One Equal Heart Foundation and the Grünewald Artist Guild are co-sponsoring a nine-day travel experience to Chiapas, Mexico, March 2010.

Open to anyone interested in exploring the places where creativity, artistry and spirituality meet. In Chiapas, we will have many opportunities to express ourselves artistically, in whatever way participants feel drawn, perhaps through weaving, painting and drawing, singing and songwriting, and/or creative writing. There will be exchanges and sharing of techniques and creative ideas between members of our delegation and the Tseltal Maya, including seeing examples of traditional weaving and embroidery work. We may even exhibit our work.

Travel will be facilitated by Mike Mains, Guild member, singer and songwriter, and Jeannie Berwick, Executive Director of One Equal Heart Foundation. Jeannie has been facilitating delegations to Chiapas since 1998. Liz Caemmerer, a master weaver, will share her artistic perspective.

You can click on the images below to read descriptions for each image.

Our itinerary includes a visit to ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque and Tonina, as well as sites of natural beauty. We will spend about a week as guests of the Jesuit Mission in Bachajón, a town of approximately 3000 people.

During our stay, we will delve into the history and contemporary reality of the Tseltal Maya of Chiapas. We will meet with members of the Mission's bilingual and bicultural staff to explore the culture, spirituality, history and legends of the Tseltal Maya. We will learn about the work of the Mission in areas such as sustainable development and environmental conservation; community health and child nutrition; women's literacy and leadership; inculturated education; and nonviolent conflict resolution. We will travel to a traditional village to meet with Tseltal Maya families and learn about the daily realities of their lives.

In preparation for our travels, One Equal Heart Foundation will provide travelers with a suggested packing list, informational fliers on pertinent topics, and a reference list of sources about the history and contemporary reality of Chiapas. During our travels, Mike and Jeannie will lead the group in daily reflection to help us integrate our experience of Chiapas and explore how we might respond creatively.

The cost of the trip is $1000. The cost includes hotel accommodations (double occupancy), group transportation, excursions and other group activities, and meals, lodging, transportation and translation while we are staying in the region of the Mission of Bachajón. Travelers are responsible for airfare between your hometown and Villahermosa, Mexico; travel medical insurance; restaurant meals and beverages in the airport, Villahermosa and Palenque; optional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; passport and visa fees; additional baggage fees; personal medications and vaccinations; art supplies; and other miscellaneous expenses for shopping, snacks, phone calls, etc.

To reserve your place, please send us a completed travel application packet and your $300 nonrefundable application fee. Space is limited.

To request a travel application packet or for further information, please email us at: info@oneequalheart.org