PRESS RELEASE–February 2018
Introducing the SER ART Project by SER Collection Hotels
A cultural programme, designed to embrace the SER Collection philosophy
“Peace and art are the greatest of treasures for human beings.”
SER CASASANDRA, HOLBOX ISLAND, MEXICO
SER HABIRAMY, HAVANA, CUBA
Sandra Pérez Lozano, Cuban artist and owner of SER Collection Hotels (SER CasaSandra in Holbox Island, Mexico and soon-to-be-opened SER Habiramy in Havana, Cuba) announces the launch of the SER ART Project: a programme embracing the SER Collection philosophy of using organic spaces to connect nature, art and human sensitivity, working with both international and local artists at both hotels.
The project begins at SER CasaSandra in Holbox Island, Mexico. Announcing its launch, Sandra Pérez Lozano commented: “We believe that peace and art are the greatest of treasures. The SER ART project will invite curated artists to search and reflect on both Holbox and Havana’s natural, sociological, cultural, historic and economic environments and relevant art projects will then be curated. At Holbox, this will include Yucatán and Mayan heritage and the Mexican heritage in general; the same regarding Cuba for our Havana property. The SER ART project is defined by both conservation and education.”
SER ART AT SER CASASANDRA – ‘LA ISLA RESIDENCIA’
SER CasaSandra on the Mexican island of Holbox has recently launched ‘La Isla Residencia’ – where local and international artists are invited to inspire the children of Holbox on the importance of interaction between life, art and culture. Inspired by the local environment, art installations will be created by the artists and children and then donated to the House of Culture of Holbox, a cultural club on the island. SER CasaSandra hotel will host the artists and work with them and the children of Holbox’s only school during the creative process.
SER ART AT SER CASASANDRA – ‘LA ISLA RESIDENCIA’
Guided by Sachie Hernández, Project Manager of the SER art residency series, curators of art and visual arts, art experts and critics will select emerging and well established artists from different artistic mediums: visual, music, film, literature, performance, architecture and design.
Pérez Lozano says: “Holbox is a truly authentic destination within the Quintana Roo state and I am delighted to have the opportunity to support Holbox’s House of Culture with this special project. We want to educate our younger generation as well as leave clear evidence of the artist’s involvement and inspirational role. All artworks will be displayed at the House of Culture of Holbox as an on-going project.”
The first art residencies of ‘La Isla Residencia’ series have hosted Cuban artists Mari Claudia García – inspired by the textile works of the Mayas community of Yucatán – and Ernesto Sánchez – who has an experimental approach to painting, inspired by the nature, control and freedom of gestures.
During their stay at SER CasaSandra in 2017, the two artists focussed on the management of water, rubbish and drugs, and found inspiration in Holbox surroundings and inhabitants. They also hosted two workshops for the local school’s pupils who were asked to create stories about their island using recycled materials (e.g. sand, leaves, shells, plastic bottles and bags) as well as draw, paint and create sculptures inspired by life on the island, using pencils, watercolours and playdough.
García and Sánchez commented: “Working with the local school has been inspirational – the children’s energy and the love they have for the island is incredible. It has been incredibly rewarding to show them how special we find each of them and their roles in this project as well as Holbox itself. Investing emotion and passion into their art was the ultimate objective of the project – they are now the true guardians of this special paradise.”
Mari Claudia and Ernesto will be back in Holbox in 2018, to finalise their work and exhibit theirs and the children’s art pieces at the House of Culture of Holbox Island, marking the very first ‘La Isla Residencia’.
The second art residency – scheduled for 2018 – will see the involvement of US-based and internationally renowned Cuban artist Sandra Ramos, who says: “Art can be a powerful tool to change the world and in Holbox I want to teach the local children, who represent the island’s future, how to encapsulate their energy into something magical and empowering.”
SER ART AT SER HABIRAMY , Havana
SER ART AT SER HABIRAMY – ARSENAL HABANA
SER Habiramy, located in the city centre of Havana and that will open at the end of 2018, reflects a unique reference to Cuban art and culture. Set in the old town, just a few steps from the Capitol, this three-floor property was built in 1905 and is a celebration of Cuban heritage. Sandra explains: “Havana is place of art, emotion and historical culture which I believe all nurture the soul. This is why I named the new hotel Habiramy, which means “In beauty I see myself”. Habiramy emphasises Ser Collection’s commitment to Cuba as Casa Sandra does to Mexico.
During the refurbishment of the building, SER Habiramy will host art exhibitions such as La Línea, a solo show by Ernesto García Sanchez which has recently closed.
In Holbox García Sanchez took inspiration from the nature of the island as well as the children’s energy and the love they have for the island. In Havana, his work will reflect the history that has characterised Cuba.
Sandra comments: “Garcia’s work and passion show how art can be a global tool that can give voice to local needs and support the community. The educational approach to the Cuban project in Cuba will also hopefully inspire a less young local audience to take action.”
Garcia’s exhibition will close at the end of January to give the opportunity for the restoration project to begin again. Over the following few months, the residence will host other exhibitions according to the building schedule.
Notes to editors
About SER CasaSandra (Holbox Island, Mexico)
The boutique resort CasaSandra has 18 rooms and suites, as well as a private villa, with a modern, yet rustic style defined by its handmade Mexican and Cuban interiors, along with the works of art of its Cuban artist creator Sandra Pérez Lozano. Spa and wellbeing experiences, such as sunrise yoga and pilates sessions on the beach, allow guests to immerse themselves in the outstanding natural beauty of the resort, whilst taking part in truly bespoke SER CasaSandra activities. Outdoor activities include snorkelling and diving, whale shark and dolphin watching. www.casasandra.com
How to get there: fly to Cancún, sea plane 20 min to Holbox Island;
What to do: sun, sea, sand, sleep, communication & digital detox, nature walks, shark-whale diving, kitesurfing;
Best for: busy bees in need of physical removal from telecommunications, while sunning! Art lovers, families and couples;
Highlights: 18-bedroom art hotel designed by artist, collector and writer Sandra Pérez Lozano; best restaurant on the island of Holbox; no television or telephones in guest rooms, but Wi-Fi available for guests’ devices upon request; organic local amenities, for rustic luxury;
Rates from: US$230/night BNB, double occ.
About SER Collection
Hotel group SER Collection provides guests with an organic space to connect with their own essence, through the contact with nature and the interaction with local culture, art, and music. Apart from SER CasaSandra in Holbox Island, Mexico, SER Habiramy is expected to open in Havana, Cuba late 2018.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch for further information and image enquiries.
Best,
Alessandro
Alessandro Ferrara | Senior Account Executive | | London, UK | D: +44 (0) 20 8334 4007 | M: +44 (0) 7768 211629 | alessandro.ferrara@ spotlightcoms.com
Maralyn Dennis Hill
Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed., The Epicurean Explorer
Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com
Editor-in-Chief, Where and What in the World
Freelance Lifestyle Journalist
Member: International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
Member: Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
Member: Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
ment’or – Inspiring Culinary Excellence
Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with Writing
https://authorcentral.amazon.
Follow me: @maralynhill
FB: http://www.facebook.com/The.Epicurean.Explorer,, http://www.facebook.com/WhereandWhat.intheWorld, http://www.facebook.com/Success.With.Writing
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/maralynhill
https://www.instagram.com/maralynhill/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MaralynHill/videos
We welcome press releases on the food, wine, travel, and items related to the hospitality industry. We receive emails with more than we can post to our service. If you would like to post a press release, please click the the submission tab to get the form to upload your release. You can also upload three photos. It will go in pending and be scheduled, unless it is inappropriate. This will enable more of you to have your releases up in a timely manner.
