Today was the last day in Brillo Nuevo, as it was a Sunday we went fishing. (Although I know Campbell would jump at the chance to go fishing any day if we could.) It was nice to escape for a bit. We went up the river through a man made canal surrounded by trees drenched in Bromeliads. When we returned it was time for the much awaited artist ceremony. I spent the previous few days signing each artist’s name to a certificate, to thank them for their work. As the sun started to go down Javier’s house began to fill with artists and their adorable children. Hoping to commemorate each artist, and not cause rivalry, Campbell did not create a hierarchy of gifts. Rather by sales and pieces produced he awarded the top several artists with toothpaste, a toothbrush, batteries, and vapor rub. Everyone was in good spirits and cheered each other on. I made sure to take a picture of Campbell with each artist. At the end of the ceremony we brought out the duffel bags of clothes donated by the Young Friends (of Baltimore Yearly Meeting), and evenly distributed them among all the artists. It was funny to see when some of the artists, most quite petite by American standards, would get clothing that was once Luke’s, who is quite tall. It was a great celebration, and proper closing to our trip. Tomorrow we start back to Iquitos, first we will spend several days in a canoe traveling to various meetings in other villages, and then rest a night, and set off on another grand Lancha adventure.
Gathering of artists
Cambell giving a certificate
Artist in the Amazon 