Our Artists, Writers, and Musicians
We are so proud of the creatives that choose to spend their precious time with us at Lake Chapala for a 360 XQMX residency. As you will read, we are thrilled to welcome writers, musicians and artists from every medium. Our sub-tropical climate, the generous Mexican people, the vibrant culture and time-honored traditions are the magical elements that makes this place so special. Every month our family of artists grows and the individuals you will read about return here time and time again … because it feels like home to them. We are confident you will discover the charms of Mexico while exploring what comes next for you during a residency in Ajijic.
Montserrat Alsina
Montserrat Alsina is a multidisciplinary artist from Valencia, Venezuela, whose work spans art, education, and holistic practices. She holds degrees in Art, Education, and Psychology from Rhodes College and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a cultural innovator and collaborator, she co-founded Nahui Ollin: Ceremonial Dances of Mexico, 18th Street Pilsen Open Studios, Colibrí Studio Gallery, and the Arts and Culture Committee of Pilsen in Chicago. Additionally, she is a member of the International Yoga Alliance and divides her time between Chicago and the Dominican Republic.
Nessa McCormack
Nessa is a contemporary abstract painter and teacher living in county Wicklow, Ireland. She paints to be in that state where she feels wide eyed with curiosity, a delightful place of freedom.
Rene Babin
Rene is a Financial Advisor with over 30 years experience helping people manage their wealth. An early part of his career his was helping a bank understand how its lending practices led to a critical level of loan defaults at one of its newest branches. The accumulation of his hands on experiences led him to write a book. Credit, it’s a drug. Cure the addiction for a dollar a day; explores how debt can take a hold of your life, who’s to blame, how it happens for some and not others, and a path to recovery.
Valerie Armstrong
Valerie Armstrong is a mixed-media painter working in acrylics and cold wax/oil. She is based mainly in Woodbridge on the beautiful East-Anglian coast of England. After her children were born, as a way to work from home when they were at school, she began a business painting murals, painted folding screens, and furniture to commission. As they grew up she became a printmaker and a painter. Now painting, exhibiting, and some workshop teaching occupies all of her time.
