Category Archives: Pittsburgh Happenings

Mexico Lindo, Mundo Lindo

When Jean-Pierre died in 2013, everyone, customers and artists alike insisted vehemently to me: “You must continue! You are needed! We will support you!” Knowing even then the unlikelihood  of financial success when after almost 10 years we had never once made a profit, I was hesitant, but I was determined to throw in all that I had to give and it a try. I increased the advertising budget significantly, I brought two Great Maestros as visiting artists and collaborated with local organizations to introduce them to as many people as possible, I commissioned one of a kind masterpieces and I introduced some wonderful new clothing lines. I Facebooked, I Tweeted, I Instagrammed, I blogged, I emailed. Quite often couldn’t do much in my grief stricken state, and then we lost Jean-Pierre’s mother as well. This world is very different than it was when I began my site and then 2 years later opened the store; there has been a perfect storm of circumstances beyond my control, all pointing to the same conclusion: this cannot be sustained in this fashion with just one person being chef, cook and bottle washer. The rise and fall of the latest “it” shopping districts have incurred a sharp decrease of traffic in my beloved neighborhood, and I have never been willing to pass the price of higher rents on to my customers for the sake of  more traffic or more recognition, whether that would have been wiser or not. I have been fortunate in my landlords at Equity Real Estate, who have not raised my rent for years, yet even that isn’t enough. More and more of our shopping is done from our homes. The influx of inexpensive Chinese imitations of categories of work such as muertos has significantly curtailed my sales as well. I will close the Murray Avenue locale at the end of February. It will make more sense for me at this time to go back to where I began, and the site re-do that I began in July is well underway. I will let you know when the relaunch is official. But before that, I have a much neglected house to attend to, with clutter and things to be sold and redistributed in all manner of ways. I will finally begin paperwork to bring to life my non profit, which will be called Mundo Lindo, so that I can find a way to continue doing what I love within the framework of multicultural collaborations. I will do some local events as a vendor, and I will be creating some product lines that I have long desired to, with the hopes that there may yet be a way for Mexico Lindo and the artists whom I represent to preserve their traditions, for all to prosper and grow. I have a dream: a location that has room for vendors representing various countries, dedicated space for changing exhibits, visiting artists, workshops, dance and performance. In the middle of that is a cafe and there is ample parking for food trucks for outdoor events. An international mercado. Whether or not this dream is based in a reality that can be manifested will depend on many factors, and it is a long range plan. A developer with deep pockets and similar vision will be needed. I truly don’t know if it can or should be done, or if I am the person to do it. Nonetheless, I’m compelled to ask: are you with me? Then please stay tuned and stay in touch. 

with all of my love and gratitude,

Lisa

 

June News: Squirrel Hill Night Market and Fundraising for PULSE Victims

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Save the Dates!

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Viva la Vida ~ Dia de los Muertos event at Mexico Lindo

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Dia de los Muertos Open House. In honor and remembrance of my husband Jean-Pierre Nutini, my father in law Hugo Nutini and our dog Adelita. Add the name of your beloved ones to the ofrenda. Enjoy hot chocolate from Oaxaca, coffee from Zapatista cooperatives in Chiapas, pan de muerto, cookies, candlelight and music.

“Viva la vida
Que ayer, que ayer
Se fue

Vivan las sombras
De mis voces
Llorando lejos

Vivan los sueños
Que nunca despertaron
Mi amor

Felicidad
¿Qué importa ya?
Si canto a la luz de tu sombra

Viva la vida
Que ayer, que ayer
Se fue

Vivan las noches
De tus voces
Durmiendo lejos

Vivan los sueños
Que nunca despertaron
Mi amor

Felicidad,
Felicidad
Tomando el mescal de la luna”

May Day March for Immigrants’ Rights


5pm, Wednesday May 1–Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Hall, 10 s 19th St., Pittsburgh, PA

6pm—March to IBEW Local 5 Hall, 5 Hot Metal St, Pittsburgh PA

May 1st has been historically linked to international workers’ rights. It started, May 1 1886 when the U.S. Federation of Organized Trade and Labor Unions – which included immigrant workers from all over — ruled that an 8 hour work day, would be a full and legal work day. The ruling class refused, causing riots and the long and even deadly battle to win rights for workers. It wasn’t long before workers from all over the world began protesting and standing up for their rights. While we may think we have secured safe conditions, the promise of a minimum wage and overtime after a 40 hour work week for all working people, the truth is that we have much more work to do. The battle that began between the ruling class and the working class in 1886 is still smoldering today.

Right here in the US millions of workers are treated as second class citizens, earning unconscionably low wages — driving wages down for everyone – trapped by fear, and then being used as a scapegoat for our problems. Undocumented workers make up growing portions of low wage workers, often being exploited by their employers. Our current immigration system creates a clear list of winners and losers. While huge corporations, private prisons and the fast food industry continue to benefit from the current system, we, the working and tax-paying people of the United States, continue to lose every day. Our current immigration system is broken. It’s expensive, it doesn’t work (undocumented workers have increased exponentially since more money has been spent on border patrol) and it creates a second class of workers, who corporations and companies use to lower wages for everyone.

We will march on May Day to demand that our government come up with a plan that includes comprehensive immigration reform. Now is the time to keep families united; now is the time to hold employers accountable for the exploitation of millions of people across the country; now is the time to give all working people a fighting chance at a better life.

Flight of the Quetzal Lecture; December 2012 Mayan Prophecies Revealed

Monday, November 19, 2012
7:00pm until 8:30pm
Ac Tah, el caminante maya, translates to the Mayan Messenger.
He has dedicated his life to traveling the world and sharing the teachings of his Mayan ancestors. His last trip to Pittsburgh was so inspiring! He is coming back November 18th, for three days only, to explain Mayan prophecies and teach people how to prepare for the global shift of consciousness.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and experience ancient Mayan traditions first hand. Donations for each event are much appreciated, with a portion going to FUMC. All proceeds received will help the Owl Tribe and Ac Tah spread the message of 2012, during the month of December, while touring Mexico together!

MAIN EVENT: Flight of the Quetzal Lecture;
December 2012 Mayan Prophecies Revealed
Monday, November 19th 7-8:30pm
First United Methodist Church
5401 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15232
This event has a suggested donation of $5-$10
Lecture translated by: Joey Rahimi

MOVEMENT EVENTS:
Sacred Geometry Movement Workshop: Align with the New Cosmic Energy
Sunday, November 18th @ 8pm
FUMC: 5401 Center Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15232
Donations welcomed

Sacred Geometry Movement Workshop: Align with the New Cosmic Energy
Monday, November 19th @ 10am
FUMC: 5401 Center Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15232
GROUP HEALING BY THE OWL TRIBE TO FOLLOW featuring Reiki, Massage, Crystal Activation, and more with Kellee Maize, Angela Morelli, Holly McIntosh, Jade, Bobbi Williams and Abby Samuels
Donations welcomed

Orion Labyrinth: November 20th @ 10am (location TBD)
Once the workshops and lecture have concluded Ac Tah has agreed to build a sacred Labyrinth right here in Pittsburgh. WE NEED LAND – PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PERMANENT GIFT ON YOUR PROPERTY! The labyrinth will be approximately 100 square feet and we’ll need lots of hands to help complete it. Once the Labyrinth is finished Ac Tah will be performing a traditional Mayan ceremony at the location.

Visit Ac Tah’s Website
See Videos: http://www.actah2012.com/Vibrational-Training.htm
Labyrinth Information: http://www.actah2012.com/orion-labyrinth.htm

For questions please email: angela@nakturnal.net

Brought to you by: Owl Tribe, Peaceburgh, Transformational Alliance Peaceburgh, Evolver, TMwomen.org, Verve Wellness and Nakturnal

Latin American Fiesta! Spring Concert featuring Coro Latino Americano Pittsburgh & the Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra

Latin American Fiesta! Spring Concert featuring Coro Latino Americano Pittsburgh & the Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra

A concert of classical and popular Latin American music that will make you dance in your seat! Special guest artists include Lilly Abreu (Brazilian Soprano), Enrique Bernardo (Peruvian Tenor), Walter Morales (Guest conductor, Costa Rica), & Tango ensemble and dancers (Argentina).

Date: Sunday, May 6, 2012
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland

Admission is free (Donations accepted)

For more information, please contact: 412-377-5850, corolapgh@gmail.com, www.corolapgh.com

Week In Bahia 2012

Week in Bahia 2012: see the Facebook event page for more details!

In Pittsburgh: Coro Latinoamericano’s Christmas Concert and Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Celebration Mass

Two special events in Pittsburgh are coming tomorrow and Monday!
On Saturday December 10th at 7:30 pm the Coro Latinamericano will perform Feliz Navidad,Pittsburgh! at the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium in Oakland. For more information or directions call 412.322.0281 or email corolapgh@gmail.com.

On Monday December 12th at 7:00 pm the Parish of Saint Regis together with the Latino Communities of the Parishes of St. Paul and the Holy Rosary are pleased to invite you to celebrate the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, with His Excellency Bishop David Zubick at St. Pauls’ Cathedral in Oakland, with a reception immediately following mass in the Social Hall. For more information call 412.681.9365

Photographs from Muertos y Monarcas

We want to thank everyone who particpated in and championed Muertos y Monarcas this year and to share the pix from the ofrendas with you. First, though, I had promised some a link to background info on Dia de los Muertos, and this article by Judy King is one of my favorites. All of the links in this entry lead to informative articles or videos about the individuals and all of the photos are clickable to view full sized. Keep in mind that the ofrendas are limited to remembrances of people who have died between the last Dia de los Muertos and the current one, primarily because the ofrendas become very crowded quickly.

The next two images give two views of the pieces at the top center:

The mid center features an amazing ceramic Muerto by Demetrio Aguilar:

and directly below that is a highly detailed ceramic Frida by Tomas Baez:

Below Frida with her monkeys and birds is the area we call the “secret grotto”, featuring a beaded Huichol skull and behind it a papier mache skull mask:

..and a detail of the ceramic calveras feasting by Adrian Gonzalez in front of that, as well as the extra fancy sugar skulls from Toluca:

..at the base in the center is the Mexican Drug War casualty count, and a favorite image in postcard form by artist Artemio Rodriguez, and to the right of that a shrouded figure in barro negro by Carlomagno Pedro Martinez and a Catrina driving a cart and horse by Guillermina Aguilar:

Below, on the far left we have the giant Deer Dancer holding the sign with the Iraq and Afghanistan war casualty counts and also a photo of activist and poet Susana Chavez:

A view of some love notes left behind by participants:

On the left wall, we fondly remember Peter Falk, Jack LaLanne , Captain Beefheart and Dr. Billy Taylor.

At midpoint on the upper left level we remember painter Lucian Freud and filmmaker Dino De Laurentiis:

On the lower left level, we have three strong women: Betty Ford, Geraldine Ferraro and Bernardine Healy:

On the lower left corner, we honor Jose Arguelles with a sterling silver Hunab Ku pin/pendant combo, a customized Hunab Ku candle and a Serpentine Mayan lord carving:

and to the right of Jose, we have Elizabeth Edwards between a painted cranio with serpent by Silvia Hernandez and muerto tree of life by Jose Luis Serrano:


On the right wall: Amy Winehouse, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Jobs and Facundo Cabral:

At midpoint on the upper right level we remember painter Leonora Carrington and Owsley Stanley:

On the lower right level, we honor two remarkable innovators: Dennis Ritchie and Wangari Maathai

And on the lower right corner, Bishop Samuel Ruiz, flanked by a miniature ceramic bishop calavera by Miguel Angel and a Zapatista on horseback from Chiapas:

On the base of the lower right we have another giant wooden Aztec warrior, enjoying his pan de muerto…

Over the window display case a pretty girl calavera in papier mache was taking a breather from the festivites:

On the bottom right of the window we had prolific composer John Barry and his mini piano playing skeleton self:

and two legendary Pittsburghers, radio personality John Cigna and former Pirates manager Chuck Tanner:

Also in the window on the right side are two more Pittsburghers and friends who left us all too soon, Leo Welsh and Ryan Douthit. Beside Leos’ photo is a classic cranio with butterflies in ceramic by Tomas Baez; beside Ryans’ photo is a selection of our sterling silver muerto jewelry, a carved and painted wooden monkey calavera by Bertha Cruz Morales:

In the bottom center of the window are two unique pieces; the “Kiss of Death” in barro negro by Carlomagno Pedro Martinez and a calavera sirena in ceramic, along with more assorted mini ceramics by Miguel Angel:

The window center is devoted to another Pittsburgher and our neighbor here at the store for the past seven years; Italian tailor and futbol player Alberto DiClemente:

On the upper left of the window we remember Sargent Shriver, and beside him more sterling silver jewelry in muerto themes, as well as a wooden catrina by Rocio Hernandez.

More personal remembrances follow in the window; shown here in succession are my Aunt Ruth Stafford Duesing, my beloved cat and best friend for 16 years, Poppy, and my dear brother Danny DiGioia.

In the lower left of the window we have photographer Lazaro Blanco and his mini photographer skeleton self:

Some of our visitors came in full dress:

And so another Dia de los Muertos had come and gone, reminding us once again of the mystery of our seemingly fragile existence and the eternal bonds of love that we all share. It also reminds us to cherish those we love, whether they reside in this world or some other, in every moment, putting aside grief, anxieties and conflicts wherever possible, and that surrounding ourselves with beauty is part of what makes being human in an inexplicable world not only more bearable, but more worthwhile. Conversely, that which we can’t immediately see with the physical eyes is no less present or beautiful. As the ex-angel played so perfectly by Peter Falk said to another angel in Wim Wenders’ iconic film, Wings of Desire (see link for Peter Falk!): “I can’t see you, but I know that you’re there. Compañero.”