Who is Merry Elizabeth Foss?!

I arrived in Santa Fe in 1988 from Canada to study massage therapy, practicing as a therapist until the mid-1990's. In 1992 I trekked in the high Andes, impressed by the indigenous Quechua peoples' traditional hand-woven textiles & clothing.

 The intrigue of these people & their traditional life was a powerful experience, with much staying power for me. The locals were mesmerized by my high-tech gear & campsite. I was equally taken with their striking garments & curious objects, of which by the end of my travels I had amassed an extensive collection of ethnographic pieces.

Upon returning to Santa Fe friends suggested they were quite saleable. I spent weekends at the then flourishing nearby outdoor flea market. Surprisingly quickly my pieces strode off in the hands of discerning collectors. I immediately planned my return to South America.

In the years that followed I took boundless pleasure in my adventures, friendships & the broadness of my experiences. Back & forth I went to Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador & Mexico yearly. My import business grew. I developed an eye for the intriguing & unusual. My world as an ethnographic dealer prospered. While always focusing my interest on older objects, I did realize I contributed little to the livelihoods of the contemporary craftspeople who would carry on the traditions I admired.

The tremendous talent & ingenuity of these living artisans did certainly interest me. However, it was not until I moved part time to Mexico that their work began to captivate & inspire me in a new creative direction. I was being nudged gently towards change in my life. My beaded Poblana peasant blouse with our Huitziki Co-op was our first step, but we envision more decorative, functional & wearable items to come.

My goal is to provide for others in a meaningful, productive way, while exploring my own creativity & financial well-being. Each piece we create is attentive to detail & steeped in the artistry of handmade traditions. Each & every seamstress proudly embroiders her name tag onto her blouse upon completion, offering a lovely & lasting connection between the artisan & the end user. A warm thanks for your interest. 

To contact: Merry Elizabeth Foss