Left to right: Paul Regoort, Ellen Regoort, Ron Sullivan and Vicki Sullivan (St. Phillips Farmers’ Market)
Ron and Vicki Sullivan
In early October, 2015, a vehicle filled with children’s clothing will depart Quail Creek and drive about 300 miles to the pueblo of Juan Mata Ortiz in Chihuahua, Mexico.
How these winter clothing gifts, hand-crafted by Nepalese women, will reach the foothills of the Sierra Madres begins with a story involving the communities of Tucson and Quail Creek.
For many years Quail Creek residents Vicki and Ron Sullivan have been connected with the people and potters in the community of Mata Ortiz. Published narratives and books, gallery shows and farmers’ markets have been the communication tools for sharing the potters’ incredible story. However, visits to Mata Ortiz remain key to connecting with the community.
Rainy Arizona business owners Ellen and Paul Regoort have been supporting another emerging artistic community not in the Sierra Madres but in distant Himalayan communities of Nepal. Like the Mata Ortiz pottery renaissance, Nepalese hand-made clothing also has important historical and cultural significance. The Regoorts are keenly aware of the similarities among the Nepal and Mata Ortiz phenomena and these income-generating projects.
The families share a commonality in promoting the arts and creativity of these two cultures through the Tucson and Green Valley farmers’ market venues. Through a joint venture with Rainy, Arizona gifts will be delivered to the Mata Ortiz families most in need.