Below is a copy of a column I did for the Dallas Morning News’ Neighbors Go newspaper.  Article ran on Friday, July 3, 2009.

I got an e-mail from White Rock sculptor artist David Hickman and his wife Linda telling me that they were going to Malinalco, México but would be first stopping in México City.  They had written to ask if I could suggest some places for them to visit and eat.  Well, being a true hospitably Texas boy I wrote them back telling them I would not write suggestions but would personally show them around – and so I did.

Though I had several ideas on where to take them I did ask what they would like to see on their short visit. They said Frida Kahlo’s house and at least some murals by muralist Diego Rivera, husband of Kahlo.  But first, they wanted to meet Humberto Martinez, the 80-year old artist I had written about in my previous column.

Carla Scheeps, Humberto Martinez and David & Linda Hickman

click photo above for slide show of their visit

So the first thing we did in this city that is so full of international known art and culture establishments was to visit Mr. Martinez.  I presented Mr. Martinez a copy of the column I had written about him and he was so very pleased and surprised.  He was smiling big and looking at the column as I said, some people from Dallas read the column and had traveled a long way to meet him.

Mr. Martinez turned around in amazement as I introduced him to the Hickman’s and their neighbor, traveling companion, Ms. Carla Schepps.  You had thought Mr. Martinez had won the lottery from his proud smiling face.  My guests purchased several drawings from Mr. Martinez was which made him happier – knowing that this most likely was the first time he had sold so much in the week.

Second stop was El Centro Historico area where the Museo Mural Diego Rivera  (Diego Rivera Mural Museum) is located.  This museum houses the famous mural “A Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.”  The mural was painted in 1948 for the Hotel de Prado, but was covered from public display for nine years because Rivera had painted a banner that read, “God does not exist.”

This is what I like about México, they may find an artist work controversial, but it is not destroyed.  It is usually covered until public opinion changes.

Rivera later painted over the saying and the mural went on public display, but the mural was damaged in the 1985 earthquake, and the Hotel de Prado destroyed, so the mural was moved across the street to its present location ½ bloc from Alameda Park.  The Hickman’s and Schepps were in admiration as they viewed the especially large mural that portrays México’s history painted through the eyes of Rivera.

We then walked through Alameda Park, a park that was built in 1521.  Alameda Park was a favorite square of Empress Carlota Amalia from Belgium, wife of the puppet emperor of Mexico, Maximiliano of Hapsburg and a favorite of México’s Dictator Porfirio Díaz.  Amazing how a walk through just one park can enlighten one to México’s history.

While at the Alameda I searched in the sea of Mexican vendors for my favorite and only Chinese artist and vendor, Johanna Chen.  Ms. Chen writes your name in Chinese or Japanese lettering for a small fee:  The Hickman’s opted for:  “Savor the moment.”

We quickly stepped into Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) to view more art and murals painted by some of México’s famous muralists prior to going to Frida Kahlo’s house.  Though it is not advertised, I did indicate to my guests where the urn that contain the ashes of Kahlo sat.

In the evening we stopped for a cocktail on the top floor of the Latin American Tower for some lovely panoramic views of the city.  We ended nightfall with a stop at Plaza Garibaldi famous for various mariachi bands playing their music waiting to be hired.

After the Hickman’s left I did see Mr. Martinez again at the same café doing what he does best, drinking strong expresses, smoking filter less cigarettes and drawing.  But now Martinez has a new hair cut and he shaves, waiting for his next Dallas visitors and his close up.

Note:  Column in PDF from The Dallas Morning News