Behind every COVID-19 statistic of loss is an actual human life, rich and full and cut too short. This year, we lost many great Peruvian artisans to the pandemic. In the aftermath of these individual and collective tragedies, the Andes region office is working hard to preserve their memories and to support the families left behind.
Carlos Galvez
We will deeply miss Carlos Galvez, a great stone carver from Huamanga, and are heartened by the fact that his wife, Rosita, and their grown children will continue working with NOVICA as the Galvez Family.
Wilfredo Rios
And how could we ever forget Wilfredo Rios, an excellent artist in the embossing of leather and wooden furniture, who always came by the office in spite of his knee problems. After his passing, Wilfredo’s designs have become part of his son Jose’s workshop. We’ll think of him through the beautiful work of the Rios Family.
Angel Franco
We’ll miss Angel Franco, practically the only artist left in Peru who still practiced the ancestral technique of oxidized copper and bronze metal. Angel would always return from visits to his hometown with cheese and Andean bread for the office. Thankfully, his son, Ronald, will continue to work with NOVICA.
Benito Tito
And, of course, there is Benito Tito, a wonderful artisan of musical instruments, who may have struggled to see with his advanced cataracts, but who showered the office with love — and that love was returned as if he were their own grandpa. His son, Cesar, will carry on his father’s legacy.
These artisans have added so much to the NOVICA family, and we’re honored to carry on their memories.
