by Patrice Wynne

It is with deep sorrow that I share with you the passing of a San Miguel friend and galleryist, Mayer Shacter, husband of Susan Page and owner of the esteemed Galeria Atontonilco. Mayer had only recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died in his home with Susan nearby, in the home that he created with deep joy and pride, and which housed, along with Galleria Atontonilco, Mayer’s world class collection of Mexican folk art.

Mayer profoundly loved the people, culture, and native arts of Mexico. His life was devoted to building relationships with indigenous artists whose work he promoted and sold at his gallery with knowledge, enthusiasm, storytelling, and prodigious energy. Mexico has lost a great advocate and friend. And our community has lost an icon.

My friendship with Mayer and Susan goes back to the early 80’s in Berkeley. He and Susan had just married when he promised her, “If you marry me you won’t have to cook a day in your life.” His devotion to Susan and their marriage also characterized his life of care, giving complete attention to what he valued. Mayer and Susan came to visit me here in the early 2000’s and it was “love at first visit!”

Mayer lived every day of his life with a great sense of purpose with Susan by his side, mutually supporting each other’s dreams. He was enormously proud of Susan’s great accomplishment as the creator and executive director of the San Miguel’s Literary Sala and the Writers Conference. Together they made San Miguel a greater community and leave a mutual artistic legacy ”for the books” into perpetuity.

Adios, my/ our noble friend. I will remember your superb sense of humor, rich conversations about what we loved about Mexico, stories of our travels and the people we met, mutually sharing ideas and connections. Thank you for enriching our lives and the lives of so many indigenous artisans. May Galeria Atontonilco continue to flourish with Edu, Mayer’s Mexican “daughter” continuing his labor of love. I will love this country more in honor of you, Mayer.

¡Viva Mayer Shacter! Long live your memory!