Bird-Themed Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry from Peru, "Tree of Joy"

At a time when Cerapio was barely able to support his family he discovered Novica and Novica's shoppers discovered him. His life changed. He was able to buy a new house, turn his old house into his workshop and educate his children. He continues to hire and train other artisans and has helped many of them to build their own workshops. He loves the recognition his work has found and the security it has brought his family. If you ever meet him, he will proudly tell you that he is the first member of his family to buy a car.

Cerapio learned to weave from his father and grandfather. He draws inspiration from Peruvian culture and the Andean village life that he shared while growing up in Ayacucho. He treasures the art of weaving and the opportunities it has given him to preserve this centuries-old Peruvian tradition by teaching it to other artisans.

Cerapio supported the studies of his three children, two of whom are already married and have families of their own. There is one left in school, Cerapio is by far proud of supporting his children, and he did it because of his art.

Cerapio Vallejo has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1350 and the most recent for $2850. Proceeds were used to purchase cotton and wool to continue production.

Cerapio prides himself on being able to employ other artisans. For years he has hired skilled weavers to help with his orders and unskilled workers eager to learn the weaving arts.