sandy  hruska

Ancestral  vessels

october 29 – november 4  2023
Arrival on Sunday, 5 day Workshop, Depart Saturday

What better time to remember and honor our ancestors than over the weekend of “Day of the Dead” or “Día de los Muertos” in a beautiful setting in Mexico.  Long has been the tradition to build ofrendas (offerings) and altars to celebrate the return of the souls who have gone on from this world.  This tradition of celebrating dates back at least 3000 years to the Aztec.  All Saints Day and All Souls day (November 1 and 2) are also recognized as days to remember and honor the departed.

Taking a page from this tradition is how we will begin our workshop on Ancestral Vessels. Much too often, the pictures and remembrance treasures are collected and shoved in a drawer or stuck in a closet with the hopes of someday creating a space for the memories. Occasionally we take things out to reminisce, but then put it back. Because even though we want to put it together into something meaningful, we don’t know how to start. That is all going to change with your Ancestral Vessel Creation.

This workshop is designed to take your valued possessions and create your story by building a container and placing sacred items in such a way to preserve and bring these memories back to life, a time of honor and remembrance.   We will use techniques that do not require one to be an artist or a craftsperson but rather a Creative.

The Workshop Routine:

Each morning we, as Creatives, will greet the day with a stretch and centering meditation.  Healthy and delicious breakfast and lunch will be provided.

During work sessions you will be introduced to the some of the following techniques to use in your vessel:

• Background color building
• Preserving delicate photos and objects using resin
• Stitching with beads
• Waxed linen as overcoat
• Using stamps to create statements on fabric
• The art of using positive and negative spaces
• Cold Joins and connection
• Treasure grouping to objectify story

In addition to the Vessel, you will be making a talisman which can be placed in your box of curiosity. 

There will be plenty of time each day for relaxation and extra studio time. We will be taking an exploration and collection walking trip about the town. 

Opportunities for great shopping and dining experiences will also be available.

Most exciting will be experiencing Día De Los Muertos which will be unfolding before our eyes as it has for centuries with Catrinas parading, Mariachi bands playing, and candle lit parades.  The streets will be alive with celebration!