MEXICAN ARTISANS VISIT ST. AUGUSTINE SCHOOL

On Thursday, November 6th, Saint Augustine School of Andover will welcome artists Gerardo Ortega and Gabriela Mena, a husband and wife team of folk artists from Santa Cruz del las Huertas Mexico, to showcase clay art. The artists are visiting Andover courtesy of Margaritas Management Group’s (Margaritas Mexican Restaurants) education outreach coordinator Pat Picciano, who has traveled numerous villages throughout Mexico since the 1980’s, to bring to students all the diversity and wonder of Mexican culture. St. Augustine School’s Cultural Enrichment Committee seeks out unique academic programming to broaden student curriculum beyond our borders to enhance what is being learned in classroom via language arts, social studies and world cultures.

Ortega and Mena specialize in “barro betus,” a distinct technique for decorating low fire clay. In fact, Ortega still obtains clay from the same area as his Toltec ancestors. Together with his wife Gabriela, Ortega will demonstrate the techniques used to create and paint their unique sculptures—many of which will be on display for purchase.

Throughout the day, students will have the opportunity to watch the artists at work through a series of demonstrations and lectures translated by Picciano. Additionally, the day-long visit will also include videos of Santa Cruz de las Huertas Mexico during which Ortega will explain the processes involved in the production of their works of art. Students and guests will gain access to individuals from another culture, practice their Spanish language (taught at St. Augustine School), and broaden their knowledge of world cultures via this unique visit from cultural ambassadors from Mexico. The artists will also close the day by presenting a finished sculpture designed specifically for St. Augustine School to commemorate the visit.

About St. Augustine School

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School (26 Central Street Andover, Mass.) provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.edline.net/pages/staugustineandover.

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