I have literally hundreds of images from this trip to Oaxaca. I could have shot thousands more. The art, the colors, the food, the people, the creativity...it's all so astoundingly gorgeous. And yet there is extreme poverty all around. Oaxacans are among the poorest people in Mexico. But that does not dampen their spirits or love of beauty. Anyone who can make something does it beautifully.

Captured at a small village 20 minutes outside of Oaxaca where we visited author and photographer Eric Mindling, who lives remotely with his dogs when he is not traveling the world documenting soon to be lost arts. http://www.ericmindling.com

The focus of our tour was art. So we stayed close to town, visiting artists and artisans in their studios, workshops and homes. All live simply in this climate that has endured years of drought. Water is more precious that Mezcal. It stormed a few times at night while we were here, but was bone dry by the next morning. We even had a couple of earth quakes.

Artist Mija sits in an old tree on our trip out into the country.

Photographer/Writer Eric Mendling tells us a story

Visiting Eric's simple, yes beautiful home outside of Oaxaca.

Simple yard furniture made in Oaxaca. Stays put in high winds. Practical and very cool.

This is a spider...about 3.5" across. Yikes!

I cannot resist Mexican dogs. They are so kind and loving. Always on the thin side.

Examplle of the amazing street art that is everywhere. Sadly it has sparked a lot of graffeti as well.

Installation at a handmade tile show

Our dining table at the Casa...delicious food, day and night.

Inside every church is amazing artistry. Even in the very poorest communities. All of the curches belong to the governement. They are pretty well maintained.

Jane, the owner of the casa and terribly funny person, is on the left, and Brooke Kyle, one of our group is on the right in her new beautiful outfit.

This is some of the staff at the casa. Each one is an angel. None of them speak English but always know exactly what you need.

The art we made was a reflection of our surroundings. Fantastical and organic. Growing from within, combining with bits of this and that until we created our Everyday Saints to help guide us to the next phase of our lives.

Susan and Amanda (mother and daughter) had to leave 2 days early but powered through their projects and finished them in record time.

These are Everyday Saints, each one designed and created by one of our student artists...all different skill levels, from beginning to advanced and even professional. You are never too old to try something new!