New Books
Introducing the most comprehensive guide to the Mata Ortiz region, it's people and it's art:
The Magnetism of Mata Ortiz
Places, People and Pottery
Including the Mexican Revolution in the Region
By Ron and Sue Bridgemon, Jan and Russ Diers, Katie Iverson and John Gentile
"...Beyond the iconic Mata Ortiz, world renowned for art pottery and the ruins of Paquime together with the Museum of Northern Cultures (one of the best on-site museums in North American), the area is strangely unknown to visitors. The authors do a suberb job of showing the wide variety and richness the area offers. In short, highly recommended."
- Spencer MacCallum, anthropologist and writer
To learn more go to:
magnetismofmataortiz.com/
The Artistry and History of Mata Ortiz
By John V. Bezy and Stuart D. Scott
This elegant new 2010 book about Mata Ortiz potters provides a valuable resource for museum directors, gallery owners, and collectors of fine ceramics from the pottery-making village of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The 9 by 12-inch, lavishly illustrated 164-page book, is co-authored by geologist John V. Bezy and archaeologist Stuart D. Scott, who have had a long association with the Mata Ortiz area and potters. Noted Tucson designers Jackson Boelts and John Bianchi designed the book, which was printed by Arizona Lithographers.
To learn more go to:
www.MataOrtizArtists.com/mataortizartists/mataortizartists.com.html
New Documentary
The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz is a feature length documentary that is currently in post-production. Due to be released fall of 2010. It's the story of how an American treasure hunter and a Mexican artist transformed a dying desert village into a thriving home of world-class art. In addition to interviews with Juan Quezada and Spencer MacCallum, the film features award winning potters such as Diego Valles and Manuel "Manolo" Rodriguez.
Director Scott Peterson is asking for your help! He's very close to finishing this project but he needs a little more funding to get it there. This documentary will spread the word, as well as, educate others about the amazing people and incredible fine art pottery of Mata Ortiz and Casas Grandes. If you can make a donation, you will receive a credit in the movie plus, your donation is tax deductible. For more information about this film and making donations, please go to:
http://www.helpfundmymovie.com/index.html
Watch the trailer!