Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the Andean village of Chinchero to visit with Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez. Nilda learned to weave as a child while tending the flocks in the fields of her village. When she was a teenager, Nilda worked with researchers on preserving the traditional themes and techniques of weaving in the Andean community. As an adult, Nilda traveled extensively to the U.S. to organize weaving exhibits and workshops in several universities and the Textile Museum of Washington D.C. Nilda offers an indigenous, multi-faceted perspective on the arts, as well as excellent cilitation and communication skills. She is truly a one of a kind artist. She will be happy to lead a relaxed, fascinating workshop on traditional blackstrap weaving techniques and a discussion on the role of weaving in a contemporary Andean culture. We will get to know how people live and work.
Continue to the town of Urubamba to visit the Seminario Ceramic Studio, which has been dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. Pablo Seminario and Marilu Behar present a new art expression, providing continuity to these cultural inheritances. He forms groups of artisans who hand make each piece, paint them with mineral oxides, and then blaze the products in kilns. The pieces that are glazed for daily use and the materials used are non-toxic. The final result is a ceramic of high quality and beauty, one that harmonizes with nature while preserving ecological integrity. Lunch and dinner are included. Lunch en route is included.