Once again, members of the 40-year-old Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) put their best pieces forward in 11 categories in the annual Judged Show held at the Ajijic Cultural Center March 17. Seventy-one artists entered 142 pieces for competition. Best of Show went to Lois Schroff for her acrylic painting “Sunrise Vision.” The rest of the winners were:

Ajijic native and practicing shaman Jesus “Katusa” Higuera (right) set up a display of his personal collection of pre-Columbian artifacts collected from the lakebed on display during Spring equinox rituals held at the waterfront March 19 through 21. A small group of nationals and foreigners camped out on the beach to join in fasting, sweat lodge cleansings, dancing to the beat of hand-made drums and presentation of offerings to the ancient spirits.

Ajijic will host the second annual Festival Cultural Sangre Viva, a three-day program of activities set for next weekend showcasing a wide range of modern artistic manifestations that have evolved from Mexico’s indigenous roots.

The Lake Chapala Society pulled out all the stops for the unveiling and dedication of a new mural depicting the history of the Ajijic children’s art program.