Opening Reception: Borders and Neighbors Exhibition at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Nov 16, 6-9pm

Opening Reception for Borders and Neighbors: Craft Connectivity Between the U.S. and Mexico, at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Biscailuz Gallery
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Thursday, November 16, 2017, 6-9pm

Penny Morrill, who teaches at art history at George Mason University and has a PhD in Mesoamerican colonial art history from University of Maryland, will be giving a talk entitled “Mexican Silver Designers Imagine their Future with Roots in the Past” during the opening reception.

This exhibition focuses on influences between Mexican and American craft traditions, which will be on view in the Biscailuz Gallery at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument from November 16, 2017 through February 25, 2018. This exhibition of approximately thirty objects will highlight artwork in a variety of media made by artists from both the U.S. and from Mexico who will be featured in Craft in America’s BORDERS and NEIGHBORS episodes. In celebration of Craft in America’s tenth year on air, these episodes mark the series’ first in-depth foray into craft outside of the U.S. This exhibition, held at the site of the historic birthplace of the city of Los Angeles, will be an occasion to honor the spirit of creativity that transcends physical and cultural barriers and that unifies our cultures.

In partnership with El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Borders and Neighbors: Craft Connectivity Between the U.S. and Mexico will explore the symbiotic relationships that Mexican and American artists have on each other, their craft and their communities. Featuring a broad range of work by weavers, ceramic artists, papermakers, jewelers, muralists, altar makers – these objects touch on the people, history and traditions behind the craft. The stories they represent confirm the idea that art is without borders. Among the highlights in this exhibition:

-Contemporary Barro Negro blackware pottery figurines made in the ancient Zapotec style outside of Oaxaca
-Blown and hot-sculpted glass Pre-Columbian figurine replicas by Los Angeles artist Jaime Guerrero
-Paper bead jewelry designed by artist Kiff Slemmons and executed by the Taller Arte Papel, Oaxaca
-A site-specific installation by Los Angeles master altar maker Ofelia Esparza
-Interactive media, portraits and footage from the episodes will complement the displayed artworks and engage visitors profoundly. Additional public programming will expand upon the themes of the exhibition.