::Austin Friends Of Folk Art::

..... AFFA Events

..... Non-AFFA Events

Now - August 17 Main Gallery at Mexic-Arte Museum. Aztec and Maya Revival. The Aztec/Maya revival style refers to a resurgence of Pre-Columbian motifs and patterns within modern Mexico's arts. Beginning in the late 19th century, Mexico began to embrace its Pre-Columbian past and indigenous roots. A new style of art was developed by appropriating the iconography of many of the nation's pre-Columbian ancestral groups, among them the Aztec and Maya cultures.

The objective of the Aztec/Maya Revival Exhibition is to show this fusion of Mesoamerican visual patterns with modern Mexican material culture. The exhibition focuses on various applications of this style in the fine and decorative arts of the early part of the 20th century. For example - the thematic scenes carved in high relief on the furniture pieces are examples of the continuous Pre-Columbian visual presence.

The exhibition also juxtaposes pieces from the stylistic revival with authentic Pre-Columbian works and artifacts, so the viewer can observe the continuation of similar pictorial elements.

The conceptual objective of the exhibition is to reiterate the indigenous influence on material culture of Mexico and the Mexic-Arte Museum has selected works in Aztec/Maya revival style that display the successful amalgamation of Pre-Columbian elements in modern form.

-- Artifacts and art are on loan from the University of Texas and private art collections.

Now - August 17, The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is proud to present one of its most popular shows, CraftTexas 2008, the fifth in a series of juried exhibitions showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft.

Opening Reception, Friday, May 23, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Jurors' Awards Presentation at 6:30 PM

Gallery Walk & Talk, Saturday, May 24, 2:00 PM with Juror Kate Bonansinga
and HCCC Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod

Eighty-four objects made from clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials were selected from a pool of over 370 submissions (the largest number received in the show's history). Works range in style from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary and were judged on criteria such as technical proficiency, creative and inventive use of medium and innovation in style and/or concept. Juror Jane Sauer described the entries for CraftTexas 2008 as "the strongest body of work that I have ever seen in a regional show-truly amazing and outstanding."

CraftTexas 2008 was juried by a talented and nationally recognized panel of jurors: Kate Bonansinga, Director of the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts and Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Texas at El Paso; Harlan Butt, metalsmith and Regents Professor of Art at the University of North Texas; and Jane Sauer, fiber artist, sculptor and owner of Jane Sauer Gallery (formerly Thirteen Moons Gallery) in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

To learn about becoming a supporter of CraftTexas 2008, click here.

Above: Gregory Story, ColorWallBalls, 2008. Clay. Photo courtesy the artist; Peter Norris, Nkisi Box, 2008. Oak, iron and copper nails, wax. Photo by Jack Zilker; Omar Perez, My Shoes Are Killing Me, 2008. Ebony, sapele, pommele, band saw blades, laquer. Photo by Katharine Landmeier; Joan Son, Weeping, 2007. Paper, acrylic, bamboo. Photo courtesy the artist.

Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM - 5PM
Sunday, 12AM -5PM

For more information, contact the Exhibition Coordinator at
713.529.4848, ext 104 or Email grukenbrod@crafthouston.org

Every Saturday. NEW! Tarrytown Farmers' Market. On Exposition, across from Casis Elementary School, at the north end of the small shopping center, right where the florist used to be. Saturdays, from July 12 on. Barb Jackson reports it's well stocked, friendly, shady, and there are tables to sit down and relax at. Check it out.

Aug 3-8, 2008 Rug Hooking Knows No Borders: A Three-Nation Camp in San Miguel de Allende.
Among the participants will be the Rancheritas Women of Agustín Gonzalez, whose work we learned about through a program by Charlotte Bell.
Click for the full brochure.

Sun., Aug. 9, 7:00-9:00pm. Movie Night: Blossoms of Fire. A documentary portrait of the Zapotec women of Juchitan, Oaxaca, known for their fierce independence and the distinctive clothing they produce. This is a dazzling, whirling dance of a film that celebrates the extraordinary lives of a people whose strong work ethic and fierce independent streak have resulted in powerful women, progressive politics, and the group's unusual tolerance of alternative gender roles. Hosts are @ Sandie Huston & Lee Schultz, 9403 Spring Hollow Dr., Austin, TX 78750. RSVP by 8/4 to mcwheaton!@austin.rr.com and she'll send you directions. Click for a full brochure!