Go see Visual Renegade at Day of the Dead Show @ Folk Tree in Pasadena

The 25th Annual Day of the Dead Altars and Ephemera Exhibition is on view at
The Folk Tree from October 4 - November 2, 2008. The show features traditional
and other altars as well as work by local artists and Mexican folk art commemorating
this major holiday. The public is invited to a reception on Saturday, October 4,
from 2 - 6 P.M.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which falls on November 1 and 2, is a Mexican holiday honoring the dead. Ritualized worship of the dead has been practiced in Mexico since at least 1800 B.C. The modern holiday is a combination of pre-Hispanic and Catholic influences. Day of the Dead participants prepare elaborate feasts and create altars paying homage to the dead, and they indulge in festive celebrations of life and its aftermath. A time of reflection as well, the holiday has inspired a rich folk art tradition.

In honor of these dates, The Folk Tree annually invites area artists to assemble altars for people or events of significance to them. Highly personal, these altars often include photographs and other mementos, letters, candles and offerings of food. In addition to lost loved ones, in the past artists have created altars for victims of tragedies and violence, for well-known figures who have died, as well as for family pets.

Several artists have participated regularly over the years. Carolyn Potter, who pays homage to family members, has been a participant since the exhibit's inception and incorporates her gourd and polymer clay art into her altar. Johanna Hansen uses her painted narrative ceramics in altars commemorating her son and mother. Nancy Ann Jones' altar is interactive - visitors are invited to write their own messages and tributes. And once again this year, a Spanish class from the Sequoyah School in Pasadena led by their teacher, Michelle Milner, will create a group altar. Related artwork and objects are on view, including pieces by Abel Alejandre, Mary Clark Camargo, Sandra Gallegos,
Kio Griffith, Robert Llanos, and Miguel Angel Murillo. Day of the Dead themed jewelry by Alba Dandridge, Lucia Preciado, Lisa Rocha, and Lacey Waddell is also on view.

Mexican folk art objects created for the Day of the Dead are sold in the streets throughout Mexico in the weeks preceding the holiday. Many examples of these items are available at The Folk Tree. They are often made of clay, papier maché, tin and sugar. Those forms most commonly found are skeletons and skulls, often decorated to include a person's name, or placed in little vignettes. Mexico's artists express their creativity in various media in wonderfully humorous ways.

The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line's Del Mar station, and just south of Old Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, call 626/795-8733 or 626/793-4828.

Felt Club Holiday 2008

We are so excited that Felt Club is coming! It's on Sunday November 16th from 11am-7pm. at the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center in downtown. Be sure to save the date!

Unique Los Angeles - an independent design & gift sale

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES
{Independent Design & Gift Sale}

Dec 13 & 14 2008 | 11am -7pm | California Market Center

UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is an exciting large-scale shopping event that showcases the best independent design talent. Just in time for the holiday season, we feature over 225 vendors to bring you the best in local fashion, art, stationery, home accessories, edibles and more, making it easy to one-stop-shop and avoid the mall. Hallelujah!
Designed to foster and support the creative community, while also stimulating the local economy (all offerings are made in America), you don't want to miss UNIQUE LOS ANGELES.

Take a break from the holiday hustle-and-bustle...
+ Hit the DIY Lab to screenprint your very own custom tee, make free gift tags and gift wrap, or take a workshop
+ Put your feet up in The Lounge, the perfect place to take a break, read a magazine and enjoy a drink while listening to the DJs tunes
+ Satisfy your taste buds in the Cali Café featuring local foods, as well as LA-roasted coffee options

*50% of admission proceeds will be donated to an LA-area arts-based charity for kids

{GIVE GOOD GIFT - BUY LOCAL, SHOP UNIQUE}

Click here to join the mailing list!

Felt Club is coming!

Start saving your pennies for a wondrous holiday shopping extravaganza!

FELT CLUB: HOLIDAY 2008
Sunday, NOVEMBER 16, 11am-7pm
@ Shrine Auditorium Expo Center
700 W. 32nd St., LA CA 90007

I'll be there:)

L.A. Craft Mafia hearts L.A. Derby Dolls Saturday 9/13/08

Here's where you can find us next:

See you there:)