The Rooftop Studio Overlooking Atitlán

At the Eco Spanish School, the grounds themselves are a lesson in mindfulness. The entire place operates with a deep reverence for sustainability, emphasizing the beauty of active reuse. There is a thriving organic coffee farm woven right into the property, and the scent of freshly roasted coffee from their on-site coffee shop drifts through the air.

​But if you look up, perched right on top of the school, you will find a stunning studio space that opens up to panoramic views of the lake.

​This is the creative haven of Benedicto Ixtamer.

​Benedicto is a brilliant local artist whose vibrant murals bring life and story to walls throughout the community. To step into his studio is to step into a space where nature and imagination meet. Now, he is preparing to open that space up to the world through a deeply intentional artist residency.

​Earth Pigments and the Art of Reuse

What makes Benedicto’s vision for this residency so extraordinary is how deeply rooted it is in ancient, sustainable wisdom. As a child, he was taught how to harvest paint pigments directly from the natural elements of the earth, using things found right on the grounds and within the surrounding community.

Residency artists will not just be importing standard, plastic-heavy art supplies; they will be learning to look at the soil, the plants, and the stones as their palette.

In total alignment with the school’s commitment to reuse, the residency will explore creating mixed-media sculpture using organic materials found right on-site, including the very coffee grounds from the farm below. It is art that honors the environment, transforming what is often cast aside into powerful, textured sculpture.

Lessons from the Mountains: A Journey to the Elders

​Perhaps the most sacred element of Benedicto’s residency concept is a journey into the surrounding mountains.

On one of the days, he plans to take the artists in residence out into the mountain communities to visit local elders. This is not a typical sightseeing trip; it is an invitation to sit, listen, have deep conversations, and receive the living history and lessons of the elders.

The goal is for those profound connections and stories to act as a spark, inspiring a dedicated piece of artwork created during the stay. It bridges the gap between historical wisdom and contemporary visual expression.

​Reconnect, Recreate, and Find Peace

​This residency is shaping up to be a profound opportunity for anyone looking to:

Reconnect with the earth by working directly with natural pigments and organic materials.

Recreate and revitalize their practice away from the noise, inspired by panoramic lake views and indigenous wisdom.

Find a true sense of peace in a sustainable ecosystem that respects the slow, deliberate process of creation.

Benedicto is building something truly special on that rooftop above the coffee trees. It is a reminder that when we slow down, look at the ground beneath our feet, and listen to those who came before us, our creativity finds its truest voice.

​Stay tuned to the vlog for a closer visual look at the studio and some of the incredible mural work around the lake.