Sale of Oaxacan Rugs and Textiles at International Friendship Club Janie Albright Blank - International Friendship Club
December 17, 2013

Looking for that perfect holiday gift? I know my husband and I often buy a piece of art as our holiday gift to each other. We especially love to make the purchase on our travels, discovering something special we cannot find at home.

The International Friendship Club (IFC) of Puerto Vallarta will host a sale of beautiful Oaxacan rugs and fine hand-loomed textiles presented by Zapotec Art at the Clubhouse on Friday, December 20 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Current IFC members will receive a 20% discount on their purchases.

Zapotec Art is a family of craftsmen from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico. Alberto Contreras Vicente and his brothers are the fourth generation from the families of both their father and mother to be rug and textile weavers. Alberto tells me that his family has 180 years of combined weaving experience!

Alberto's father sent him to Puerto Vallarta when he was just 19 years old to open a shop to sell the family's work. His brothers followed and they have been very successful because of the artistry and craftsmanship of their work and the fair prices they offer at their shop on I. Vallarta next to Elements in Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Alberto speaks very good English in addition to Zapotec and Spanish.

The family speaks the Zapotec language and Alberto says their designs are very traditional, being drawn from the Zapotec culture. Their designs all mean something about the life, sky, and the universe. Alberto noted that Zapotec culture is a very evolved cosmology. An interesting fact about Oaxacan rugs that makes them easily distinguishable from Navaho rugs, for example, is that the design in a Oaxacan rug is identical on both sides. They use all natural dyes from plants, fruits, and insects and are not subject to fading.

The wool used by Zapotec Art in their rugs has a unique design and quality from the state of Oaxaca. The designs of the rugs are often representations of archeological sites in Oaxaca.

They also weave very fine cotton textiles such as tablecloths, placemats, napkins, table runners, decorative cushions, curtains, bags, rebosos, and cotton scarves. They have a wide selection available but also do custom work for both rugs and textiles. For more information on Zapotec Art you can visit their website.  And please consider an IFC membership (join on Dec 20th and enjoy a nice discount on your purchase the same day!)

Please mark this sale date on your calendar. You can visit the IFC website to discover the many benefits and discounts available to club members from local restaurants and businesses.

Another Holiday shopping idea is the IFC 2nd Hand Bargain Bazaar on Wednesday, December 18th. Sell those things that are cluttering up your life. Come and shop for those unique Holiday items that you can't find elsewhere! Vendors: Reserve your table in the IFC during office hours, only 50 pesos. Limited tables available! Set up on the 18th, 9-10 am only. Shoppers: Arrive anytime 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and enjoy some GREAT bargains. Your holiday budget will thank you!!

The International Friendship Club is a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. It is located at the northeast corner of the Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, 48300. Telephone is (322) 222-5466 and email is ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

  Learn about International Friendship Club