We’re just back from visiting weavers around Lake Atitlan and I wanted to share the inspiring story of ADISA (Associacion de Padres y Amigos de Personas Discapacidad Santiago Atitlan). One part of the larger organization is a group of artisans made up of members with special needs and big hearts known as Artesanos ADISA. ADISA was created from the experiences of Francisco Sojuel Figueroa, his wife María Argentina Figueroa, and the birth of their third child, Nyla Eliza. Their daughter was born with hydrocephalus, a condition of water on the brain causing the head to enlarge. She underwent several operations and as a result contracted meningitis, which left huge side effects and multiple disabilities. "In 1998 we formed ADISA and we began...
These Christmas stars have been handcrafted by the Artesanos ADISA (in English Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities Santiago Atitlán). ADISA is a nongovernmental organization based in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala whose mission is to assist, defend and further the rights of people with disabilities. Services and resources for people with special needs is rare and desperately needed. The making of handcrafts provides income for these special needs artisans and their families. Your support will make a huge difference in the lives of many people. Made of paper each is beautiful, unique and unbreakable, perfect for children to hang and appreciate. Makes a beautiful ornament, gift tag or charm. Add to your Christmas wreathe or holiday celebration. All of...
We believe that business should be good for the world. We search out one-of-a-kind handmade items where craftsmanship, tradition and creativity are paramount. We support the dignity of human work in an increasingly automated world and mass-produced merchandise. Your purchase helps support artists, their families and their communities. We have just recently returned from our first visit to Guatemala since the start of the pandemic. It unfortunately coincided with a spike in cases of the COVID Delta variant and many businesses were locked down or closed due to the lack of tourists. We also found that two of the artisan groups we visited are mourning the passing of their organizations' founders. The pressure on artisans and small businesses is intensifying during the pandemic. Your donation to Studio...
Perhaps you've heard of the Northern Triangle in Central America which includes Northern Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. If you've read or watched the news you know that thousands of desperate families are fleeing their homelands. Poverty and violent crime continue to plague these areas without any hope of change coming. More than half the population in this area lives on less than $4 per day. Youth are particularly vulnerable to predatory street gangs. Farms fail due to drought, extreme weather and pestilence. Many men seek employment elsewhere leaving behind wives and children who must survive alone. Thousands of immigrants risk being robbed or assaulted on migratory routes. Studio Maya is working to help these women and children in need of support. We work with weavers...
World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on Dr. Archie Carr’s birthday. Dr. Carr was the founder of the Sea Turtle Conservancy and his research and advocacy brought attention to the environmental conditions that continue to threaten sea turtles. Today 6 of the 7 sea turtle species on earth are endangered due to loss of habitat, accidental fishing, plastic pollution and the effects of climate change. For hundreds of millions of years sea turtles have performed many important tasks that contribute to the well-being of sea life and the environment. Leatherbacks and hawksbill sea turtles help keep the populations of jellyfish and sponges in check. Green sea turtles eat sea grass which needs to be kept short to ensure it’s health...
