Our first Volunteer Effort In Merida

Yesterday Carlos and I experienced our first volunteer day here in Merida. We offered to help at the Artist Studio tour which is a fund raising activity for the Merida English Library, which is more than a library. It also serves as a community center for many, many activities from story hours to happy hours to lectures and music. Our assignment was to volunteer at one of the artists studio during the tour. We would help with crowd control if needed as well as check for wristbands and answer questions. We meet our assigned artist about  days before the event at a 'training' session at the library. At the same time we were able to meet the other volunteers as well as the 19 other artist that were participating.

Our assigned artist, Paul Lorenz, was a charming American somewhere in his 40's (best guess) originally from Chicago, currently living in Puducah, KY and Merida, Yucatan. Trained as an architect his art work is fascinating and compelling. Both Carlos and I felt we had won the assignment lottery and really was looking forward to helping with whatever we could on the day of the tour.

The poster was on the door

 On the day of the tour we arrived at Paul's home and studio just before 10am. The tours would continue until 3pm so we all would have a longish day. Paul had hung the post on the door at the street so the touring folks would know that they had arrived at artist studio #15. He greeted all and chatted about his life and painting as well as answered any question that were asked.

Paul, in the white shirt talking about his art

Carlos waiting for the next group

We did get chances to rest between groups but all in all it seemed to be a very successful day, Carlos and I not only meet a wonderful artist and his family, but had a chance to meet others to. And the art! Oh man if I had more money there were a few that would be hanging on my wall right now!