Leaves and Lizards is proud to display the artwork of the Buena Vista Women’s Group at our Art Exibition in December 2010.
Dona Sandra of Guatuso is the inspiration for this exibition. Ms. Sandra lives in Guatuso, about 25 minutes north of Leaves and Lizards. She is a single mom of three teenage children. We spotted her work while at a rodeo in Guatuso in November 2009. Her stunning pieces are for sale and displayed at Leaves and Lizards.
Ms. Sandra feels driven to use her talent to improve the lives of others, less fortunate then she is. Dona Sandra learned of Mireya’s Women’s Group in Buena Vista and Dona Mireya invited Sandra to come and teach the group to paint. “ I just want to give these women something to make them feel like they are special, something to give them some self esteem.” says Sandra.
Dona Mireya is another amazing woman. She has extensive knowledge in the use of local medical herbs, reflexology, therapeutic massage and other natural remedies to cure illness.
Dona Sandra does not have transportation, so she walks 7km to this little village outside of Guatuso. Buena Vista is a rural, poor rice and yucca farming community. According to Dona Mireya, most of these women cannot read or write.
One of her student’s husband does not want her to take the classes. He hides her shoes so she has to walk the 11km of gravel road to class in her bare feet! Now, her supportive son hides a pair of shoes for her along the side the road. There are about 20 women that participate in the group activities. Along with art classes, the women learn to sew, new techniques for growing food and self improvement skills.
Group memembers make decorative items to sell to raise money for additional projects and buy art supplies.
Guests at Leaves and Lizards often bring fabric paint, canvas and other art supplies to support these women. Many thanks to all of you! To find out how you can help contact us at leavesandlizards@gmail.com.
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