Folk Art of Mexico

This exhibition presented contemporary objects of daily use from throughout Mexico fashioned from clay, tin, wood, paper and fiber. Every aspect of Mexican life was represented — from bullrings to busses to wedding and funerals. There was a village alive with whimsical bicycle riders, musicians, market vendors and land and sea vehicles. There were giant parade puppets and fantastic dragon-like creatures called _alebrijes._ On view were churches, _retablos_ (altar pieces) and religious statues, even a Madonna woven out of straw. An altar to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, the festival honoring departed loved ones, was also on view. The exhibition demonstrated the importance of family, community, religion and fun as well as the creative spirit of Mexican craftspeople.