MCC to host woodcarving demonstration

Submitted by MCC

McHenry County College will host an Oaxacan Woodcarving presentation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in the MCC Conference Center and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bersted Lecture Hall, Room A240. The presentation concludes MCC’s Latino Heritage Month celebration.

The presenter will be Michael Chibnik, anthropology professor from University of Iowa and author of “Crafting Tradition: The Making and Marketing of Oaxacan Wood Carvings.” He will describe the history of the craft and the social and economic changes resulting from sales on the global marketplace. In addition, Saul Aragón, an artisan from Oaxaca, will talk about his community and demonstrate how pieces are carved and painted.

Aragon is the founder and president of a cooperative in the village of Arrazola that makes and sells wood carvings. Aragon’s wood carvings will be available for purchase.

The event is free and open to the public. The college is at 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. For more information, call the MCC Student Life Office at (815) 455-8550.