1. Baracoa: Where Cuba Begins (2001)

BARACOA: WHERE CUBA BEGINS Published in 2001, the book presents a unique view of the small, isolated town of Baracoa, located on the north-eastern coast of Cuba. It is a loving, poetic portrayal of the friendly people, the eclectic architecture, the vibrant art and the lush tropical environment as related by poet and historian Miguel Angel Castro Machado. Miguel Castro is a native Baracoan who guides his reader through the wondrous natural splendor of this area with such vivid descriptions that one can feel the dripping tropics and visualize the myriad colors of this delightful haven.

The 96-page book contains over 80 beautiful, full-color photographs and illustrations by accomplished Baracoan artists and several world renowned travel photographers. The chapters are accompanied by poems or quotes from enthralled intellectual personalities (Martí, Augier, Carpentier, Romero, etc) who extol the delights of this not-so-sleepy Cuban town. ISBN 0-9716675-0-0 Library of Congress Control Number: 2001098941 This limited English edition is available for a minimum donation of $20 (+ $3 S/H)

BARACOA: APUNTES DE SU HISTORIA Y SU BANDA DE MUSICA   On the occasion of the celebration of the 495th anniversary of the founding of Baracoa, August 15, 2006,  the St. Augustine-Baracoa Friendship Association is pleased to announce the publishing of the book, Baracoa: Apuntes sobre su Historia y su Banda de Musica, by Elexis Jesus Fernandez Rubio Navarro.  This edition  reflects the love and tenderness that Elexis feels for his home and his people.  We recognize his dedication to the conservation of the historical moments which help complete the mosaic of the culture of this lovely place called Baracoa. This limited edition book, published in Argentina in August, 2006, is in Spanish with black and white photographs. It can be had for a donation to the Friendship Association of $10.00 + $3.00 s&h.

Coloreando mi mundo: Las Polimitas The first of a series of Spanish language coloring books about Cuba's endangered species. ISBN 978-987-23188-7-1 Available for a minimum donation of $10 (+ $3 S/H)

Coloreando mi mundo: La Cotorra The second of a series of Spanish language coloring books about Cuba's endangered species. ISBN 978-987-1414-07-9 Available for a minimum donation of $10 (+ $3 S/H)

Coloreando mi mundo: El Manati The third of a series of Spanish language coloring books about Cuba's endangered species. ISBN 978-097-1667-51-8 Available for a minimum donation of $10 (+ $3 S/H)

Authors: Elexis Jesús Fernández Rubio Navarro and Rosendo Romero Suárez Introduction: Alejandro Hartmann, Historian of Baracoa Foreword: Rafael Acosta de Arriba, President, Cuban Art Council, retired Director of Photography: Julio Larramendi Design: Pepe Nieto Editors and translation: Kathleen Hennessey and Soledad Pagliuca Spanish/English limited edition; 112 pages, 105 full color illustrations, soft cover Publication date: August 1, 2009; $30.00 +$3.00 s/h ISBN 978-097-1667-52-5

This Spanish/English publication, with beautiful full-color illustrations, details the evolution of Baracoa’s contemporary art movement, and at the same time vividly displays the unique Baracoan style of painting, inspired by nature, legend and myth. The first section of The Painter’s Magic briefly traces the evolution of local painting from the pre-Colombian period to the present time.

The second part of the book presents some of Baracoa's most prominent contemporary artists. The high quality reproductions of each individual's work are complemented with personal commentaries by the artists about their painting styles and artistic influences. The carefully woven biographical material helps to illustrate how this school of art is inspired by Hispano-African-Caribbean legends and myths, by the city itself, and also by the many natural wonders that surround Baracoa. This charming coastal town, nestled against a backdrop of magnificent mountains, has given birth to a decisive Baracoan artistic identity and to a profound sense of the Artist being an integral element of this magical world.

Special offer!
For a limited time you will have the opportunity to purchase paintings by the artists present in this book.
Proceeds will fund our projects with the art community in Baracoa.
Review by Peter Janssen of The Netherlands
Review by Terry O'Neil, St. Paul, MN

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