Events

Join us and immerse yourself in the Mexican folk art and traditions.

Mexican Folk Art Collective in La Crosse, Wi – ArtSpire

HISTORY: Alebrijes started in Mexico City many years ago. It all began with an artist named Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When Pedro was 30, he fell very ill and had a high fever that made him see strange and wonderful things. In his dreams, he saw a forest full of fantastical creatures—animals with wings, long tails, sharp teeth, and they all had one thing in common: they kept saying the word alebrijes—a word Pedro had never heard before. It didn’t mean anything in Spanish, but in his dream, it felt just right.

Pedro decided to bring these creatures to life. He started creating them using paper and paste. He painted them with beautiful, bright colors and patterns, turning his dream into something real. And so, alebrijes became part of Mexico’s folk art tradition, especially in a technique called cartonería, which is like paper mache, but with deep roots in Mexican culture.

PROJECT: At Artspire we’re going to create our own alebrijes! Just like Pedro, we’ll start by sketching our own fantastical creatures, letting our imaginations run wild. Then, using air-dry clay and aluminum foil, we’ll shape our creatures, adding our own wings, tails, spikes, or anything else that comes to mind. You’ll add color, bring your creature to life, and fill your day with inspiration, joy, and maybe a little bit of magic.

 Workshop Timeline

The workshop will happen every hour and a half, limited to 40 participants per timeslot

10:00 am
11:30 am
1:00 pm
2:30 pm
4:00 pm
5:30 pm
Sign up suggested. Sign up anytime at the booth, day-of, and show up at beginning of requested timeslot to participate

Mexican Folk Art Collective in Sheboygan, Wi – Above & Beyond Children’s Museum

“We are excited to announce we have invited Mexican artist Gabriela Marván to create and co-curate programming for the next evolution of our Culture Exchange Exhibit. Gabriela works as a Cartonería in Viroqua Wisconsin and is founder of the Mexican Folk Art Collective.”

“Nos alegra anunciar que hemos invitado a la artista mexicana Gabriela Marván a crear y co-curar la programación de la próxima edición de nuestra Exhibición de Intercambio Cultural Comunitario. Gabriela trabaja como cartonera en Viroqua, Wisconsin, y es fundadora del Colectivo de Arte Popular Mexicano.”

Alebrijes Workshop
July 12th, 13th. 10:00-11:00, 2:00-3:00 each day

Join us as artist and co-curator of our new Culture Exchange Exhibit / Intercambio Cultural Comunitario Gabriela Marván leads us in a traditional alebrijes building workshop. We will explore the art of traditional Mexican cartonería and the origins of the alebrijes sculptures.

Registration is limited

Day of the Dead Workshops
October 25th 10:00-11:00, 2:00-3:00 each day

Join us as artist and co-curator of our new Culture Exchange Exhibit / Intercambio Cultural Comunitario Gabriela Marván leads a traditional paper cut workshop for kids and families. This workshop will help produce a community created altar exploring the Dia De Los Metros celebration, and the ofrenda altar’s role in Mexican culture.

Registration is limited

Day of the Dead Ofrenda Building Demonstration
October 26th 9:30-2:00

Join us as artist and co-curator of our new Culture Exchange Exhibit / Intercambio Cultural Comunitario Gabriela Marván builds a traditional Ofrenda in the exhibit space.

Registration not required- drop in anytime!

 

Past Events:

Sor Juan Festival 2025

“La Décima Musa” Sor Juana Fest 2025

The Braided Janes co-produced and performed for the National Museum of Mexican Art‘s 31st annual SOR JUANA Festival 2025. We’re so grateful for everyone who attended and shared their incredible energy with us!

“LA DECIMA MUSA” was such a special night full of life and laughter and pure love for one another, our culture and community. In a world faced with so much hate, it was a revolutionary act.
Thank you to the National Museum of Mexican Art for the opportunity, and to Jaime L. Ortega, Maria Gallardo and Kevin Rosas for your support throughout the process.
Thank you to our team The Braided Janes, Mexican Folk Art Collective, CGab Marván, Julieta Zavala, Jaqui Almaguer, Erika with a K, Madera Once, and Roxyo Sounds for sharing your amazing talent.
“LA DECIMA MUSA” Sor Juana Festival 2025
EVENT PRODUCTION
Jaime L. Ortega, Production Manager
Maria Gallardo, Production Associate
Kevin Rosas, Production Associate
Jessica Rodriguez (Museica), Event Co-Producer
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Jessica Rodriguez (Museica), Editor
Amanda Huerta, Photographer
Vernon Hester, Photographer
Mickey Mestiza, Photographer
Fernando Herera, Videographer
CAST & CREW
Musical Performers……….…..………The Braided Janes
Musical Performers………………..….Madera Once
DJ………………………….…..……..……. Roxyo Sounds
Spoken Word Performer…………….Erika “with a K
Visual Artist…………………………….Jaqui Almaguer
Fashion Designer……………………..Julieta Zavala
Model 1…………………………………..Mía Beltrán
Model 2…………………………………..Alejandra Arjon
Model 3…………………………………..Kayla Salgado
Model 4…………………..…………..…….Vania Alejandra Romano
Model 5…………………………………..Emily Bejarano
Makeup Artist………….………………..Alma Izquierdo
Makeup Artist……………………….….Nancy Duran
Makeup Artist……….…………….…….Ana T. Ceja
Mexican Folk Art Collective………..Gabriela Jimenez Marvan
Headpiece Designer……………….…Maria Navarrete López, Vania Alejandra Romano
Heart Necklace Designer….…..……Yesica Coria

4th Annual Driftless Region’s Día de Muertos

15270 Haucke Ln, Viola, WI

October 5th, 2024

Driftless Curiosity and the Mexican Folk Art Collective will co-host the 4th Annual Driftless Region’s Día de Muertos Celebration: A Mexican Cultural and Educational Event at Keewaydin Farms (15270 Haucke Ln, Viola, WI) on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 7:00 pm.
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of the most important traditions in Mexico. The festivity commemorates deceased loved ones by honoring and remembering them through ofrendas or altars decorated with traditional elements and items that represent those who have passed on to welcome them and guide their souls on their journey back home.
The Driftless Region’s Día de Muertos Celebration is a free, one-day outdoor event offering modalities to celebrate and learn including engagement in Mexican folk art, traditions, food and community. A collective Día de Muertos ofrenda is constructed during the event. This year, the ofrenda will honor those who have worked in the food system, including farmers, food workers, chefs, food system activists, and everyone in between who spent their life in service to the beautiful work of feeding people. We invite attendees to honor the beloved people in their lives who have passed away by bringing a photo, food, or other meaningful item to place on the community ofrenda.
There will be Mexican folk art and food for sale.
No pets allowed. Camping available. Contact joy@driftlesscuriosity.org to register for a camping site.

This event is FREE and open to the public! To learn more, visit https://driftlesscuriosity.org/day-of-the-dead/

 

Papel Picado Workshop

McIntosh Memorial Library, Viroqua, WI.

205 S Rock Ave, Viroqua, WI 54665

September 5th, 2024

On Thursday, September 5th, come to the Viroqua Library and learn how to make papel picado! The art made on this workshop will be display at the 4th Annual Día de Muertos Celebration on October 5th.

 

a Latino Arts, Inc. and Mexican Folk Art Collective Exhibition

From December 8th to February 23th, 2024

1028 S 9TH ST., MILWAUKEE

In collaboration with the Mexican Folk Art Collective led by Gabriela Marván and special participation by Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) and Akii Maps, Latino Arts is proud to showcase art-making traditions and mediums from throughout Mexico and First Nations tribes.

This event is FREE and open to the public! To learn more, visit https://www.latinoartsinc.org

 

Gallery Hours:

MON. – FRI

December 8, 2023 – February 23, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

This exhibition is showcasing traditional and contemporary Mexican Art based on our roots, traditions and our life as migrants. MFA Collective artwork represents more than 20 Mexican and Mexican American artists:

3D ART

    Cartoneria (paper sculpture)
Alfonso Morales-MEX
Ceci Tejeda-USA
Gabriela Marván-USA
Linares’ Family-MEX
Mario Alberto Martinez Mendez-USA
Raziel Pacheco-MEX
Bárbara Heredia-MEX
    Corn Husk
Yesica Coria-USA
    Clay
Family Peguero Garcia (Tierra Sagrada Studio)-MEX
Flor Molina -MEX
Gerardo Figueroa-MEX

TEXTILES
Andrea Muñiz-USA
Julieta Zavala-USA
Nadia Figueroa-MEX
Pedro Netzahualcoyotl-MEX
Rosalina Gutiérrez-MEX

2D ART
Alfonso Hurtado – Linocut-MEX
Gabriela Santos- Etching and Woodcut-USA
Joseph Juarez- Acrylic on canvas-USA
Rodrigo ‘Mino’ Rivera-Photography

PERFORMING ARTS
Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance – USA

GUEST AND COLLABORATIVE ARTISTS 

Ryan Rothweiler-USA
Mickey Zarate-USA
Peter Cozad-USA
Hanna Hagar-USA
Natalie Hinahara-USA

CAFÉ CON ARTE | JANUARY 26 8:30am-10:30am:

Meet the artists to know more about the process and meaning of their art. 

Mexican Fiber Arts

Traditional Weaving & Natural Dyes

by Nadia Figueroa, and Andrea Muñiz

April 19th-21

Driftless Curiosity Inc.
15270 Haucke Ln
Viola, WI 54664

Details:

This unique 3-day offering is a collaboration between the Mexican Folk Art Collective and Driftless Curiosity – the organizations who brought you the Driftless Region’s Día de Muertos Celebration. Nadia Figueroa, Andrea Muñiz, will lead workshops on natural dyes and traditional weaving. On Friday, they will use dried marigold petals from the 2023 Dia de Muertos Celebration, as well as other natural dyes like walnut, indigo, and grana cochinilla, to teach color recipes that have been passed down for generations in Mexico. On Saturday and Sunday, they will teach two simple designs using traditional weaving techniques and embroidery. Each participant will go home with a piece they create. Nadia is a fashion designer from Mexico City who specializes in “slow fashion” and has dedicated her time to researching the original dye recipes of the Florentine Codex from the Central part of Mexico. These artists will collaborate to share their expertise in Mexican Fiber Arts. Instruction will be given in Spanish and translated into English, with multiple translators available to assist throughout the weekend, making this offering a great language immersion experience as well!

 

Natural Dyes Only
4/19/24
$60

Mexican Fiber Arts Full Weekend
4/19/24 – 4/21/24
$180

Thank you for attending to our Día de los Muertos celebration

See you in 2024!

Location: Keewaydin Farms (15270 Haucke Ln, Viola, Wisconsin, 54664.

Let us know your interests for future events