Directors Leticia Alvarado & Cecilia Sanchez unveil a full calendar of activities, events & workshops

Entering the tall wooden doors of the unpretentious colonial in Centro throws you into the dynamic and joyous world of Leticia Alvarado Fuentes and Cecilia Sanchez Duarte, directors of Recrea, where the creative energy of artists and young people is barely contained by the thick walls, and a flurry of ideas bounce off the high-beamed ceilings.

Recrea’s location in Centro Historico reflects the directors’ passionate commitment to connecting both Mazatlecos and visitors to the unique history and rich cultural traditions of old Mazatlán. Its name, from the Spanish verb recrear, describes their method: using the arts to amuse, delight, gratify, gladden and recreate ourselves.

They carry out this serious intent with indomitable spirit and fun. Smiles, laughter and a constant hum of creative chatter fill the rooms. Here there is no static viewing of art products. Recrea activities promote learning by doing, advancing “the practical knowledge of history through using the senses.”

The women’s determination to create a place where emerging artists and young people can find support for their projects, “their crazy things of high quality,” grew out of their own experience as artists - General Director Leticia is an architect, and Art Director Cecilia is a graphic artist. Each experienced obstacles to their own early work, including unsupportive jefes.

“They’re not in love with their work. They’re not happy. They’re annoyed that we are happy,” said Cecilia. “Life is short. Do I stay, or do I start over? I start over.”

Also, both are mothers of girls and feel the best way to teach is by example.

Their collaboration developed from their work on projects researching and promoting Centro. Leticia felt Mazatlecos were “losing their identity, not valuing their pasts. They should be proud of their pasts, of what we did.” Cecilia was looking for an effective way to “share what we’ve learned.”

A calendar of weekly and monthly events, concerts, workshops and films keeps Recrea bubbling with energy. Schoolchildren learn about the nearby petroglyphs, then go and make rubbings of the ancient designs. Adult visitors use the old printing press inherited with the building to make images drawn from their afternoon’s tour of Centro. Youngsters toddle around the gallery, adding pieces to a three-dimensional model of downtown, and buyers pick up and examine the offerings of ‘arte utile,’ uniquely designed art objects for personal and home use.

What is your experience as women in the arts?

Leticia: “In Spanish culture we have the concept of grilla, talking about and interfering with the progress of co-workers. Work kills grilla. Our attitude is, how can I continue working without support and institutional attention? We are creative.”

Cecilia: “We’re always looking for Plan B… we’re now on Plan M.”

Leticia: “Then on to the Greek alphabet!”

What is the best part of your job?

Cecilia: “To be surrounded by many young people and have the opportunity to interact with them. I value the respect and knowledge we get from them.”

Leticia: “The high class, intelligent people we work with. I also like that our participants are happy when they leave, with a bigger spirit than when they came. We joke and laugh and feel comfortable.”

What is the hardest part of your job?

Cecilia: “Working with the schools. We’ve seen kids working hands-on. It’s positive, it’s natural to them. But the schools prefer to take them to the Bimbo factory rather than to the art museum or to Recrea. No art in schools kills the spirit.”

Leticia: “We do pilot, experimental things. We’re not businesspeople.”

Advice to young people wishing a career in the arts?

Cecilia: “I quote Joseph Campbell, ‘Follow Your Bliss.’”

Leticia: “Please go ahead.”

A world without art is like a world without…

Cecila: “…spirit.”

Leticia: “…life.”