Villa del Leyva

Both Grupo Flormorado and the Shutterbugs got to enjoy three incredible days in the historic colonial town of Villa del Leyva. The town was founded in 1572 and is famous in Colombia for its architecture and connections to the past, much in the same way as the Old City section is known in Philadelphia. In order to accommodate our group of 40 (yes 40!) we needed to charter a tour bus and we all stayed with my gracious aunt Jenny, who owns a house in the town. Not everyone fit inside so we brought along tents and some camped on the grounds in front of the house. One of the highlights of our time here was going horseback riding which was the first time most of my students have ridden one.

The whole gang in front of titi Jenny's house including our Colombia mascot Lucas!

Rashawn in the plaza of Villa del Leyva

Janet and her daughter Jashira on their horses

Lina and Thea mount up!

Hanging out in the main square

Welcome to La Florida!

For three days the students from Grupos Flormorado played hosts to the Shutterbugs in their town of La Florida, located about 90 minutes west of Bogota. These city kids got a chance to bond with their Colombian counterparts and got an appreciation of what it is like to live in a small farming village in Colombia. Check out the videos and photos below from the kid's time together in La Florida. The first video is of Tatiana, Maria Jose, Johan and Jhon Stiven from Flormorado performing a traditional Colombian dance to welcome the Shutterbugs. The second is of the kids being kids and beating the heat by jumping in a nearby stream.

Janommys (above) and Francheska love animals

Both groups of students pose for a photo at a welcome reception thrown for the Shutterbugs in the town meeting hall

Tatiana and Maria Jose all dolled up for their dance presentation

Miguel with his mom Luz Mary at their food stand in La Florida

Nidia holding a dead snake the students found on a walk around La Florida

Johan outside La Florida

Lina and Thea, Mother and daughter Photogs!

Erik playing with a neighbor's goat

Shutterbugs Meet Partners / Exhibit Opening!

Catherine greets her public and signs postcards

The Shutterbugs met their partners from Grupo Flormorado today and they all enjoyed a wonderful two hour bike tour of historic Bogotá courtesy of Mike from Bogotá Bike Tours. Then after having lunch we went to the opening of our exhibit, Asi Soy Yo, where the students were greeted by many supporters, including famous Colombian sculptor Gabriel Beltrán.

Touchdown in Colombia!

Shutterbugs near our hotel in Bogotá

Posing with a Mime in downtown Bogotá

Museo del Oro in Bogotá

Janet taking photos at the famous Museo del Oro in Bogotá

Hanging our show in Bogotá

Our first day in Colombia was an exciting one as the Shutterbugs adjusted to a different culture.  The highlights of the day were visiting the world famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and hanging our exhibition, Asi Soy Yo, which opens Sat. night.

Leaving Philly

Rashawn with Mom

Today we started our long awaited trip to Colombia. We all got together at 4AM in front of Stetson where WOO WOO Transportation (thanks Marcus!) took us to the airport for our 6AM flight.

ASI SOY YO Exhibition on June 23 in Bogotá!

As we get ready to hop on the plane to Colombia we are excited to announce our first exhibition in Colombia, ASI SOY YO, which will take place on Sat. June 23rd. The Shutterbugs will be exhibiting their work alongside their partners in Grupo Flormorado. In addition I will also be showing work along with fellow instructor Camilo Arango and renowned Colombian sculptor Gabriel Beltrán. The Shutterbugs are excited to be having their first international show! Check back for more info. on this historic event!