“Art’s meaning begins with seeing and experiencing the work itself,” writes artist Kathleen Cammarata of her current solo show, “What We See … What We Don’t See,” at the Museo de Arte de Queretaro. “We bring to images our life experiences,” she writes. “We choose what we see.”
This week I chose to make a day trip to the historic district of Queretaro from San Miguel de Allende to see Kathleen’s breathtaking exhibition of drawings, paintings, and mixed media and to share some of what I saw and experienced with my many WOW readers. If you are fortunate enough to attend the exhibition in person, it will be up until June 22. The museum’s hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
WOW readers may recall my interview with my friend and “homegirl” Kathleen of June 2022 in her studio here in San Miguel (https://blog.bonnieleeblack.com/Kathleen-Cammarata-painting-connections/ ). In this wide-ranging interview Kathleen told me her ultimate goal was to have her paintings in a museum one day. Now you can find her glorious paintings – in this magnificent museum:
The Museo de Arte de Queretaro is located on Calle Ignacio Allende Sur 14, in Queretaro’s downtown historic district, about 1-1/2 hours from San Miguel.
In the entryway to the museum: Admission is free and the museum’s hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
This magnificent 18th century Baroque-style cloister, one of the most beautiful in Latin America, became home to the Museo de Arte de Queretaro in 1988.
Inside the exhibition: two grand rooms of Kathleen’s drawings, paintings, and mixed media.
What we may not see at first glance in this painting, “Anticipacion,” is the contemplative woman at the center of it.
Many of Kathleen’s paintings and drawings feature women, in all their beauty and mystery.
As I was leaving the museum, I noticed another remarkable exhibit by another mature woman artist from San Miguel, “Paper Reimagined” by Terry Ann Tomlinson, which will be up until May 18th. So if you visit the museum before then, be sure to see both!
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For more information about Queretaro, go to: www.queretaro.travel.
For more information about Terry Ann Tomlinson’s work, go to: www.terryanntomlinson.com.
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Perfect timing. I was just starting to plan a little excursion to Queretaro so this info arrived at just the right time. Thanks.
How wonderful, Barbara! I’m thrilled to know this. Have a wonderful time in QRO. I know you’ll enjoy visiting this magnificent museum. And I can recommend the restaurant La Llave, which is not far from it.
How very beautiful! Thank you Bonnie, for sharing your friend Kathleen’s show! All the Best for its success!
Thank YOU, Rae Marie! Yes, I’m sure Kathleen’s show will be a huge success.
I saw both shows on two separate occasions – they are both magnificent!! The museum itself, a former convent built in 1731, is a work of art as well. Don’t miss this very special exhibition !
Yes! Thanks for your endorsement, Alice!
Felicidades to Kathleen, and thanks Bonnie for posting this for those of us who can’t attend!
My pleasure, querida Kim! Kathleen’s show will still be up after you return to SMA. I’d be happy to go with you to see it and make a day trip of it together by bus.
Dear Bon,
Your friend’s work is just beautiful. I loved the picture with the silhouette of the women centered, that typifies the exhibition title. There is such a different attitude towards art between where I live and where you live. It must be wonderful to live in a place that sees art as a necessary element in the lives of all it’s citizens. The museum is also a thing of beauty. Thank you for this; seeing it is a boon to my spirit!
Love,
Paul
Dearest Paul — I’m thrilled that you enjoyed seeing Kathleen’s work and that you especially like the piece I chose to depict her “What you see…what you don’t see” theme. And, yes, you’re so right about the attitude toward art here in Mexico. Just yesterday I learned from a Mexican artist friend that Mexican artists can pay their taxes in artwork instead of dinero. Imagine that! I think he said he provides the MX equivalent of the IRS with three of his paintings. That’s it. Wow.
Muchas congratulations to the artists. El arte es vida.
I will tell Kathleen! Abrazos, BB
My favorite is Entramado del mundo. It has beautiful colors and details. Y los planetas hermosos.
Yes, Te, mine too!