We explore the multiple ethnic communities of Oaxaca (and Guerrero) to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec, Huave, Zapotec in Oaxaca we will see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the women (and some men) who live in this region.
We explore the multiple ethnic communities of Oaxaca (and Guerrero) to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec, Huave, Zapotec in Oaxaca we will see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the women (and some men) who live in this region.
This trip explores the cultures of Colombia, traveling along the Caribbean Coast. We begin in Cartagena and have an overview of the people, crafts and cultures of Colombia with the fine folks at Artesanias de Colombia. Then we’ll begin exploring! Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Riohacha, Cabo de la Vela in the Guajira Peninsula await.
Join us on an extraordinary journey to Colombia to learn about the musical heritage & traditions of African Descendants of this South American country. Attending the Petronio Alvarez Music Festival, we’ll learn of the multiple rhythms and influences of Pacific Colombia. From Cali, the epicenter of the marimba sounds, salsa music and dancing, we’ll move to Medellin, this fascinating city in Antioquia to learn about social renewal in this city. We’ll continue dancing and listening to the regional sounds!
If you love textile traditions, dye resist techniques and colonial cities, this trip is for you! This year, our trip is scheduled around the Feria del Rebozo in Tenancingo. We enjoy this unique opportunity to see (& buy) the “best from the best” for our special collections. In Mexico City, we’ll visit the shrine of “Nuestor Senor del Rebozo”, and see the Franz Mayer Museum antique rebozo collection…
Frida Kahlo: Dress and Identity Many aspects of Frida Kahlo have been studied, pondered and admired. From her art, politics, love life, travails, and many others. A singular aspect of Frida Kahlo and her identity was her dress. Frida used dress consciously in the creation of her identity. Through dress, she crafted her image, displaying her cultural heritage from both Europe and Mexico.
Bogota and Medellin, December
This special travel program is designed around the singular Expoartesanias Colombia, the largest and most important gathering and showcase of Colombia’s artisans and their art. The Expoartesanias handcraft fair, is entering its 27th year and features the finest in Colombia’s diverse traditional and contemporary craft from the entire country.
Join us on a journey to learn about the art of the “maque”, lacquerware of Guerrero, one of three regions of Mexico that continues this ancient tradition. Guerrero is home to the maque tradition, namely the “cajitas” little boxes of Olinala. The tradition of lacquerware or “maque” is pre-hispanic in origin, originally applied to gourds to protect them from cracking and breaking. Later, this tradition and technique became fused with other influences in aesthetics and applications, namely from Asia and Europe.
Participate in our newest journey to witness and experience the Day of the Dead in the Maya world of Yucatan. Here, it is called, Hanal Pixan, or Food for the Souls. We’ll learn all about the special rituals dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have died. The culture of the Maya in Yucatan is singular and is alive to this day.
On December 23, Oaxaca holds the largest radish carving contest in the world: The Night of the Radishes, where radishes weigh up to seven pounds! Primarily Nativity Scenes, the carvers now use their imagination and carve everything from famous Mexican revolutionaries…
