Sun. Feb. 10 Membership Party at the Home of John & Melissa Torres. Take a beautiful home, a fascinating collection of Mexican masks and other folk art, add friends, food, spirits and music.... It’s a recipe for an event to share. And it’s FREE! Renew your membership and recruit a friend! RSVP by 2/7, Susan Lowrance 721-7243

Sat. Mar. 8 The Secret Life of Junk: a found art workshop with Beverly Mangham. Create an assemblage or narrative work, tell stories, and tap into Beverly's passion for the reinvented object, using treasures you find in her studio or those you bring. Class size: 7 minimum, 12 maximum. $145/person includes instruction, tools, supplies (except "Liquid Nails" which you have to bring) and lunch with wine, beer and soft drinks. No previous experience is needed. Everyone can play. See website at www.zzzdog.com or email for more info: Beverly@zzzdog.com.

Sat. Mar. 29 Trip to Houston Museum of Contemporary Craft for PBS Touring Exhibit, Craft in America: Expanding Traditions. The 3-part PBS special, Craft in America, is a gem. It explores the history and significance of the craft movement in the U.S. and its impact on the nation's cultural heritage. Memory looks at the historical relevance of craft through the eyes of several contemporary pioneers in the field. Landscape examines the relationship of craft artists to their media and the natural world. Community highlights the social and emotional connections that crafts embody. For a virtual exhibition: www.pbs.org/craftinamerica. For the full 3-hr. program on one DVD ($24.99): http://www.shoppbs.org. Don’t miss our trip!

May date TBD
Check back soon to see what we are planning!

July date TBD Potluck Dinner & A Skirt Full of Butterflies, at the Home of Barb Jackson. Enjoy dinner, Barb’s eclectic collection and A Skirt Full of Butterflies, a 15-minute documentary introduction to 5 fiercely independent Zapotec women who are community leaders in Juchitan, Southern Oaxaca, an area known for its uniquely beautiful clothing. Their stories are interlaced with scenes of work, festivities, music, poetry and paintings of the region.

Being explored/ scheduled

Talk by Gloria Giffords or Martha Egan. Both have new books.

Collaborative event with Carver Branch of Austin Public Library.

An evening with Rama Tiru, professional photographer and gallery owner.

Sat. July 28 Maestros Mexicanos Gallery Opening, 6:30 pm - ?
Food, drink & first-class folk art! Visit with friends and representatives of the Mexican Consulate, enjoy the work of Mexican masters, buy if you’re moved to. This gallery strives to build relationships with U.S. collectors in order to help sustain traditional arts where localized political unrest is jeopardizing the livelihood of some of Mexico’s finest folk artists. A FREE EVENT. Bring a friend or potential new member! Directions? See Upcoming Events on this site. RSVP by 7/27, Teresa Kendrick 467-2272

Sunday, Aug. 19, 5 pm Indian Classical Dance Drama, Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum. The Silamban Dance Company is touring the US in a revival of this classic about “Krishna as a child, lover and God...playful, romantic and awe-inspiring by turns..." It premiered in India to rave reviews. Then we’ll dine at an Indian restaurant (included in cost): $45; $35/seniors & students. RSVP by mailing your check to Barbara Jackson at 5003 Ridge Oak Drive, Austin, TX, 78731

Sat. Sept, 15, 3-6pm A Spiritual, Hands-on Event with Tim White Face: Shield, Story & Song in the Lakota Tradition. This respected mixed-media artist, singer and sun dancer of the Lakota (Sioux) visits us from Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. As he guides us in making a small shield—a symbolic object offering both physical and spiritual protection—he will discuss traditional motifs, materials, methods and beliefs. RSVP by 9/7, Susan Lowrance 721-7243

Wed. Sept. 19, pm San Antonio Excursion: Smithsonian Alameda Huipil Exhibit Opening, Sigi Pineda Trunk Show & More! Huipiles. Silver by the last surviving master from the Spratling era. A visit to the new home of Susan Toomey Frost, one of AFFA’s most passionate collectors. And a visit to the Toilet Seat Museum in a garage. To carpool: mcwheaton@austin.rr.com

Sat. Sept. 22, 10:30am, Lance Aaron: Guided Tour of His Collection at Mexic-Arte Repeated by popular demand! See and learn about this rare collection of Mexican fine and folk art. RSVP by 9/21, Susan Lowrance 721-7243

Sun. Oct. 14, Phillippe Klinefelter Studio Visit. Austin architect, sculptor and architectural artisan works in stone, metal and wood. He says his 3 years as an advisor on the Nowlin’s Maya House, a 12,000 sq. ft. anachronism, drew on 35 years of study of Mayan architecture and culture. RSVP by 10/12, Mary Paige Huey 345-7026

Sat. Nov. 3, Day of the Dead Altar Building, Chicken Mole Feast & Potluck. A poignant event. Bring photos, mementos and stories of loved ones who have passed, candles or flowers, and a dish to share. Chicken mole provided. RSVP by 11/1 mcwheaton@austin.rr.com

Nov. 8 – 12 Rendezvous in Ajijic for Mexican Maestros Art Fair. Nobody knows Ajijic like AFFA board member Teresa Kendrick, author of Mexico's Lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insider’s Guide. She planned this trip to coincide with an art fair that brings 50+ folk artists—some famous, some not yet discovered —from all over Mexico at no cost to themselves. A great way to meet artists and buy directly from them. Plus a day trip to Tlaquepaque. See AFFA’s website. Contact Teresa: 467-2272; cell 979-250-1519; tkendrick2005@yahoo.com

Thurs. Nov. 29 Josefina Aguilar Demo & Potluck at the Home of Priscilla Murr. Possibly the last trip this famous potter will make to Texas. She’s aging but still has magic in her hands. An intimate evening in a special home. RSVP by 11/24, Susan Lowrance. 721-7243

Sun. Dec. 2 Holiday Party Traditionally, our biggest event, this year to be held in a wonderful 1930s Spanish Revival-style home. Mark the date and return the RSVP card promptly when it comes; reservations limited to 100.

Sat. Jan. 19 Visit to W.W. treenware Co., in Elgin, TX. In a 1901 building on Main St., Nancy Lou Webster makes makes wooden kitchen utensils by hand using native woods. Her traditional Welsh love spoons are hotly collected. An interesting studio tour, a chance to try our hands at making treenware, a fun visit with a colorful Texas artisan, and a special lunch treat. RSVP by 1/10 Merry Wheaton mcwheaton@austin.rr.com