I returned to Bisan with a friend in August to collect the products that people had generously set aside money to buy from the community. When we arrived and everyone met, I was just amazed at the beautiful quality of the work. But more than this, I was profoundly touched by the delight and pride everyone demonstrated in their work. Everyone was so appreciative for the opportunity to be creative and to produce things that might generate more interest in the community, and might generate a broader market for these items. Each piece is a labor of love.
We stopped first at the house of Ana Lopez. Her daughter, Juana, excitedly showed us the beautiful table runner her mother had finished this month, and showed us another one she had started in the hopes of selling it as well. Juana and her two brothers Caspar and Alberto proudly showed off their English skills, and showed us the English book they are using. In the past few months, they built a one-room schoolhouse in the community, and have a teacher instructing a variety of topics.
We raised enough money to buy several types of items, displayed below by the artisans. We asked for purses, changepurses, table runners, placemats, and bracelets. Please email me at holashannon(at)gmail(dot)com if you know anyone who would be interested in buying these or similar items, especially if they are a retailer who would be willing to form a long-term relationship with this community!
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