Support For Guatemalan Artist Cris Juracan

"I love making my art. I hope it brings you smiles" - Cris Juracan

Cris Juracan grew up in a small town in Guatemala, surrounded by flowers, bright colors, and an early sense of independence. Leaving her parents’ home at age 9, she quickly learned to take care of herself. And though, still a child herself, she was soon caring for other children.

At the age of 14, while working at a tortilla factory, faulty wiring stripped Cris of this independence. Severe electrocution sent her into a 5 month long coma and a year of surgeries, resulting in the amputation of both lower arms.

The next 3 years were spent in hiding, not wanting to face the world. The accident forced Cris to relearn even the simplest of skills, navigating daily tasks like eating and dressing, without the use of her hands. During this time, as Cris faced the possibility she would never again write, a therapist encouraged her to try drawing shapes with a pen held in her mouth. Motivated to regain her independence, Cris made marks for the first time in years - and everything changed. Through learning to write, she discovered her love for drawing - and has been making art every day since.

Cris Juracan: “La pintura es liberación. Es libertad. El color y la luz alegre son como una terapia para mí."

(Painting is liberation. It’s freedom. The color and happy light are like therapy for me.)

Cris currently works by selling her art at Parque Central in Antigua and through a Pixels account online: bit.ly/3Y8x8YT

As a result of Covid and damage to the tourist trade in Antigua, Cris has lost the majority of her primary source of income. It's Cris's hope to not only have the needed support financially for her and her two young daughters, but to also share her artwork and passion with the world.

Due to Guatemala not being among the countries supported on GoFundMe and the requirement of a bank account to receive funds, John Teague, a US citizen that lives in Guatemala and is close friends with Cris Juracan, will be the beneficiary of funds and will be delivering the donations to her.

Please follow Cris's journey and artwork on her social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balinajuracan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cristy.laguerrera