This Weekend: See Rare Oaxacan Weaving Techniques and More
Posted in Programs and Events on August 28 2015, by Vilina Phan
Come visit the Garden this weekend to see a very special presentation occurring in Ross Hall this Saturday, a part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life. You’ll get to meet Mixtec weavers on their first trip to New York as they demonstrate the ancient art of weaving textiles using dye produced by an endangered purple sea snail. Only a handful of artisans possess the skills to harness the dye! After the presentation, their work will be available for purchase at Shop in the Garden.
We’ll also be featuring live music and dance from acclaimed performers Jarana Beat, a band that mixes Afro-Amerindian Mexican sounds with activist messages. You can also find screenings of films that celebrate the art and culture of Mexico. So grab your friends and family and head over to the Garden this weekend, and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!
Saturday, August 29
Textile Weaving and Gourd Carving Demonstrations — 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 4–6 p.m.
In the Visitor Center
Artisans from Chiapas and Oaxaca demonstrate their age-old techniques in weaving, embroidery, and gourd carving. Using the backstrap loom, these textile artists evoke ancient motifs with natural dyes, striking a beautiful balance between traditional and contemporary. In August, visiting artisans carve and draw graceful designs onto gourds, or jicaras, communicating their personal and communal stories of celebrations, myths, and folklore. Visiting artisans are part of Tixinda—the Mixtec Indigenous Weaving Cooperative, the Unión de Artesanas de Los Alto women’s cooperative, and Chamuchic, a supporter of indigenous arts.
Summer Garden Highlights Tour — 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The sights and scents of the season flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring seasonal highlights of the gardens and plant collections.
Mixtec Weavers of Oaxaca featuring Documentaries of their Lives and Anthropologist Marta Turok — 1 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join us for a special screening of two powerful short documentaries about an endangered purple sea snail and the dye it produces, which is used in the traditional weavings created by Mixtec women in a remote village in Oaxaca, Pinotepa de Don Luis. Each of the screenings will be followed by a translated discussion with the people featured in the films, who will also demonstrate their craft of spinning and weaving. This is the first time these weavers and their wares have ever made an appearance in the United States. Their creations will be available for purchase during the event and at Shop in the Garden, with proceeds directly benefitting their community and cause.
Additionally, Marta Turok, Award-winning Mexican anthropologist and co-author of Self-portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo, along with immigrants rights attorney Patrice Perillie, Director of Mexican Dreamweavers, will share the story of the endangered marine snail, Purpura pansa, which lives off the coast of Mexico and is known for its tixinda purple dye. The snails are milked to create dye for hand-spun thread that is then woven on backstrap looms into colorful cloth that is coveted by textile aficionados around the world. As an advocate for the preservation of their habitat, Ms. Turok speaks of the snails’ endangered species status and current threats to the millennial tradition of the Mixtec community. Ms. Perillie will share the process and values of womens’ labor that goes into making each weaving, as well as the importance of supporting indigenous weaving cooperatives.
Live Music and Dance — 1 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
At the Conservatory Plaza
Featured Performers: Jarana Beat is a world music band that incorporates dance and activism. With Afro-Amerindian Mexican sounds, it offers a new interpretation that blends the origins of Mexican music with contemporary elements and draws from other cultures in the New York scene that share the same roots. Since 2007, Jarana Beat has aimed to share the unknown sounds of Mexico, present a new interpretation that melds the traditional with the contemporary, roots, and how these bear fruit within a collective of artists in New York.
Summer Garden Highlights Tour — 2:30 p.m
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The sights and scents of the season flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring seasonal highlights of the gardens and plant collections.
¡Cámara, Acción! Mexican Film Series — 3 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Experience Frida Kahlo on the big screen with the Academy Award-winning film Frida, directed by Julie Taymor and starring Salma Hayek. On Sundays, a revolving series of compelling documentaries, shorts, and features takes you inside the vibrant culture of Mexico today, presented in partnership with Cinema Tropical.
Today’s Feature: FRIDA (Julie Taymor, USA, 2002, 123 min. Rated R) (English) Frida chronicles the life Frida Kahlo shared unflinchingly and openly with Diego Rivera as the young couple took the art world by storm. Frida Kahlo lived a bold and uncompromising life as a political, artistic, and sexual revolutionary.
Sunday, August 30
Textile Weaving and Gourd Carving Demonstrations — 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
In the Visitor Center
Artisans from Chiapas and Oaxaca demonstrate their age-old techniques in weaving, embroidery, and gourd carving. Using the backstrap loom, these textile artists evoke ancient motifs with natural dyes, striking a beautiful balance between traditional and contemporary. In August, visiting artisans carve and draw graceful designs onto gourds, or jicaras, communicating their personal and communal stories of celebrations, myths, and folklore. Visiting artisans are part of Tixinda—the Mixtec Indigenous Weaving Cooperative, the Unión de Artesanas de Los Alto women’s cooperative, and Chamuchic, a supporter of indigenous arts.
Conservatory Tour — 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, an acre of plants under glass, with one of the Garden’s Guides. Take an ecotour around the world through 11 distinct habitats, including two types of rain forest, deserts of the Americas and of Africa, and aquatic and carnivorous plant displays.
Live Music and Dance — 1 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
In Ross Hall
Featured Performers: Jarana Beat is a world music band that incorporates dance and activism. With Afro-Amerindian Mexican sounds, it offers a new interpretation that blends the origins of Mexican music with contemporary elements and draws from other cultures in the New York scene that share the same roots. Since 2007, Jarana Beat has aimed to share the unknown sounds of Mexico, present a new interpretation that melds the traditional with the contemporary, roots, and how these bear fruit within a collective of artists in New York.
Perennial Garden Tour — 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join a Garden Guide for a tour of the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden, which combines a vast palette of colors, textures, flowers, and foliage to create interest in every season.
¡Cámara, Acción! Mexican Film Series — 3 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Experience Frida Kahlo on the big screen with the Academy Award-winning film Frida, directed by Julie Taymor and starring Salma Hayek. On Sundays, a revolving series of compelling documentaries, shorts, and features takes you inside the vibrant culture of Mexico today, presented in partnership with Cinema Tropical.
Today’s Feature: Hecho En Mexico (Duncan Bridgeman, Mexico, 2012, 98 min.) From Diego Luna and Alejandro Fernandez to Carla Morrison and Chavela Vargas, Duncan Bridgeman weaves a cinematic tapestry composed of original songs and insights from the most iconic artist and performers of contemporary Mexico. With striking visuals, the movie captures the rich diversity of Mexican geography, art, music, and culture. It is a rare look at the country’s real identity, and an unparalled celebration of what it truly means to be “Hecho en Mexico”.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens — 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Garden beds are filled with plants featured in the favorite recipes of the chefs from Mario Batali’s restaurants. Kids can explore the gardens to solve Mario’s Menu Mystery game.
Dig! Plant! Grow! Salad Days — 1:30–6 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Plants and imaginations grow at the Howell Family Garden, where kids are allowed!—no, encouraged!—to play in the dirt. Display gardens, such as the Global Gardens and the Bean Tunnel or Salad Bowl, and daily interactive gardening activities delight and inspire. Drop-in activities end at 5:30 p.m.
Cooking with Frida — 2 & 4 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Hands-on activities in the Edible Academy’s Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden bring together children and their families to experience the colors, textures, smells, and tastes of Frida Kahlo’s Mexican kitchen. Cooking demonstrations feature recipes inspired by those Frida served to family and friends, using nutritious, garden-based ingredients. Visitors can explore and tend to the plant staples of Mexican cuisine growing throughout the Family Garden: beans, tomatoes, peppers, chiles, herbs, and more!
Frida’s Flora and Fauna — 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
A part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Visit the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden to experience the inspiration Frida Kahlo found in the natural world that can be seen and appreciated in her artwork. Throughout the Adventure Garden investigate plants and animals growing and living in New York City, using your senses as well as scientific tools to discover your own creative muse.
