The current members of the Guayabitos Artists' Collective: Bobbi Attwood, Nancy Milski, Mona Cavalli, Brenda Bitkoff, Rosalie Hope, Lin Chimes, Marilyn Bedaubing, Sheila Finer, Susan Cobb, Amy Buckingham-Flaming, Tosia Archer. Guayabitos Artists´Collective History The original Guayabitos artists' group was formed in 1997 after several local, creative individuals drove to Sayulita for a week's watercolor workshop with Evelyn Boren. After the workshop, some decided watercolors weren't their thing, but a few starting meeting weekly to encourage and inspire each other, and keep the creativity flowing. Several other creative people joined the weekly group. Several of the group went to Sayulita for another workshop with Evelyn the second year. For several years the group continued to meet informally. The group had diverse talents, including a textile artist, some who worked in oils, pastels, and graphic arts. Although the membership in this group has ebbed and flowed over time, a small core of women (Rosalie Hope, Mona Cavalli, Nancy Milski, and Bobbi Attwood) have continued to meet weekly since '97. When Roger and Bobbi completed their new house in 2005, with an art studio on the third floor, the group grew, and became more organized. During the last 3 years, several vacationing professional artists have come to our area and given workshops: Morag Stevens from Canada in 2007, Edina Sagert in 2007 & 2008. Edina was originally from Berlin, Germany, but now has a studio in San Miguel de Allende. Probably the greatest influence has been from Melanie Robbins, from Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, where she has taught and painted professionally most of her adult life. Melanie has spent 6 weeks teaching and encouraging this group for the last 3 winters. Under Melanie's influence, the group has become more focused and cohesive. Melanie has encouraged each of us to look more closely at our local environment for stories and color, to capture the essence of Guayabitos. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the talent of these visiting artists and for this opportunity to have our first show at the Xaltemba Restaurant and Galeria in La Penita.
Bobbi Attwood