Medellin’s Plaza Mayor will host 290 artisanal craftsmen exhibiting their works through to Sunday for the highly anticipated “Expoartesano.”
“It’s a example of our country, of what we are,” said Alicia Mejia, director of Expoartesano, who designed the event to cultivate historical and cultural memories of Colombia.
Expoartesano is also intended to generate revenue. In 2011 more than $500,000 of goods were sold to over 13,000 visitors. The air fair, which debuted in 2009, opened its doors on Thursday.
The Blue Pavilion will offer contemporary crafts, fashion, accessories, and the work of various designers, including Franchesca Miranda, Beatriz Camacho, and Isabel Henao.
A big slice of Colombia’s ethnic diversity will be represented by more than 200 rural, urban, indigenous, and Afro Colombian craftsmen. Expoartesano intends to offer a space for these individuals to sell their products and share their experiences.
There will also be a special area dedicated to gastronomy and typical Colombian food. Expoartesano expects to host more than 20,000 visitors and commissions from international buyers this year.