Mexico Connect is a monthly periodical available online since 1997. The publication emphasizes Mexican history, culture and geography and is directed toward people planning to vacation in Mexico or planning a move to Mexico, However, because art is an important aspect of the Mexican culture, it is well represented in Mexico Connect and makes the website useful to those researching art. An annual subscription of $30 grants full access to the magazine including classified advertisements, discussion forums, help files and Spanish language resources. However, monthly columns and articles are available for free and it is possible to search the website and the forums without paying a fee.
The page devoted to art, Art & Artisans, covers the classic mediums of painting, sculpture and photography as well as pottery, jewellery, weaving, and Mexican folk arts. The magazine includes a monthly column titled Arts of Mexico which spotlights a particular artist and includes images of his or her work. There is a link to the column at the top of Art & Artisans, which takes the user to a page listing each instalment in reverse chronological order. Below this link, the Art & Artisans page is divided into sections including Museums, Exhibits and Galleries; Mexican Artists & Sculptors; Mexican Photographers; Mexican Artisans; Indigenous Art; and Architecture and Design. The links are subdivided into these categories, and most links are to biographical articles (e.g. Frida Kahlo), while some study a movement in art or a particular collection (e.g. Saltillo's Museum of the Desert). Both contemporary and deceased artists are included, and as the magazine is currently published, additional material is very likely. Some articles include references, and all include an e‐mail link to the author, which makes Mexico Connect a more valuable resource for students when compared to other internet sites.
Despite its breadth and scope, the Mexico Connect website is surprisingly easy to navigate. In addition to the subject division on the Art & Artisans page, users can do a site search or a forum search using search boxes anchored in the left‐hand navigation bar. Site search is a ranked keyword search that pulls up articles, gallery listings and other material directly related to search terms. For example, a site search for photography pulled up 1,275 hits. The first hit was for a feature article called Living Memories: Miguel Angel Martinez. (Martinez is a contemporary Mexican photographer). This search also pulled gallery information and other hits directly related to the topic of art. It is also possible to conduct a search of discussion boards, called a forum search. Users may read others' posts for free, but a subscription is required to participate in the discussion forums, which are devoted more to travel than art.
The left‐hand navigation tool offers menus that link to magazine content (Finding Stuff) the forums (Talk) job advertisements and hotel information (Services) and geographical information (All about Mexico). The Finding Stuff menu is well made and functional. The Services menu is a useful addition, since the magazine devotes much of its content to travel in Mexico and employment resources. The All about Mexico menu is an excellent addition for the same reason.
The only function issue with this website is the Talk menu in the left‐hand navigation bar. This menu breaks the hierarchy established for other menus by putting details into a navigation menu rather than section headers, making the menu confusing to use. However, this is a very minor flaw in an otherwise excellent resource. This site is recommended for students of art and librarians building art collections.
