PRESS RELEASE
October 6, 2011
Contact: Valerie Menard
(512) 926-1369
Serape/Sarape Weaving Project Celebrates Ten Years
Austin, TX—In its tenth year, the Serape/Sarape Weaving Project returns to the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, October 19–20. Presented by the Center for Mexican American Cultural Arts (CMACA), Inc., historian Reynaldo RodrÌguez returns to conduct an oral presentation on the history of the serape, the national symbol of Mexico. Master weaver José Francisco Baez Padron, from Saltillo, Mexico, conducts the weaving demonstration.
In 2003, CMACA purchased a loom made by the late master weaver Don Pablo Flores Gonzalez from Saltillo. The organization plans to donate the loom to the Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin once additional exhibit and classroom space has been built.
Hoping to encourage an interest in weaving among children, the Serape/Sarape Weaving Project took place at Zavala and at Sanchez Elementary schools. Last year, the presentation moved to the MACC. This year, it returns, with one evening presentation, 6–7 p.m. on October 19, and three, 50-minute morning presentations, 9–noon, Oct. 19–20. Presentations are free and open to the public but seating is limited so please call (512) 926-1369 to reserve a seat or reserve a scheduled presentation for school children.
Weaver Alejandrina Cortines demonstrates weaving to children at Sanchez Elementary.
“This project enhances the weaving learning the students have received through our art program as well as cultural knowledge that they are able to implement in different classroom settings,” comments Azucena Garcia, Sanchez Elementary principal. “This experience is one that we would not be able to share with our students and are grateful that CMACA includes Sanchez Elementary.”
The event as well as information about the serape is included on www.austinmacc.com, the website launched by CMACA in 2004. The website also includes a calendar of events, artist profiles, and links to other Latino arts groups in Austin.
“We can learn much from Mexico about the care and concern we must have when it comes to the arts, ” says Valerie Menard, CMACA president. “From cave paintings to serapes, much of our cultural history has been recorded and maintained by artists and CMACA is committed to supporting this effort.”
Due to funding cuts from the City of Austin, this year’s presentation takes place solely with the help of our sponsors: AT&T, Chevrolet, LCRA United Charities, El Milagro, Judge Sam Biscoe, Commissioner Ron Davis, and Perry Lorenz.
This student from Zavala Elementary models a serape from Saltillo, Mexico.
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PRESS RELEASE May 3, 2004
Contact: Valerie Menard
(512) 926-1369
Serape/Sarape Weaving Project Returns to Austin
Austin, TX—The Center for Mexican American Cultural Arts (CMACA), Inc., announces the fourth annual Saltillo on Cinco cultural festival featuring the Serape/Sarape Weaving Project, May 6–7. CMACA has invited historian Reynaldo RodrÌguez to return for the third consecutive year to conduct the oral presentation as well as Janette Pamanes, a weaver based in Saltillo, to conduct the weaving demonstration.
In 2003 CMACA purchased a loom made by the late master weaver Don Pablo Flores Gonzalez in Saltillo, Mexico. The organization hopes to donate the loom to the Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin once it’s built. Ms. Pamanes will conduct the demonstration on this loom.
Traditionally, Saltillo on Cinco took place at Sanchez Elementary, 73 San Marcos. This year a second school will be added, Zavala Elementary, 310 Robert Martinez. There will be three, 45-minute demonstrations per day beginning at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 12 noon. The demonstrations held at Zavala Elementary take place on May 6 while those performed at Sanchez take place May 7.
Both events will be recorded digitally. The event as well as information about the serape will be included on a website that will be launched by CMACA in September. The website will also include information, a calendar of events, and links to other Latino arts groups in Austin.
“We can learn much from Mexico about the care and concern we must have when it comes to the arts, ” said Melvin Wrenn, CMACA president. “From cave paintings to serapes, much of our cultural history has been recorded and maintained by artists and CMACA is committed to supporting this effort.”
For more information contact Valerie Menard at (512) 926-1369.