds. Bonfire, incense, chanting, drumming included. Bring flutes, cymbals, a drum or any other instrument if you want. It’s worth arriving a little early to admire the setting of the sun and the appearance of the moon over the mountains. You may want to bring a coat for cool evenings. Children welcome. Any questions, call Alicia Mayo at 152 .0376.
TRADITIONAL TEMAZCAL OF THE FULL MOON This sweat-lodge steam bath, of ritual and healing character, takes place under the direction of an experienced temazcal leader in the ruins of the hacienda located in the Botanical Garden on the far side of the reservoir. The combination of heat, humidity and fragrant herbs provides a purifying experience for the body and spirit. Its benefits are multiple: it activates circulation, increases the body’s defenses, eliminates pains, decreases uric acid, relaxes the muscles, regulates the nervous system, stimulates respiration and is excellent for losing weight. RESERVATION NECESSARY: : elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com | Tel:154.8838, 154.4715, or in the Botanical Garden visitor’s center.
GUIDED TOURS IN EL CHARCO If you haven’t visited the Garden recently, this is a magnificent time of the year to do so. The reservoir has lots of water, the days are sunny and the climate perfect for a wonderful walk. The Charco is full of color from the wildflowers and it’s the season for spectacular sunsets. Visit the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, the canyon, the wetlands, archeological vestiges and much more.
BIRD-WATCHING TOURS The walks are for birders of all levels. They begin at 9:00 am and last about 2 1/2 hours. No reservations needed, and feel free to leave the walk at any time. Please bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water. Signe will meet you after you pass through the Reception area of the Botanical Garden. Fall is here! We invite everyone to walk along the paths of El Charco, and appreciate the transition from the greens of summer to the golden colors of Autumn. You can still appreciate the colors of the wildflowers which are slowing disappearing, and the profusion of butterflies and the best sunsets.
|
|
home page
montly newsletter map virtual tour
creating the garden botanical collection biodiversity
protected zone historical site Landeta Park forest reserve
activities publications who we are how to contribute