Galeria Atotonilco - Mexican Folk Art

Serape from San Luis Potosi circa 1920

I recently spent a good part of the afternoon touring Mayer Shacter's spectacular Mexican folk art gallery, Galeria Atotonilco, and home, Casa Renacimiento (Renaissance House), situated about 5 miles north of San Miguel de Allende. In 2001, Mayer and his wife, writer Susan Page, purchased an abandoned rattan furniture factory on eight acres along the Rio Laja. They engaged landscape architect Tim Wachter and celebrated architects Steven and Cathi House, "who transformed the property and buildings into a spectacular home and gallery, which have now been featured in two books and a magazine. The unusual architecture has been variously dubbed "contemporary organic" or "modern baroque." (Galeria Atotonilco) You can take a virtual tour of the gallery by clicking here.

Originally from Berkeley, California, Mayer Shacter had a flourishing career as a ceramic artist for 27 years and also dealt in fine antiques. Since moving to Mexico, he travels throughout the country to find the best artists working today, and then purchases their finest work. He often commissionins pieces, so many of the items in the gallery are unique. His vintage serapes, 19th century retablos, ex-votos, and antique trunks are impressive. And, his collections of papel mache, carved and painted wood figures, ceramics and Huichol yarn paintings are quite beautiful.

Visits to Galeria Atotonilco are by appointment only. Contact information is on their website www.folkartsanmiguel.com