During the first months of 2006 we founded FLAAR MESOAMERICA as a non-profit association under Guatemalan law. Our facilities are situated in Guatemala City, where we expect to provide our services to the Mesoamerican region.

Our goals are to continue to be the leading institution in digital imaging technology and provide consulting and assessment in digital photography, art reproduction and conservation of cultural heritage to other institutions such as universities, museums, educational facilities etc. etc.

As a start we conducted the first Digital Photography Workshop for Biological Sciences, in which we discussed the 35mm digital single reflex cameras and also a quick introduction to Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Six participants enjoyed learning about digital photography and where satisfied about our staff professionalism. We had the chance to share with people like Monica Palacios who is doing research on ferns and has one of the most complete page on ferns of Mexico on the web.

Most of this year’s effort were to organize our new institution, we now count with two Graphic Designers, Jose and Jacqueline who are doing a great job to keep FLAAR sites updated. Also we have Flor Setina, who is the administrative assistant of Dr. Hellmuth here in Guatemala, you can contact her via our local phone for any comments or questions about our institution. Eduardo Sacayon is the legal representative of FLAAR MESOAMERICA and the Lab Technician.

Our local projects in Latin American anthropology are primarily in Maya ethno-botany, in part due to long time interest and in part due to the presence of a botanist on our staff (Eduardo Sacayon). The long term interest derives from Nicholas Hellmuth’s PhD dissertation which discusses and pictures such sacred flowers as the water lily. But today we are expanding this to study the plumeria, cacao. hule and other sacred plants and flowers.

First posted December 12, 2006.