As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Lewis Center for the Arts hosted two workshops dedicated to empowering individuals and diaspora communities through collective art-making and cultural preservation, led by artist and community partner Veronica Olivares-Weber. This initiative aimed to foster a deeper connection with Latinx heritage and local communities while celebrating the vibrant traditions that define the culture.
Artist and community partner Veronica Olivares-Weber leads a workshop on metal embossing, known as “repujado.” Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants in the metal embossing (repujado) workshop work on their creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants in the metal embossing (repujado) workshop work on their creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants in the metal embossing (repujado) workshop work on their creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants in the metal embossing (repujado) workshop work on their creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants in the metal embossing (repujado) workshop work on their creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Veronica Olivares-Weber leads a workshop on metal embossing, known as “repujado.” Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Veronica Olivares-Weber poses with workshop participants with the metal embossed creations. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Veronica Olivares-Weber leads a workshop on papier-mâché, known as “cartonería.” Photo by Daeun Kim
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Participants create unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures during the papier-mâché (cartonería) Workshop. Photo by Daeun Kim
Photo by Daeun Kim
Veronica Olivares-Weber poses with workshop participant. Photo by Zohar Lavi-Hasson
The first workshop held on September 28 dove into the art of papier-mâché, known as “cartonería” in Mexico, a versatile and culturally rich art form. Participants created unique folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures using paper, wheat paste, and sometimes wire for structural support. The sculptures were brought to life with bright colors and intricate designs, reflecting the lively spirit of Mexican culture.
The celebration continued on October 7 with a workshop exploring the traditional art of metal embossing, known as “repujado.” Participants learned how to create intricate, raised designs on thin sheets of metal. To further connect with Mexican heritage, participants applied vibrant colors highlighting the cultural patterns characteristic of this art form. Rooted in the rich history of pre-Columbian civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, Mexican embossing carries forward traditional motifs that symbolize the deep cultural heritage of these ancient societies.
The Lewis Center’s Program in Theater & Music Theater cosponsored the workshops with Princeton University’s Program for Community-Engaged Scholarship (ProCES), Department of Art & Archaeology, Latino Princetonians and Princeton Latin American Student Association.
