Join artists Gustavo Boada and Laurie Witzkowski for a 2-day experience creating artwork inspired by the Mexican celebration, Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos. The more deceased loved ones are included in our lives through celebrations like Dia De Los Muertos, the stronger their spirits stay with us. 

First work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn about La Catrina, the Mexican symbol that depicts the soul of the loved one who has died–usually a person but it can also be a favorite pet. Using paper maché and wire, create the body of your Catrina. Then dress your Catrina using colorful fabric and decorations.

Next work with artist Laurie Witzkowski to create a mini offrenda that memorializes your loved one. Incorporate photos and objects that are special to this loved one and that represent the 4 elements of life: earth, wind, fire, water.

The holidays are a magical season.  What better time to work together as a family with artist Gustavo Boada to create one of the most magical places there is-Hogwarts Castle, the site of so many of Harry Potter’s adventures. Using tubes, cones, cups, mylar, glue and reciting a single spell, “Decorateum Glueioso” you create a magnificent castle to place in your bedroom or home for the holidays!

For families! Registration includes up to 3 people.

9:00-10:05am- Textiles: Marvelous Muñecas w/ Julie Boada

Long before store-bought action figures and dolls, kids had to make their own toys. One of the most common crafts of colonial Cuba was the yarn figure. Work with Artist Julie Boada to create your own exciting action figure or doll from yarn, fabric, and reuse doo-dads. 

10:10-11:10am-Puppetry: Island Frolics w/ Gustavo Boada

Cuba has a long history of puppetry inspired by animal and trickster folktales from the Spaniards, Africans, and Indigenous people who inhabit the “Big Island.” Join Artist Gustavo Boada and create your own one-of-a-kind rod puppet character sparked by Cuban tales. Then amuse your family and friends with your own made-up silly stories!

11:10-12:15pm- Painting and drawing: Beautiful Birds and Beasts w/ Karen Anderson

Cuba has some amazing wildlife, and features some unique creatures that are rare in other parts of the world. For instance, the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, lives in Cuba. The island is also home to the tiny Mount Iberia frog, which is just one centimeter long! Join Karen Anderson to learn about some of these creatures and paint one of the unique creatures that call Cuba home. 

9:00-10:05am- Metal Work: Dreams in Silver w/ Gustavo Boada

Brought to Latin America by the Spanish, repujado or repoussé is a metalworking technique. Get inspired by Haitian metal relief art, and then work with Artist Gustavo Boada to learn the techniques of metal tooling to create a beautiful silver foiled picture. 

10:10-11:10am- Construction Arts: Terrific Tap-Tap Art w/ Laurie Witzkowski

Buses and trucks are the main form of public transportation in Haiti. Called tap-taps, because people tap on the side of the vehicle to signal when they need a ride, they have colorful designs and all over them. Work with Artist Laurie Witzkowski to decorate your very own art bus, using all sorts of reuse materials. 

11:10-12:15pm- Mixed Media: Spectacular Sequin Bottles w/ Julie Boada

Haiti is famous for its sparkling and vivid folk art, often made with recycled and “found” materials such as old bottles and cans. Join Artist Julie Boada as you create your own fantastic vessel decorated with sequins, buttons, and other reuse materials.