Día de Muertos: Clay Sculpting Workshop Series

DATE: Oct. 20 - 23
TIME: Oct. 20 - 21: 5 - 9 p.m. | Oct. 22 - 23: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
PRICE: Members: $160 | General Public: $200

SOLD OUT 

Join internationally-acclaimed Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez for an immersive clay sculpting workshop experience that celebrates the vibrant art history of Día de Muertos. Discover how to incorporate your own life story into the craft of molding natural clay that is culturally significant to the region of Atzompa in Oaxaca, Mexico. This series will be taught by Lopez in Spanish with an interpreter translating class instruction into English.

Over the course of four days, learn about traditional techniques that incorporate connection with nature and family history into the design and creation of an original clay sculpture. Participants will be able to choose a design option that best fits their comfort and skill level.

• Beginners will be given the option of choosing to create a culturally symbolic design, such as a cross with flowers or a desert plant inspired sculpture.
• For an intermediate or advanced design, you will be able to create a traditional skull, or calavera, a popular Día de Muertos symbol of life and death.

Don’t miss a special appearance from Kathy Cano-Murillo of Crafty Chica! On the final day of the series, Murillo will present a short crafting demonstration that highlights how the cultural tradition of clay making has evolved and adapted by the Mexicana DIY crafting movement. The class will cover the following schedule:

• Day 1:
  Conceptualization, connection, and design of clay piece
• Day 2:
  Kneading of clay and molding of the piece
• Day 3:
  Polishing and drying
• Day 4:
  Final design touches and conclusion. Pieces transported for kiln firing.

Sculptures will be transported to be fired at a kiln at the end of the workshop series and will be available for pick-up two weeks after the class at a designated space at the Garden. Pieces will be stored for up to 30 days after pieces are completed. Attendees will be notified via email with instructions.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY: