PIÑATAS: THE HIGH ART OF CELEBRATION

9/4/2021 – 12/4/2021

This fall, the Craft in America Center will present Piñatas: The High Art of Celebration, which will focus on handmade piñatas and piñata-based art objects made by artists predominantly based in Southern California. Piñatas, ubiquitous and often the focal point of parties and festive occasions across the U.S., are handcrafted and ephemeral objects that signify happiness, joy, and celebration. This show will explore how they are designed, constructed and executed, and the integral role that they play in modern material culture. It will simultaneously present the work of traditional piñata artisans and artists who reinvent and reinterpret the piñata through their engaging sculptural practices.

Piñatas are a deeply rooted Mexican tradition, but have become a ubiquitous and popular object, beloved across cultures. The intent of the exhibition is to bridge communities through the engaging, accessible nature of the piñata as an art form and popular cultural artifact. Piñatas are intertwined with childhood experiences, gatherings of family and friends, and moments of happiness. This uplifting exhibition will speak to a wide audience.

As creators of material culture, craft makers design and build the relics of our everyday, modern world. This exhibition touches on the ephemeral and performative nature of certain forms of craft. Craft today plays a part in our traditions, our celebrations, our relationships, and it deepens how we experience life. With such a vibrant, colorful, and festive group of objects, this exhibition will engage people of all ages and backgrounds, including children and families, in an effort to expand awareness of the handmade, craft of the everyday, and views of what art can be. Traditional/functional piñata makers will be at the forefront of the conversation and this exhibition will bring recognition to their artistry.

Participating artists include: Alejandro Arredondo, Diana Benavidez, Roberto Benavidez, Sita Bhaumik, Amorette Crespo, Dignicraft, Justin Favela, Francisco Palomares, Yesenia Prieto, Josue Ramirez, Isaias Rodriguez, Lorena Robledo, Ana Serrano, and Giovanni Valderas.

Virtual Programming:

• Curatorial Walk-through—Wed., Sept. 15 at 11am PDT

• Giovanni Valderas & Isaias Rodriguez on the Poetry & Politics of Piñatas—Fri., Sept.17 at 11am PDT

• All Ages Piñata Workshop with Isaias Rodriguez—Sat., Sep. 25th at 11am PDT

• Yesenia Prieto & Lorena Robledo: Labor of Love: the Economics of Piñata Making—Fri., Oct. 15 at 11am PDT

• Global Origins of the Piñata with Dr. Yong Chen—Friday Nov. 12 at 11am PST

• Casita Triste: Piñata Workshop with Giovanni Valderas—Sat., Nov. 13 at 11am PST

In-Person Programming:

• Piñata Workshop with Yesenia Prieto—Thurs., Oct. 21 at 6:30pm PDT