Basques in Boise

This year''s Jaialdi, an International Basque Cultural Festival held every five years in Boise, will not be the first for Ahizpak Designs but it will be special in many ways; the two American artists of Basque heritage are hoping it marks a breakthrough with which to make their name in the ''Old Country''.

"2005 was the first Jaialdi for Ahizpak and we were just getting started as a design company. Izar and I were filled with enthusiasm, but had little experience in selling our goods. We had about half the amount of products that we do currently, but we were welcomed with open arms by the festival attendees," says Maite, one of the two faces behind Ahizpak designs, along with her sister Izar.

For this Jaialdi, Ahizpak, a firm that designs and sells jewelry, decor and other arts centered around Basque culture and symbolism, is launching new designs and products and the two Basque-American sisters hope that guests from the Basque Country arrive in Boise with an open heart to see their products.

"Our goal would be to inspire them with the variations we have taken on the symbols they see every day in their homeland. My expectations: If there is enough enthusiasm, I would like to explore selling in Euskadi in the near future," Maite says in an exclusive interview for eitb.com.

Some of the new creations by Ahizpak for the Jaialdi include several jewelry designs with a more gender-neutral appeal. "Also, as a family we have always liked to cook and enjoy entertaining, there will be some additional wooden items for the kitchen. For our beloved mus players, a wooden box for your favorite card game," Maite adds.

Along with the new designs, Ahizpak also offers several other pieces of jewelry, décor and other products that you can find on their website.

An Ahizpak gift for everyone

Maite and Izar get their inspiration from traditional Basque themes but give them a twist. For many Jaialdi-goers, this July will be the first time that they hear of Ahizpak or get to know their art, and the Basque-American sisters are hopeful that these people will see passion for Basque culture in all their designs.

"The transformation and evolution of the simple Lauburu is endless, and Ahizpak''s interpretations are respectful artistic explorations of this iconic Basque image. We have many whimsical, detailed and modern-designed items, there is an Ahizpak gift for just about everyone!" Maite says.

Among all their new designs, the one Izar likes most is her recent design of the Spinning Circle Lauburu. "I like the simplicity of it, and when we add additional designs to it with our beaded necklaces, I love the combination of boldness and color," she says.

As far as Maite is concerned, the "Ongi Etorri" tiles are her new favorite items. "I have been taking pottery classes and have loved the random glaze experiences in the Raku kiln. Creating the Lauburu and other cultural symbols in clay has been a new medium that produces some nice results," she adds.