Papel Picado: Mexican Paper-Cutting
This class is being rescheduled – stay tuned for more information!
Papel picado, or “bitten paper,” is a Latin American folk art tradition used for family celebrations, weddings, and birthdays, and for community gatherings, such as Days of the Dead (Nov. 1-2). Papel picado is often in making large, colorful, tissue-paper banners which are strung up overhead, but also for small “banderitas” often used for table decorations. Learn about the history of colonial papel picado form, function, and techniques. Then experiment with different tools and materials to create a unique design template and paper-cutting decorating project for the holidays or an upcoming party of your own. All experience levels are welcome, however participants should be comfortable wielding a sharp Xacto knife. Paper-cutting may be difficult for people with arthritis of the hands or wrists.
Scholarships are available on request for half and full tuition on a first come, first served basis. Classes are free at the M for Native community members. Contact info@mmaa.org or call (651) 797-2571 for more information.
Teaching artist Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra (enrolled Maya-Lenca Nation) is an emerging Indigenous interdisciplinary artist and musician who works experimentally across contemporary and ancestral art forms. She writes and performs bilingual music as Lady Xok and is currently recording a Future-Folk EP to be released this winter. Rebekah co-founded Electric Machete Studios, a Latinx Art & Music collective production house. Upcoming projects include the inaugural Artist Takeover residency at the M in December 2018.
