A native Oaxacan from the town of Juchitán, Francisco Toledo studied art in Mexico City and Paris before moving back to Oaxaca in 1965. Famous for his use of natural materials like bones and shells, Toledo’s art locates itself at the intersection of nature, myth and magic and his unique vision has won him international acclaim; in 2011 a painting of his called Vaca roja sold at Christie’s New York for $902,500.

Instead of retiring to a life of secluded luxury, however, he’s used his resources and influence to make art available to everyone, especially in his home state of Oaxaca. Projects that Toledo has been involved with include the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca, the Eduardo Mata Music Library, and the Institute of Graphic Arts, to name a few. Then there’s the recently completed Center for the Arts of San Augustín, housed in a restored textile mill, which, besides the eco-paper workshop, offers free art classes, exhibitions, and concerts.   
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