Our Artist

This is a family of artists we are proud to work with.

Lucio, Monica his wife, and daughters Keny and Joselin are a family
living in the Cochas District, in Huancayo, PERU.

Lucio's history maybe is like many others... he is the older of 7
siblings, has worked with gourds since he was 12 years old. He
worked as a child to support his younger sisters and brothers.

Today Lucio's family sell their products in "Casa del Artesano" as
well as the local market on the weekends. They have never heard of
Fair Trade until we met them in their local home town and explained
to them all principles and the importance of Fair Trade.

This family participates in a local Church, where Lucio still manages
the time to teach music to the local children at their community
church where they belong.

Lucio and his wife are engaged to spread the word to other people in his
community about Fair Trade practices. He encourages parents to send children
to school, (living in a third world country where children have to work to help
support their families). This family recognizes the importance of education, to
break the circle of abuse and exploitation; this is probably the only way the
younger can dream of having opportunities to do better in life.
Lucio told us, how he still remember when he was about 15 years old and had
to work all night, every night, until sunrise for a very low pay, if any, for his
work. Even though he managed to finish high school.

They love what they do, they can express their art through Carving this
beautiful Gourds, and are willing to share the light of Fair Trade with other
people too. At the same time, they are willing to learn more about Fair Trade. Part
of their dreams are in this project, and thewhich they show dedication, love and
responsibility.

At Expo Peru Collection we see them as partners; Lucio and his wife are now
attending Internet Lessons through a local Institute in Huancayo for about a
month which Expo Peru Collection sponsors; we have encouraged them to get
the training necessary to have access to more opportunities and have more
tools to be more successful. We are proud to do so.

In essence, Lucio and his family are the model we are proud to work with, a
humble family, and with passion in what they do. You can support their work
and dreams by buying our Fair Trade products.

Lucio and his family thank you in advance for your support and for letting others
know about their art.

The expoperucollection Team.