Taller de Alebrijes en la Universidad de Utah Valley (UVU)
Alebrije Workshop at Utah Valley University (UVU) Presented by Oaxaca en Utah
Utah Valley University (UVU) recently hosted a highly successful Alebrije Workshop, led by Oaxaca en Utah, where participants had the chance to learn about and create their own vibrant, fantastical creatures inspired by the rich tradition of Oaxacan folk art. The workshop was a celebration of the colorful and imaginative world of alebrijes, featuring both hands-on artistic activities and cultural exploration. What Are Alebrijes? Alebrijes are fantastical, brightly colored sculptures of imaginary creatures, originating from Oaxaca, Mexico. These iconic figures blend elements of different animals into unique, dreamlike beings and are deeply connected to Mexican culture and artistry. There are two primary versions of alebrijes: one form is crafted from papier- mâché, and the other is carved from copal wood, which comes from the copal tree native to the region of Arrazola, Oaxaca. The wooden alebrijes are made from copal, a soft wood that is carved with great detail and intricacy, reflecting the artistic skills passed down through generations. The papier-mâché alebrijes, on the other hand, are crafted by molding and shaping the material into vibrant, fantastical creatures. Both forms of alebrijes are hand-painted with bold, intricate patterns and bright colors, creating a striking representation of creativity, spirituality, and the natural world. At UVU, participants created the wooden version of alebrijes, inspired by the traditional copal wood alebrijes from Arrazola, Oaxaca. This hands-on experience allowed participants to honor the craftsmanship of Oaxacan artisans while creating their own personalized versions of these unique and imaginative creatures. The workshop, facilitated by Oaxaca en Utah, was a great success, with attendees immersing themselves in the history and traditions of alebrijes while creating their own beautiful works of art. Participants expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work with copal wood and bring the vibrant tradition of Oaxaca to life. The workshop not only provided a unique artistic experience but also served as a cultural bridge, deepening the connection between the UVU community and Mexican artistry.
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