Mexic-Arte Museum’s funding of $1,000 is to support Sergio and Monica Lejarazu, the artists behind Austin’s Jumpolin Pinatas , for the 32^nd Annual Viva La Vida Festival of October24th -31^st. Using papier-mâché’ and relief printing, Monica will guide the public in the creation of skull piñatas , inspired by the tradition of skulls in Dia de los Muertos. A large skull float will also be created for the Viva la Vida parade.

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Feria Exposición Maestros del Arte A.C. Inc received a grant for $1,000 from AFFA. It will be used to support a 3-day art show (Nov13-15, 2015) that brings Master folk and indigenous artists, as well as up-and-coming artists who work in Mexican traditional arts, from all corners of Mexico to Lake Chapala, Jalisco. This all volunteer group’s central goal is to provide a stable market for traditional arts and artisans so that they will not have to abandon their heritage to relocate and take up work in the cities. Artists are invited to participate based on the merit/quality of their work as well as their ability to continue making it. For many artists, the Feria is their largest income-making event for the entire year.

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This $1,000 grant to Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance, Inc will support their annual Sembrando Herencia (Planting a Heritage) – Folkloric Arts Education & Theatre Project. This semester-long project (August 3 – December 6, 2015) will culminate in their 13th original musical, on December 6, 2015, at the Carver Theatre in East Austin.

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Congratulations to all grantees and thanks to them for generating so many imaginative and inventive ways to promote and showcase folk art.   

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