Monteverde CASEM Costa Rica

The Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena y Monteverde or CASEM is a women’s handicraft cooperative located in Santa Elena, Costa Rica. The goal of the non-profit CASEM is to provide an opportunity for local women artists to benefit economically and improve their social well being thru the sale of their artistic efforts. CASEM was founded in 1982 by a group of eight women determined to improve the economic status of their families. In those days, it was difficult for women to make an econ-omic difference and there were many social and physical barriers that precluded women from working outside of their homes. Men were tradi-tionally the sole breadwinners and woman were often left with little in-fluence or power as to the direction of their lives or the lives of their families. Many of these women lived in homes without electricity or run-ning water at the time and transportation was difficult. Women were an under utilized economic asset. The founding of CASEM provided an opportunity for these women to provide for their families as well as to gain the self esteem and economic independence that had been missing in their lives.

Originally part of the Cooperativa Santa Elena, the women began in a kitchen of one of the founding members and have grown to a group of over ninety local artists, including three men. The CASEM strives to provide various employment opportunities for local women, but also, to be a source of training and a place to learn and share a large diversity of arts and crafts techniques. Members of the cooperative receive 65% of the sale price on all of their products sold, with the balance being reinvested back into the facilities and educational programs that make CASEM so successful. The proceeds from sales have been used to finance a wide range of activities, including business management techniques seminars, training classes for different production methods as well as classes on conflict resolution and confidence building. Many of the members state that being part of CASEM has improved their lives dramatically, giving them a sense of independence and community as well as allowing for them to provide a better life for their families. The network of friends and supporters that they gain thru their involvement with the project is immeasurable.

In 1987, the CASEM erected their first building with the assistance of land donated by the Cooperativa Santa Elena. This new building allow-ed for the addition of a gallery and workshop space, as well as a store where the products created by the membership could be displayed and sold. There is also valuable meeting space that supports the members by allowing them to interact with their colleagues and to attend the various seminars offered. Every year a number of volunteer groups from all over the world come to work at CASEM and have added a number of murals and mosaics, as well as a native-plant garden.

The CASEM store and workshop are located in the center of Monteverde and is a showcase for the beautiful arts and crafts of the region. It is the place to go to purchase amazing painted and embroidered clothing, as well as souvenirs portraying local attractions, such as the unique flora and fauna of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Decorative wall hangings, wood carvings, ceramics and jewelry are among the many other unique and beautiful items offered for sale. Open seven days a week, the CASEM also offers classes in painting and other unique, local arts and crafts techniques.