CaSa

CENTRO DE LAS ARTES SAN AGUSTIN (CASA)

 

Also known as  CaSa, it is considered the first center of ecological arts in Latin America. Founded by Francisco Toledo in 2006, the site, formerly a yarn and fabric factory founded in 1883, offers a space for professional creation and artistic initiation. It is a place where you can also admire the work of different national and international artists thanks to the temporary exhibitions that it rides.

 

The Center of the Arts of San Agustín is a space that gives space to young people who wish to learn about art in all its aspects, from contemporary manifestations to the rescue of techniques such as the plush, characteristic of the Oaxacan artisan tradition. Also, all materials used in these practices and productions should be friendly to the environment.

In addition to the artistic workshops, the site features dance and theater courses, as well as two exhibition halls

 

The Oaxacan capital preserves a wealth of cultural treasures: large museums, ceramic workshops, small art galleries, engraving groups ... But, in fact, its surroundings are equally rich in terms of culture.

 

A clear example is San Agustín Etla, a town that is located about 25 minutes from the city, nestled in the mountains. At its top is the San Agustín Arts Center, a cultural space where workshops and exhibitions of fine arts are held.

 

There are many towns with the same name, but they are accompanied by others such as San Pedro, San Pablo and Santa Cruz, among many others.

 

It is a fantastic place surrounded by mountains covered by forests of oak, pine and pineras, as well as springs and water eyes. The scenery is spectacular; In fact, its great color has been a source of inspiration for many artists, painters and craftsmen. So do not forget the camera for the world!

 

Facilities loaded with history

 

The Cultural Center of San Agustín is located to one side of the church of the town. The historic buildings that now house this cultural center were formerly the facilities of the textile factories of San José and La Soledad Vista Hermosa, both built during the Porfiriato. These mills closed when cotton yarn and textile producers were affected by changes in the market, with new synthetic petroleum products and the continued change of owners and administrations.

 

For years these buildings were abandoned until, on the initiative of the painter Francisco Toledo (Juchitán, Oaxaca, 1940), they became what is now the Center of the Arts of San Agustín Etla.

 

Now, in what was the industrial site of the textile factory, two large galleries were enabled in their two levels. The ground floor has been designed for exhibitions of photography, graphics, ceramics and posters. In the superior there is a great hall where you can appreciate the old machines that were used in the textile. This site is intended for concerts, puppet theater functions, conference room and student exhibitions.

 

Handmade paper

 

A little more than 100 meters from the CaSa are located the facilities of a handmade paper workshop, in what used to be the La Soledad light plant.

 

The production of paper is done in a traditional way using cotton, fibers and natural materials. The magic of this place starts from the moment you enter and you come across rustic sinks, tubs, racks, buckets, pots, felts, presses and clotheslines.

 

The aim of the workshop is to specialize in the production of four or five types of paper that can be used by artists. Also notebooks, envelopes, invitation paper, notebooks for drawing, artist boxes and stationery in general.

 

The importance of learning these techniques is that it has served the community to undertake and create its own source of income.

 

There is also a shop where products of young artists are sold, among which are the kites with Toledo designs. So when you go through San Agustín Etla, do not forget to enjoy the art, the landscape and bring you a beautiful memory.

 

How to get

If you do not bring a car, you can arrive by taxi at a cost of 15 pesos per person. There are two authorized sites: "El Carcamo" and "San Agustín Etla" (both have their base in the Prolongación street of Valerio Trujano, next to the Supply Center, in the center of the city). They will leave you a few meters from the entrance. Sometimes the return is complicated by the scarcity of taxis. Locate the stop, right in the corner of the boutique hotel Casa Maria and plan your return with time.

 

Another more comfortable option is to take a private taxi, which will charge you approximately 200 pesos.

 

What to eat

In front of the church square stands garnachas, fresh water and ice cream, ideal to cool down and kill the hunger. Now, if you prefer a more "fit" meal, head to the Casa María hotel-restaurant.

 

 

Where to sleep

Casa María is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a mansion from the late 19th century. With its ample spaces, it is ideal to spend a day (or more) of pure rest. The plus? It has its own art gallery. Airbnb is a good option there are some people who rent their parishes in this population.

 

Independencia Avenue No. 64, Barrio Soledad Vista Hermosa, San Agustín Etla, Oaxaca.

 

Www.casamaria.mx