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Exhibition: Hecho a Mano. Traditional Handcrafts of Mexico

Hecho a Mano Poster

A compelling exhibition of traditional handcrafts of Mexico features a carefully chosen selection of glass, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, metal, and worked leather handcrafts dating from Pre-Columbian to contemporary times. Special to the exhibition are copies of ancient codices from Madrid and traditional costumes.

Mexican handcrafts are rooted in the use of every day materials, and historically designs came out of the basic need to make beautiful and well-crafted pieces out of utilitarian ware. Traditionally, handcrafts were made by people who had no formal art training. Then, and to this day, items were made by hand, employing simple tools and materials that were readily available. Variance occurs due to the cultural, spiritual, social and physical differences of each region.

In an effort to further connect the global with the local, the Museum has chosen to focus a portion of this exhibition on the lives and experiences of Mexican migrant labourers working in Lake Country. Consistent with the theme of this exhibition, the photography exposition is entitled Hired Hands: Mexican Migrant Labourers in Lake Country, which features portraits and stories of Mexican migrant workers in our community. These photographs came from interviews with eight Mexican migrant workers employed on Coral Beach Farms in Carr’s Landing, Lake Country.