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.

Hand-made greeting cards are often the most cherished. Explore your creative muse as you work with visual artist and poet Marie Olofsdotter to create a variety of greeting cards. Inspired by the season and nature, cards incorporate folding techniques, the pop-up process and collaging techniques. Then add another element that makes your card uniquely yours- your voice captured in lines of poetry generated with Marie. All materials provided.

For teens and adults.

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.