“Escuela de Bellas Artes de Taxco” Brochure

An informational brochure for the “Escuela de Bellas Artes de Taxco” (“School of Fine Arts in Taxco”), a small, independent art school in Guerrero state Mexico. The school was founded by artist Fidel Figueroa and writer Leslie Figueroa. Along with painting and drawing, the school also held workshops with master silversmiths including Antonio Castillo and William Spratling, both of whom are mentioned. The pamphlet details housing and tuition costs, classes offered, as well as local attractions. Also mentioned is “Casa Figueroa,” a Spanish colonial mansion across from the school. Originally built in 1767 for the Count of Cadena, Fidel purchased the property in 1943 and turned it into a permanent studio and gallery space for his work. The gallery closed after his death in 1975, but re-opened as a museum more than 30 years later. It’s also supposedly referred to as “The House of Tears” by Taxco residents, alluding to legends of dark events that occurred in the home, prior to Figueroa’s purchase.