Guatemala, Casa de Artes, Traditional Blouses

In Guatemala the rich patterns that are part of the local culture can still be seen on the garments worn in the villages and mountains. These beautiful textiles have a rich history, and on cold nights wearing layers of beautiful, colourful textiles is how things have been for several thousand years.

Casa de Artes is more than a shop and is considered more of a museum with 55 years of history and 5 generations behind it. Casa de Artes started as convenience store ("tiendita") next to the only Gas Station in Panajachel Lake Atitlán. The owner, Mrs. Eva Hannstein de Smith, a Guatemalan native of German descend. It later opened in Antigua and for 55 years it has been the store-like museum that is a reference for anybody interested in folk art. Desiree is part of the family lineage and a textile expert.

Desiree Schaeffer specialises in creating traditional Guatemalan textiles, particularly traditional huipiles (loose-fitting blouses) that are heavily embroidered with floral and geometric designs. Uniquely Guatemalan, these textiles are noted for their individuality of colour, design and patterns.