Who We Are
MexicanFolkArtBook is the online home of Oaxacan Folk Art: Response to Covid-19, a bilingual book from The Mexican Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. The project began as a fundraising effort and artist competition to help folk artists in Oaxaca, Mexico, after the Covid-19 pandemic cut off the tourism their livelihoods depend on. Net proceeds from sales go back to the artists themselves.
Our Story
When Covid-19 reached Oaxaca, the villages around the city — communities where families have lived for generations — faced a sudden loss of income as visitors stopped coming. In response, we launched a competition inviting artists to create works inspired by the pandemic. Twenty-five artists from six villages submitted pieces reflecting their heritage, imagination, and resilience. Their creations, along with interviews and essays, form the heart of this book.
What We Do
- Publish Oaxacan Folk Art: Response to Covid-19 in English and Spanish editions, with 62 illustrations across 96 pages.
- Back Oaxacan folk artists by returning net sales proceeds to them.
- Record the cultural heritage of Oaxaca's indigenous communities and the inventive work made during the pandemic.
- Link readers, collectors, and museums to the artists' stories through interviews and essays.
Our Values
We believe folk art has the power to connect cultures and generations. We are committed to fair support for artists, cultural preservation, and sharing the sorrow and humor artists express as they cope with challenges. The book is a visual celebration of Oaxaca's folk art heritage during a pandemic, and a testament to the resilience of its creators.
Who We Serve
We serve art lovers, collectors, students of Mexican culture, and anyone moved by where tradition meets crisis. By purchasing this book, you help sustain the livelihoods of Oaxacan folk artists and ensure their stories reach a wider audience.
About the Book
Oaxacan Folk Art: Response to Covid-19 is published by The Mexican Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. The English edition (ISBN 978-0-578-92598-8) is available for $19.95 USD, and the Spanish edition (ISBN 987-0-578-92984-2) for $15.95 USD. The book measures 8” x 8”, runs 96 pages, and includes 62 illustrations. It was published on October 1, 2025, and was reviewed in the October 31, 2025 special edition of the New York Times, Design section.
For questions, please reach out to us by email.
Contact UsEvery purchase of Oaxacan Folk Art: Response to Covid-19 helps keep Oaxacan folk art traditions alive while supporting the artists who create them. Explore the book's English and Spanish editions to discover the stories, interviews, and illustrations that capture a community's response to an unprecedented challenge.