Information Olmecx 2 Residencies

 

                                           

Olmecx Residencies Lake Chapala, Mexico are now open for application. These are two (2) intimate, self-directed, informally structured residency experiences focused on rest: Olmecx Residency for artists and Allies of the Global Majority (BIPOC) and Lake Mist Personal Retreats  for women, non-binary persons in transition or needing to reevaluate their relationship with work.  

 

Sojourner's Vista del Lago is your soft landing to Central Mexico and Mexico's largest lake, Lake Chapala. We call the communities surrounding Lake Chapala "Lakeside."  Located in San Nicolas de Ibarra, we are located approximately 30 minutes SE from the Guadalajara airport, and we are only a 6-mile bus, taxi, or private car ride to Chapala.  The Lakeside communities are typical of Mexico: friendly. colorful, celebratory yet reverent, and culturally vibrant.  You can view our accommodations here: Our B and B Guesthouse 

 
 

For inquiries, information regarding our venue, or to receive an application, email to info@olmecxlc.com 

Indicate "Olmecx Residencies Lake Chapala" in the subject line for faster response. 

Applicants will be selected subsequent to a virtual interview. The non-refundable application fee is 30.00.

 

 

 

One of many vibrant murals that highlight
the landscape of the lakeside villages of Chapala

 

 

There are two self-directed residences of rest as described below:  For artists of the global majority, Olmecx Artist Residency Lake Chapala and for women, gender non-binary; Lake Mist Personal Retreat.

   

Olmecx Artist Residency of Rest for Artists, Creatives, and Allies of the Global Majority (BIPOC∗)

Artists and Creatives:

  • What would it feel like to create without having to justify, explain or translate your existence?
  • What opens up when you create from a place of rest, pleasure, and joy?
  • Imagine creating new rituals that can celebrate your creative capacity.

Allies:

  • Are you seeking ways to replenish yourself while staying committed to equity and change?
  • Are you wondering how can rest enhance-not diminish your impact?
  • Are you imagining restorative practices, and deep reflection that support collective liberation?
  • Are you actively working to create and support safe, equitable spaces for marginalized creatives to grow and develop?

The aim of The Olmecx Residencies of Lake Chapala in Chapala, Mexico is as follows:

Olmecx is a self-directed residency designed for artists of the Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color—BIPOC) and allied creatives committed to equity, care, and community healing. Rooted in rest and radical generosity, the residency offers uninterrupted time to retreat, restore, and engage with new cultural rhythms away from the pressures of daily life in the artist's home environment.

In the wake of global disruption, BIPOC artists—especially those from working-class backgrounds—continue to face barriers to rest, wellness, and travel. Olmecx exists to soften those edges. Here, rest is not a luxury; it’s the heart of the experience.

Unlike traditional residencies, Olmecx requires no creative output. The radical offering is rest itself.

“Rest is a form of self-care, and a form of protest. It restores our energy and reclaims our balance, so we may return to our lives, communities, and artmaking with clarity, creativity, and purpose.”
— Sunya Folayan, Visionary Host

Allies—those who stand in solidarity and practice intentional care across difference—are welcome, too. This is a space for those devoted to healing, not hierarchy.

Olmecx is not just a residency. It’s a quiet uprising against grind culture, and a spacious return to sovereign living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stroll over to the town Zocolo for quiet reflection

 

 

  

 

 

            A trip to the local Monday tianguis is a must!

 

                   Enjoy our crochet and craft cache     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
                                                                                                                            Talavera pottery is a unique art form to Mexico.
 
 
 
Wh8at is *BIPOC?  BIPOC is an acronym that stands for" Black, Indigenous, and People of Color". It's a term used to highlight the specific injustices faced by Black and Indigenous people, and to center their experiences. BIPOC is pronounced "buy pock."  (Urban Dictionary.)                                                                                                       
BIPOC became more widely used and known during the 2020 George Floyd protests. However, its limitations have sparked discussions about more inclusive alternatives. Two such terms are 1. Global Majority:  Acknowledging that people of color comprise the majority of the world's population, and 2. Racialized people(s): Recognizing the complex social and cultural conditioning that shapes experiences given the political climate of the time and the attempts to erase the histories, and presence of racialized people, women, LGBT persons, and those with silent disabilities,- our position is that members of all marginalized communities need safe spaces for expression. We use the terms “BIPOC," Racialized Communities”, and "Global Majority" interchangeably.
 
∗∗Ally to a BIPOC artist is one who:
1. Listens and learns; actively seeks to understand the experiences, perspectives, and struggles of BIPOC artists, acknowledges the historical and systematic inequalities that often impact their careers and creative expression.
2. Centers BIPOC voices in their own narratives: Works to prioritize and amplify the work and voices of BIPOC artists, recognizing their agency and autonomy in the process. Respects boundaries and the need for safe spaces for marginalized community members.
3. Shares power, resources, decision-making power, and opportunities with BIPOC artists, recognizing their contributions and perspectives.
4. Challenges their own biases through ongoing self-reflection to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
5. Supports collective empowerment and community building and recognizes that the success of BIPOC artists is intertwined with the success of their communities.

Recognizing that burnout and trauma often accompany artistic expression, the Olmecx Residencies provide a safe space for BIPOC artists to:

  • Reclaim their voices and vision
  • Cultivate self-care and mindfulness
  • Explore culturally attuned and indigenous healing practices
  • Connect with nature and a caring community
  • Live in and explore a traditional Mexican pueblo beyond the tourist experience   

Linger... wake up to the sound of roosters, relax, and enjoy!

Each residency includes: welcome breakfast and 1-3 curated spa sessions (depending upon length of stay), Residents can choose from the following: professional facial, swim day, massage, a trip or trips to the mineral spas, quantum hypnosis, inipi ceremony (sweat lodge), improv class, or energy work session.

Create a 14, 21, or 28 day experience.

Residents will have access to communal kitchen facilities, living and dining areas, rooftop mirador, private rooms, and the Gaia gallery: a reading and sitting area, board games, crochet supplies, and a private communal courtyard. Larger bedrooms have private balconies for morning reflection and journal writing. Guests receive weekly cleaning service and internet. The local busline stops at the end of our driveway and local taxi service is available directly across from our venue most days during the week.

 
Artists can engage in as much or as little of the following as they choose:

Artist development, coaching, and creation of a personal financial wellness plan.

 Opportunity to share their work and reflections in an intimate community talk

Teach a class

Community building and networking through artists’ salons and meet-ups

Explore traditional Mexican pueblos and larger lakeside communities

Participate in a field trip with travel to one of the following art-centered areas:

  • Zapopan
  • Guadalajara
  • Tonala

Artists who choose to delve more deeply into their work, network with local artists, create demonstration projects, or who wish to show their work will be provided the opportunities to do so

 While not required, Artists will be invited to leave a lasting social and environmental justice footprint for positive change as we develop our relationships with the various Indigenous "Lakeside" communities, including the Afro-Indigenous Mexican communities in Jalisco; the municipality of Chapala, and as guardians of Lake Chapala. Initially, this will be accomplished through qualitative data collection methods derived from surveys, narrative interviews, and relationship building. Our goal is to use this information to develop a sustainable social change project by 2028 in collaboration with community creatives, community members, the municipality, artists, and activists that will benefit the area's underserved groups: women and elderly residents of Chapala.

 Additional services:

Artists can add on a trip to our partner site in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for additional rest, artistic inspiration, and cultural enrichment. Partner site visits to our partner site are through our concierge service and are based on availability.

Day tours, arranging private drivers for day tours, arranging additional spa services, swim days, and golf are available for an additional fee through our concierge service. We look forward to offering horseback riding in the spring of 2026.

Optional but encouraged:

Mexico has excellent health care and dental facilities. This is a good time and place to get routine dental cleaning, x-rays, lab work, and non-invasive cosmetic services done at a lower cost than in the United States.

 Learn more about our venue Sojourners Vista del Lago and pricing for Olmecx Residency programs in Chapala, Mexico by emailing: info@olmecxlc.com Indicate Olmecx Residencies in the subject line for faster response.

 

                                                                     Charras en route to a Lakeside community parade

 

 Lake Mist Personal Retreat 

For: Caregivers, Academic Faculty Needing Respite, Community-Based Non-Profit Managers, and Women in Transition

  •  What parts of you are ready to be rediscovered or reborn?
  • What would it take to give yourself permission to be unneeded-just for a moment?
  • How might your legacy shift if joy and rest were at it's foundation?
  • Are you tired in a  soul-deep way that sleep alone can't fix?

 

This is a woman-centered/non-binary, self-directed opportunity for those who have been engaged in caregiving activities and community-based work and academic service. Community- based non-profit managers, academic faculty needing sabbatical time away from their work, and women/non-binary in life transition are encouraged to apply.

Our residency provides an opportunity to rest, reflect and renew in mind, body and spirit. We hope our residents discover or rediscover aspects of themselves that have been obscured by traditional grind and hustle culture and the responsibilities of family, work, community, and church/volunteer- related activity.  Feel free to sleep in, and lean into rest.

The personal retreat includes daily breakfast,1-3 curated spa sessions, and coaching. Lake Mist residents can participate in a rest healing ceremony.  Participants can choose from the following: professional facial, massage, mani-pedi, swim day, a trip or trips to the mineral spas, quantum hypnosis, Inipi ceremony when available (sweat lodge), or energy work session. Residents will have access to communal kitchen facilities, living and dining area, rooftop mirador, private rooms, and a reading sitting area; board games, crochet corner, and private communal courtyard patio. Larger bedrooms have private balconies for morning reflection and journal writing. Weekly cleaning service, and internet available. Washer and dryer are located on premises, and housekeeping occurs weekly. The local bus line stops directly in front of our driveway and is easy to navigate. Taxi service is directly in front of our building.     

                                 
     Residents may sojourn for a 14, 21, or 28-day stay.
  • Explore traditional Mexican pueblos and larger lakeside communities
  • Create a financial wellness blueprint                                                                             
  • Opportunities for unlimited rest and renewal
  • Residents have the option of a community meet- up with neighbors and friends
  • Day tours,  arranging additional spa services, swim days, private drivers, and golf are available for an additional fee through our concierge service.  We look forward to offering horseback riding soon.                  

 Optional but encouraged:                                                                                                                            

Mexico has excellent health care and dental facilities. This is a good time and place to get routine dental cleaning, x-rays, lab work, and non-invasive cosmetic services completed at a lower cost than in the United States.

 

 In addition to the self-directed residency programs, we offer the following opportunities:

  • Educational Partnerships with Colleges and Universities

We are currently negotiating partnerships with institutions of higher learning with diverse histories including historically Black colleges and universities. Site visits have begun with university faculty in preparation for students' arrival in 2025 and 2026.

  • Sojourn Interlude 

Take a week off to unplug and re-connect to nature, sounds, and culture in a traditional Mexican Pueblo.

(Prices are based on space. season and availability)

  • Sabbatical Stays (2 months or more)

Prices and location are based on availability and season of request

Email inquiries to info@olmecxlc.com 

  

 

Hi, I’m Sunya Folayan—artist, space-holder, and founder of the Olmecx Residencies at Lake Chapala.
 
I came to Mexico to slow down. To dye indigo cloth in the sun, listen by the water, and reimagine a creative life I had placed on hold outside of grind culture. What unfolded changed everything—and now I share this space with other artists, caregivers, nonprofit leaders, and soul-seekers who’ve spent years pouring out… but rarely had space to refill.
 
As a textile artist, retired clinician, and certified financial social worker with nearly five decades in healing and educational work, I understand the weight of relentless service and social activism—and the toll it can take on spirit, body, and creativity. My art and research explore what gets lost in the process: language, care, visibility, and cultural wisdom. Through the Olmecx Residencies, I offer a place where you don’t have to produce, perform, or push. You just get to arrive.
 
I’m passionate about making rest, reconnection, and renewal accessible to those who’ve been undervalued while uplifting others. Whether you’re here for inspiration, soft edges, or a radical exhale, I’ve created a space for you. Welcome to your sojourn here.
 
 

   Chapala's "Eternal Spring" flowers in bloom

 

 

Enjoy Lake Chapala's seasonal waterfowl

                                                                                              .                                                                                                           

Plan your visit during one of the many colorful and meaningful festivals held in Mexico throughout the year.  The Catrina is the ubiquitous symbol of the Day of the Dead holidays. Dia de Muertos- brings families together November 1 and 2 to honor the return of departed souls, while they also celebrate the beauty and gift of life for the living. 

 

 

 

 

Local Indigenous market artisans showcase their wares

 

 
 Meet our  Olmecx Residency Collaborators:
 
 

LaT'anya Johnson-Artistic Relations Architect

LaTanya is a visionary movement artist, storyteller, and cultural connector with over three decades of experience weaving dance, theater, and activism. As Dancer in Residence at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, her award-winning choreography has lit up stages across the East Coast, bringing powerful narratives to life in productions like Raisin in the Sun, Piano Lesson, and numerous other notable works.

 Beyond the stage, LaTanya serves as Artistic Relations Architect for Olmecx Lake Chapala, which involves building and nurturing partnerships with cultural galleries, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand opportunities for artists and innovators in the United States. Her work spans arts administration, wellness, and healing—she’s a certified yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, and Full-Spectrum Doula, dedicated to nurturing holistic transformation.

 Whether creating commissioned works that explore justice or guiding others toward physical and spiritual balance, LaTanya’s artistry is a force for connection, empowerment, and change.

 

 

 
 
 

 

Maureen “Momo” Brown- Communty Education Outreach and Research Partner

Momo – Community Education Outreach & Research Partner

Momo joined us after falling in love with Chapala during the 360 Xochiquetzal Residency in 2021—and she’s been weaving connection ever since. A contemporary visual artist, historical archaeologist, and former museum director, Momo blends imagination with deep cultural roots to inspire meaningful engagement.

In her role with Olmecx, she builds bridges: partnering with local communities, guiding youth art collaborations, and inviting regional artists to share indigenous traditions through hands-on workshops. Her work expands into self-development through art and play, and she’s helping shape our long-term heritage research and social change initiatives.

Momo brings warmth, cultural connections and the spirit of cooperation to every thread she touches—and we’re grateful for the beauty she helps us build.

 
 

Sergio Unzueta Sr. – Community Liaison & Global Arts Connector

Sergio is the heartbeat between Olmecx and Chapala’s creative pulse. A muralist, gallery owner, and seasoned arts advocate, he bridges city government, cultural institutions, and global artistic communities with vision and care.

As our community liaison, Sergio opens doors—for exhibitions, performances, collaborations, and connection. His gallery serves as a vibrant landing place for Olmecx residents to meet, share, and shine.

A Fine Arts graduate of the University of Guadalajara, Sergio’s murals grace public spaces, and his leadership in Chapala’s cultural scene is legendary. From directing municipal arts programs to curating international exchanges, he’s a connector, champion, and friend to artists everywhere.

 

 

 

 
 

Lake Chapala. Mexico's Largest Lake

Lake Chapala is a quiet sanctuary where mist drifts like ancestral breath—calling artists, healers, and writers to its shores. Revered by the Wixárika (Huichol) people, its waters are steeped in memory, creativity, and renewal.

 
                                               

                                                    Pricing for Olmecx and Lakemist Residencies

Pricing is determined by season, room selection, and length of stay; therefore, pricing is subject to change.

Applicants will submit a brief bio, reference, and personal statement, and will be interviewed via online virtual meeting.

Intentions are confirmed with a 30% deposit, with the final balance to be paid in full one month prior to arrival.
Email: info@olmecxlc.com for application, prices, or to arrange an informational interview.  Write OLMECX INQUIRY in the subject line for faster response.

We look forward to your visiting us in San Nicolas de Ibarra, Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico