A few hours west of Mexico City is the prolific folk art state of Michoacán. This state rivals Oaxaca in its creativity and excellence in Mexican craft. The colonial city of Morelia is not far from one of the principal areas of folk art making, Patzcuaro and its surrounding villages. In recent years, its been said to be unsafe for Mexican residents and the US State Department has warned Americans about traveling there. I have never felt in danger on my annual trips to this region of Mexico.