Mary Jane Gagnier de Mendoza Visual and Cultural Arts

Canadian born, Mary Jane Gagnier de Mendoza has lived in Oaxaca since 1987 when she married master weaver and painter Arnulfo Mendoza in Teotitlán. The same year they opened La Mano Mágica. Mary Jane writes and lectures on Oaxacan art, culture and folk traditions, and offers cultural immersion programs through Casa Sagrada, their guest house in Teotitlán.

Publications

Look for her new book Oaxaca Celebrations: Family, Food and Fiestas in Teotitlán, The Museum of New Mexico Press, July 2005. For more information on Teotitlán, to order a book or to contact Mary Jane, email:info@lamanomagica.com

Tours

Festivals and Food Tour: July 2005

Mary Jane is a dynamic speaker and through her presentations, makes accessible to the visitor the complex local traditions. Join her in July 2005 at Casa Sagrada in Teotitlán for a week-long program of festivals and fiesta food from an insider’s perspective. For information on more tours, see our website:
casasagrada.com or email:info@casasagrada.com

Lectures

Mary Jane lectures at La Mano Magica and at Casa Sagrada in Teotitlán.

Lecture themes include:
Feasts and Festivals of Teotitlán, Demystifying the Magic in Oaxaca Art, The Weaving Tradition in Teotitlán. To book a lecture for your group: info@lamanomagica.com

Specially scheduled lectures

The Dead Come to Life in Mexican Folk Art
9 a.m. October 31 and November 1, 2005 at La Mano Magica. Groups and individuals welcome. Cost $10 U.S. per person. Click Casa Sagrada to learn more or reserve: info@lamanomagica.com

The Day of the Dead in Teotitlán
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 28 and November 1, 2005
Special Day of the Dead cooking class, festive market tour and lecture with Mary Jane. Learn about these traditions, visit the family altar, hands-on tamal making and 4-course lunch on the terrace. $80 includes round-trip transport.
To reserve: info@casasagrada.com