Colectivo Tomate, the La Cruz Murals project.
Chris Bouchard interviewed Salvador Garcia.
Since Mayan and Aztec times, art has been an integral part of Mexican society; any opportunity to express and savor the local culture and its history has always been welcomed enthusiastically. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is no different. Today, we feature and honor a supergroup of “guest characters” which has indelibly left its mark on La Cruz.
Colectivo Tomate, led by Project Director Salvador Garcia. Recently, Chava, as he is known by his youthful team of local and international artists, spoke to me after a marathon two weeks of creative frenzy in La Cruz.
CB: Chava, tell me about Colectivo Tomate, and this La Cruz Murals initiative.
SG: Colectivo Tomate is a group of artists that seeks to fill the streets of Mexico with color and celebrate our history through art. Here in La Cruz, with our Ciudad Mural (City of Murals) project, we have transformed the walls of dozens of La Cruz homes and businesses into works of art.
CB: How would you define the group’s mission?
SG: Collective Tomate seeks to tell the stories of the communities we visit and transform spaces that might otherwise be forgotten. We begin by selecting a location and recruiting artists willing to donate their time and talent. We interview local families, and the artists tell those stories through interpretive murals. We bring art to every corner of the town and revitalize a spirit of connection and “pride of place”. The collective is not only about art, but it also seeks to educate, promote coexistence, respect and unity, and this is achieved by involving not only the artists selected to create the murals but also the members of the community through workshops and experiential sessions, like the “interpretive art-walk” this past Saturday here in La Cruz.
CB: That was great, indeed! Salvador, how did La Cruz have the good fortune of being selected for this project?
SG: We considered a number of towns in Bahia de Banderas, including Sayulita, San Pancho, and others. We determined that in La Cruz, we had the best fit and that our impact here could be most significant.
CB: In what respect?
SG: La Cruz has a great history as a hardworking pioneer town. Families of fishermen, farmers, caleros, and so on. However, the town is now in transition, adding tourism as a significant socio-economic aspect of life here. Our murals project serves as an opportunity to showcase and honor the collective history of La Cruz. In addition to the younger local kids, ex-pats, snowbirds, and tourists also gain an intimate insight of the various characters and characteristics of La Cruz- family and personal histories, hopes, and inspiration, told in pictures.
CB: How many murals? Painters? Etc.?
SG: We had twenty-three painters- all but four were Mexican, plus over a hundred support workers- advance team, coordinators, public liaisons, food and accommodation people, and so on. We completed 30 + murals, with a combined area of 1300 square meters.
CB: Well, we certainly appreciate all the hard work, and the results are simply wonderful. How do we thank you?
SG: First, we ask that you take care of the murals- the owners of the buildings are not obligated, and in some ways not able to keep them in prime condition. The paintings receive a final sealer once complete, but some wear will occur over time. And of course, we trust that the images will be respected by all. So, we ask that you adopt and care for them. Second, please fortify what is already evident in La Cruz- strong bridges between cultures- local and foreign, young and old, affluent and needy. Respect and learn about each other. Continue to collaborate. Find a need and fill it. Third, support local producers and service providers, – fishermen, tour guides, grocers, taxi drivers, musicians, and restauranteurs, etc., who live and work here or very close by.
Local Artist Silvia’s second mural.
CB: Agreed. Like music, live and local is best- there’s a connection to be had here that just doesn’t occur in the Big Box stores. What’s next for La Cruz and Colectivo Tomate?
SG: Well it’s up to you. I did hear of local interest in telling the history of our nation; from the ancient, pre-Hispanic times, right up to modern days here in La Cruz. This could be awesome – perhaps in a series of murals, (for example, using the dozens of panels of the wall around the primary school). A great opportunity to involve the youth in an educational and affirming collaboration. A project like this could fall under another of Colectivo Tomate’s programs called Consonantes.
CB: That sounds exciting- let’s hold the vision that a “champion” for that idea, or something similar, shows up! Salvador, thanks again to you and your team, and to Comex, and the municipality of Bahia de Banderas for its support.
CB: One last question, Salvador. What’s the significance of the name- why Colectivo Tomate?
SG: Tomate was chosen for its strong link to the culture of Mexico, where the tasty fruit originated. Tomatoes also have many seeds, can grow almost anywhere given some sunshine and attention, and are an essential ingredient in many recipes in Mexico’s world-famous cuisine; from the simplest home-made salsa to the highest culinary masterpieces.
CB: Well, thanks again, for all the visual masterpieces now to be seen around La Cruz.
SG: It was a great pleasure, and we look forward to La Cruz’ continued growth as a connected, enlightened, sustainable and collaborative community- see you on our next project!
From the community about La Cruz Murals?
Annette and Cirilo of The La Cruz Inn told me;
A few weeks back Colectivo Tomate approached families in the Centro area that had wall space. The artists had a welcoming party for an introduction to the La Cruz Murals project and then they came to meet and interview individual families. They wanted to express in the mural what they learned from us. In our mural we wanted to portray:
- A horse for Cirilo
- Ships for our cruise ship days
- Rescue dog to include Annette’s passion
- Turtle for our love of the sea
- Humminbird as they enjoy both Mexico and Canada
- Two agave plants are for us and our ranch
After interviewing Cirilo and Annette separately, Artist Annie came up with this ‘concept’; Painter in Action:
