Mayan Culture

Join us for the Opening Reception of "Mayan Culture" by Kathryn Mohrman. Join us for the opening reception of “ Mayan Culture” , a photographic exhibition documenting photographer Kathryn Mohrman’s journey through the diverse landscapes and communities of Chiapas, Mexico, in January 2026. Often, when we think of Mayan culture, our minds turn to ancient pyramids, archaeological ruins, and the achievements of a civilization that flourished centuries ago. Yet the Maya are not simply a people of the past. Across Chiapas today, Mayan communities continue to sustain vibrant languages, traditions, beliefs, celebrations, and ways of life that connect the present to a deep and enduring history. During this journey, Kathryn traveled through Chiapas's tropical lowlands and mountainous highlands, timing the trip to coincide with historic and religious festivals. These celebrations provided an extraordinary opportunity to witness the intersection of Indigenous Mayan traditions and Catholic practices. Festivals honoring Christian saints often incorporated distinctive elements of local culture, including ceremonial clothing, music, dance, processions, food, religious observances, and communal rituals. Through the photographer’s lens, these moments become more than colorful celebrations. They offer glimpses into the people and communities who continue to carry their cultural heritage forward. The photographs capture the energy of public festivals and the quieter details that give these traditions meaning—participants' expressions, intricate textiles and clothing, ceremonial objects, gatherings in village streets and plazas, and moments of devotion and reflection. Chiapas is home to more than a million people of Maya descent, and approximately one-quarter of the state’s population speaks one or more Maya languages. The region also contains numerous archaeological sites that provide tangible connections to the ancient Maya civilization. Together, these layers of history create a remarkable landscape in which the ancient and contemporary exist side by side. “Mayan Culture” invites visitors to look beyond the ruins and into the present—to encounter Maya culture as something lived, practiced, celebrated, and continually carried forward by its communities. The Opening Reception will provide an opportunity to experience the exhibition, meet Kathryn, and learn more about the journey and stories behind the photographs. Guests are invited to gather, view the work, and share in an evening celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contemporary life of Chiapas. Come experience a photographic journey where history is not confined to archaeological sites or museum displays, but remains visible in the streets, heard in the music and languages, expressed through ceremony and faith, and carried forward by generations of people.