The some things looming Fiber Arts Gallery and Studio, 526 Washington St., Reading, will screen the documentary film, Woven Lives, as part of its current show–Transforming Traditions-that features the unique weavings of the de Los Angeles family of the village of Teotitlian del Valle in the state of Oaxaca., Mexico and runs through Nov. 1.
Woven Lives created by Carolyn Kallenborn will screen on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at 3 p.m. in the historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 6th and Washington streets, Reading, across from the galley. Admission is free, but the gallery is asking anyone who plans to attend to preregister by calling 610-373-7337 or on their website www.somethingslooming.com.
Drawing upon the richness of sights, sounds and beauty of the people and landscape of Oaxaca, some things looming founder and co-director Rebekah Ritter said Woven Lives provides a fascinating look at contemporary Zapotec weavers from six different villages.
“This colorful documentary celebrates their extraordinary textiles and illustrates how the art of weaving cloth has helped the Zapotecs retain their culture and identity for thousands of years. The story traces the integration of ancient techniques with new technologies and explores how the artisans are now looking to the past to help them move forward into the future.”
She said the film has seven segments:
* The Zapotec Artisans in Oaxaca.
* Natural Dyeing with native plants, minerals and insects.
* Backstrap weaving.* Silk weaving.
* Tapestry rug weaving.* Small-scale weaving production.
* Planning for the Future: Weaving traditions of Oaxaca embrace a global community.
Two copies of the film will be awarded as door prizes. A trailer about the film is accessible on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxFtx0eSPqI
Ritter said the Transforming Traditions exhibit in the gallery will be open one hour before and after the film, from 1 to 2 p.m. and approximately 4 to 5 p.m.
Transforming Traditions focuses on the work of Antonio, Angel and Mizael de Los Angeles who represent the Zapotec family tradition of craftsmanship that goes back generations. Beyond showcasing the traditional patterns and weaving methods of Teotitlian, the show explores questions of influence and innovation, illustrating how each artist works with traditional techniques to create unique weavings reflecting their personal ideas and experience.
The gallery held special workshops and other events as part of the exhibit. Still to come on the closing day, Nov. 1, is a “make and take” tee shirt class in honor of the Day of the Dead. The show also coincides with National Hispanic Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2014.
Free parking will be available in the church lot between 5th and Church streets. The lot entrance is on 5th street, Parking is also available at the Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Hotel, 5th and Washington streets, and other nearby Reading Parking Authority parking lots and garages.
some things looming’ is open Tues. and Weds. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sats. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and by appointment. It is closed Sun., Mon. and holidays.
Housed in an historical multi-story brick row home, some things looming features gallery exhibits, studio and equipment rentals, instruction, workshops and more.
Visit the website (www.somethingslooming.com), email service@somethingslooming.com, or call 610-373-7337. Visit on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/somethingslooming. Tweet @ s_t_ looming on www.twitter.com.
From Something’s Looming
