Luisa Zaragoza
 Louisa Zaragoza was born in Guerrero, Mexico. As a child she learned many different traditional art forms from her mother, including the art of papel picaddo, elaborately cut paper put on strings and used during holidays to decorate streets, homes, and altars. She also makes corn husk figures that resemble folk dancers. These figures, are used to remember important celebrations such as birthdays and baptisms. Luisa now lives in Medford where she is an aide in an ESL classroom. She believes it is important to share these arts because it helps children understand and celebrate their heritage.
Corn Husk Figures (2 day workshop) Luisa teaches student how to make individual boy or girl figures dressed un traditional costumes using dyed corn husks, ribbons, yarn, and pens. Papel Picado (1 hour workshop) Luisa teaches students how to cut intricate geometrical designs in tissue paper to make rows of papel picado flags which will be hung on strings around the room. Papel picado is traditionally used to decorate churches, streets, houses, and buildings during fiestas. Danza de Mexico (1 hour workshop) Students will learn traditional Aztec dance steps and dance to recorded music. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: Arts: Create, Present, Perform; History & Cultural Perspective Social Sciences: World History; Geography Math: Geometry, Problem Solving Physical Education |