Artisans Have Special Space at the Book Fair

Artisans Have Special Space at the Book Fair
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 4/25/2013

Many of the pieces on sale in the Artisans Area of the International Book Fair reflect the nation’s Taina, Spanish and African heritage that have influenced our traditions. Buying one would be taking home a valued treasure.

Decorative objects for the home as well as for more personal use such as jewelry, soap, wallets and bracelets that can be carved on with the buyer’s name or what ever the choice may be, …

Making our rounds in the Book Fair, we find the Artisans Area, which is a much-deserved tribute to the work of Dominican craftspeople who, with creative minds and skilled hands, produce beautiful creations that contributeto the Gross Domestic Product of the national economy.

Numerous booths are located around the fairgrounds, attracting the attention of hundreds of daily visitors who are seduced by the beauty of their work as they shop for their favorite pieces among the wide variety. And it is no wonder because the work on display expresses the essence of our Taino, Spanish and African culture whichmakes up our background.

Decorative objects for the home as well as for more personal use such as jewelry, soap, wallets and bracelets that can be carved on with the buyer’s name or what ever the choice may be. The jewelry and other products, for the most part, are made of amber, Larimar (“Stefilia’s Stone”), oak, bamboo, coconut shells, seeds, metals, wood, plaster, natural fibers, shell, coconut, clay, silver and recycled material, to name some.

The originality and exaltation of patriotic values are the most outstanding characteristics in this area of handicrafts.A demonstration of this are seen in pieces that, at first appearance, seem very common but a closer look reveals the face of Juan Pablo Duarte, thus revealing the intention of the artist to honor this patriotic festival and to pay homage to one of the country’s most important figures.

And what can be said about the delicious deserts that sweeten the lives of those who decide to “take a spin” around the artisans area of the Book Fair 2013.There is something for everyone here, with an array of flavors that invite one to repeat this marvelous experience.

There is not doubt that the artisans area in the fairgrounds has been in a constant state of change as the government has madeenormous efforts to elevate their value and to support them in their efforts to sell their amazing wares both here in the country as well as abroad.