Gigantes Paper Mache Open Studio

Date and Time for this Past Event

Sunday, Sep 24, 2023 9am - 3:30pm

Location

Details

The Firehouse Gigantes Procession occurs at the end of the Longmont Dia de los Muertos Family Fiesta on October 14th, 2023. We invite the community to process through Downtown Longmont led by Aztec dancers and the Firehouse Gigantes. Gigantes, or Mojigangas, are giant puppets made of papier mâché or cardboard materials. They are approximately 10- 15 feet tall and originated from Spain, but were brought to Mexico around the 1600s. The head and bust of the puppet are made of papier mâché, which is then mounted on a tall supporting A-frame structure.
In 2016 the Firehouse Art Center partnered with local artists to create the first gigantes for the procession. After 7 years of use and storage, these gigantes need a little love! We also want to create a few more to introduce to the community at the 2023 Gigantes Procession.
We are calling on the community to help us!
If you...
don't mind getting messy and love creating with your hands
are a problem solver (any physics or construction minded people who can help us make the gigantes lighter, sturdier, more moveable but also easier to store- we need you!!!)
can create with a sewing machine or a paint brush
have experience cretaing with paper mache, or pvc pipes, etc.
have newspaper, tissue paper, acrylic paint, fabric, gems, etc to donate
love the Dia de los Muertos celebration and want to continue Longmont's history of presenting a culturally authentic and appropriate event
want to just donate to support the making of the gigantes, please donate through the "I would like to donate" ticket!
WE NEED YOU!!!
You will
Learn three simple ways to make paper mache paste, along with methods to sculpt cardboard and recycled materials into pliable shapes.
create beautiful puppets that will be part of this amazing cultural celebration year after year
This is an open studio time, where a monitor will help direct the creation of the gigantes. Each table station will be devoted to eiter fixing a current gigante, or creating a new gigante (the final design will be represented by a drawing, but the design is a crowd sourced creation, so the design is open to brainstorming how to make it better). Please reserve based on total time you plan to be in the studio so we can assess space and supplies.
This is an experience that is beginner friendly, designed for all ages (no kid drop off though- adults need to remain), and requires no previous experience with paper mache.
The Firehouse will provide all materials, but students are welcome to bring supplies/paper of their own. Donations are happily accepted! Additionally, participants will walk away with a mini zine with info about gigantes, the Catrina paintings and the significance of masks in the Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Open Studio is in South Gallery and is accessible by walkers or wheelchairs. The Firehouse is passionate about creating an inclusive art space that promotes and values diversity. Art spaces and studios that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better and more welcoming creative spaces. More importantly, creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can relax and enjoy being their best creative selves makes the world a better place for everyone.