Jul. 17 @ 10:00 am – Jul. 21 @ 3:00 pm
During the summer of 2023, the Mexic-Arte Museum Partnered with Austin Central Library to create the camp: Nuestro Estilo/Our Style, a week-long summer camp that focused on campers exploring Mexican identity through the traditional garments of Huipili’s.
The camp opened with a welcoming ceremony by Laura Rios Ramirez, known for their ancestral knowledge systems and restorative/transformative justice practices; the ceremony called on all directions to open up the space and allow participants to ground themselves in a new experience. For many, this camp became a retreat where one could explore one’s culture and reconnect with it creatively.
Guided by master artist Andrea Calderon and friends from Colectivo In Situ, the campers delved into the rich history of indigenous fibers, dyes, and designs, forging a deeper connection between clothing and the earth. Embracing the significance of cultural identity and heritage, the campers eagerly designed and crafted their own vibrant huipils, employing traditional techniques like weaving, embroidery, and linocut stamping.
On the last day of camp, each camper proudly graced the runway, adorned in their self-created huipils, amidst cheers and applause from their family and friends. Beyond a display of talent, the event symbolized the celebration of diverse cultures and sustainable fashion practices. This profoundly impacted the campers, inspiring them to continue as ambassadors of indigenous fashion philosophies of making what you can with what you have and being guardians of the earth’s precious resources.
Photos
Nuestro Estilo was open to ages 11 to 99+. Those younger than 11 were accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian).
Photos by Maia Castillo
Video
About the Artist
Andrea Calderon is an independent musician and cultural organizer with a background in anthropology + border studies, born in Mexico City with firm roots in Oaxaca and Chihuahua. They currently work as the Cultural Liaison at the James Beard award-winning NIXTA Taqueria in Austin, Tejas, and play violin in various musical projects.
Andrea also runs a reciprocity-based collective of indigenous artisans and uses the same platform to organize independent local cultural events, workshops, and encuentros at various venues and community spaces. Colectivo IN SITU functions to bridge communities and educate the public through sharing the diverse work of BIPOC creatives and activists fighting for visibility and justice. In Mexico, they work to highlight artisans working with ancestral mediums including wool + native cotton textiles, silk, and more, with a focus on bringing attention to their stories, lives, and histories. Through IN SITU, Andrea hopes to continue creating and fostering safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for everyone. TODO PARA TODXS.
This camp is generously sponsored by The Office of Violence Prevention
