On March 23rd, we made an exciting announcement to two of our seasoned rug-hookers who have been learning from U.S. rug-hooker Mary Anne Wise and assistant Jody Slocum, for the past three years. Rosa F. Garcia and Yolanda Calgua were pulled aside and told, through translation of their mentor, friend and OB Field Supervisor, Lucia Chavez, that they’d been selected to travel to the United States this coming September. Believing in the talent, energy and heart that her Guatemalan students have always put into their craft, and seeing that hooked into recycled-fabric rugs, Mary Anne worked to confirm an exhibition featuring their beautiful works. This September, The Anderson Center in Minneapolis, MN will exhibit Mary Anne Wise & Friends: The Art of the Hooked Rug, which will feature rugs from the OB rug-hooking groups. What’s even more amazing, is that Rosa and Yolanda, along with their mentor Lucia, will be right there to tell you all about it!

View their itinerary here!

Watch their reactions on Video below as Mary Anne, Lucia & Ramona deliver the news!

Welcome to our new Oxlajuj B’atz’ website! In an effort to bring you all the latest information, we’ve upgraded to a new, more interactive website. Here, you’ll find a blog that will hold stories from the field, volunteer experiences or just interesting topics of discussion. We’ve added more history and description of our main program areas, with photos and testimonials from the women members. Our Institutional Strengthening page will give you insight to some exciting organizational developments we’re undertaking to make our programs both needs and evidence-based. We’ll be putting new photos, videos and information about upcoming events all the time, so make sure to bookmark our page in your favorites! (and thanks for your patience as we tweak the page in its initial stages!). Thanks for your support and for being with us on this amazing journey!

We’re delighted to welcome our two summer fellows, partnering with OB and Nest for two months of exciting projects. Nikki and Darcy will help create a production guide for artisan products, learn about and strategize for our monitoring & evaluation system, and public outreach for our new center. Stop on by to say hello and learn about what inspired them to volunteer with Nest and OB!

Stop by and see our new office and store setup in the Casa Kaqchikel! While the renovations continue on the historic building, we’ve temporarily relocated to the first floor. Enter through the main black double-doors and Nancy will be there to greet you and show you around. Our new waiting area and meeting space boasts a cozy fireplace and high ceilings, and the Fair Trade Store is just at the top of the stairs. Come on by!