Presentation: 

We all are familiar with making 3D things from paper and paste from our school days. But did you know that this technique has a long, and much more celebrated history? Mexico's love of festivals, and making them as spectacular as possible, means that even such simple materials can be turned into fantastic creatures, giant puppets, devils, toys and piñatas! This presentation will outline what these objects are and more importantly, how and why they are important to the culture. The presentation is based on the book Mexican Cartonería: Paper, paste and fiesta (Schiffer 2019).

Presenter: 

Leigh Thelmadatter, like so many of us, came to Mexico to stay for a short time and then move on. 20 years later, she is still here. Writing about Mexico began while still an English teacher, working with students in Wikipedia. Since then she has become a regular contributor to the news site Mexico News Daily, with articles appearing in other publications as well. She is currently working with the International Folk Art Museum to open an exhibit dedicated to this craft in January 2023.