Learn about arts, designs of Oaxaca, Mexico

The public is invited to attend a presentation on preserving the traditional arts and designs of Oaxaca, Mexico, given by Adriana Pavon, founder and director of the organization Mexico: Culture and Pride.

The program will be at the Des Plaines History Center from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.

Inspired by the colorful wardrobe and personality of artist Frida Kahlo, a group of artists and curators formed Mexico: Culture and Pride with the purpose of promoting the traditions of Mexico through events such as heritage tours and workshops that teach the origins and techniques of design in dyes, iconography, embroidery, knitted and woven work and painting styles.

The talk will feature information about the group's work to preserve, exhibit, and advocate for the traditional artisan designs of Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as the projects, classes and trips this cultural initiative has planned for the future.

Pavon has worked professionally as a designer in the clothing and fashion industry. Recently, she said, "I realized that my business was not fulfilling my life, so I set out to design something that was fulfilling and had that human connection," said Pavon.

"My goal was to create contemporary collections in collaboration with indigenous people of my native Mexico."

Pavon set out to do research about Frida Kahlo's wardrobe, which led her to Oaxaca, where she learned more about the local culture, and traditions. She discovered that the traditional designs were being replaced by modern clothing design and retail.

"I wanted to change that," she said. "I saw the value, and I know that many people out there do see the value."

As a result, Pavon said she "recruited a top-notch team" and worked with indigenous groups of the Oaxaca region to form Mexico: Cultura y Orgullo, with the goals of preserving those traditions through the design of clothing, jewelry and decorative arts handcrafted by artisans, coordinating a traveling exhibit called "Through Frida's Eyes," and conducting heritage tours of the Oaxaca region.

Learn more about this project at mexicoculturayorgullo.com.

There is no program fee to attend the talk. Afterward, visitors are welcome to tour the History Center's 1907 Kinder House museum and view the display titled "Des Plaines Architecture: An Exhibit about our Homes and City."

For information, call the History Center at (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org.

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