By popular demand, the Mimbres Region Arts Council is bringing back its Guatemalan Holiday Mercado on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the MRAC/Wells Fargo Bank Gallery, 1201 Pope Street in Silver City. Kick off your holidays with this fun event and choose from many festive, colorful gift items.

Handcrafted items will fill the Gallery space - many sell out quickly. The sale will feature an extensive selection of handmade weavings created by Guatemalan artisans and offered for sale by Curt and Sonia Porter longtime vendors of Guatemalan textiles.

The Porters have traveled between Guatemala and the U.S. for approximately 16 years selling goods on behalf of Guatemalan weavers. Items for sale will include woven scarves and shawls, coats and vests, jewelry, backpacks and purses, place settings and tablecloths, pants, skirts, blouses and belts, Santos and so much more!

Sharyn McDonald, from the University district of Silver City, has been coming to the Guatemalan sale every year. According to Sharyn, it is a great place to shop. €݃urt brings items to adorn tables to toddlers. There are curious masks, saintly statues, hats and jewelry of every type and color. Prices start at $1 and modestly go from there. He also brings wall hangings, key chains, wallets, purses, unique tote bags and so much more. Everyone who comes to shop seems to have fun and finds something unique to take home.”

Join us for personal or holiday gift shopping. Come early, browse and meet friends. The Nov. 5 Mercado not only benefits the Guatemalan artisans, but a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Mimbres Region Arts Council to support events and programming.

Faye McCalmont, MRAC director says “Some of our shoppers have been coming for several years. They share their enthusiasm with newcomers and a real holiday atmosphere is felt throughout the day. We love the excitement of the shopping hustle and bustle of the crowd. The work is just fabulous. It's so intricate and rich. There is something for everyone and the prices are so affordable. This is a wonderful way to support these women weavers in a developing country as well as the Arts Council.”

For more information about the event, call the Arts Council at 538-2505 or visit www.mimbresarts.org. The Mimbres Region Arts Council uses the power of the Arts to inspire, enrich, and strengthen
our local communities.