Cesar Velazquez and Erica Corona of Carlos Albert
Papier-Mache Artists Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico
Welcome to a world of fantasy, imagination, humor and color...all combined in these delightfully whimsical figures by Carlos Munoz and Albert Ickenroth. Albert is a native Dutchman, where he studied art and culture as a youth, became enamored of the great masters, and ultimately discovered his talent for working in papier mâché, bronze and copper. In the mid-1970’s he vacationed in Mexico and was fascinated by the people, culture, colors andwildlife. He returned on a more permanent basis and met Carlos Munoz, a native Mexican who also studied art. The two began working together as the Carlos-Albert team in 1990, creating life-size and larger animals in ceramics as well as papier-mâché.
Twelve years later, many of the apprentice artisans who went to work with Carlos and Albert at the inception of their business are still with them today. When you tour the studio there is an atmosphere of positive energy and joy in the work environment that is reflected in the creation of their art. Each original figurine is one of a limited edition of 150, meticulously hand painted and signed by the artists. They add warmth and expression to homes throughout the world, and inspire the hearts of children and adults alike.
Margaritas restaurants have been exhibiting the work of CarlosAlbert for years. Their giant suns and exotic animals can be seen perched on tiled roofs and climbing stuccoed walls. In the photo on the left you can see a large 3' papier mache sun, which we feature in many of our restaurants. A visit to each restaurant reveals new creations and imaginative art that is imported from Mexico every year. Margaritas is committed to sharing its wealth of knowledge about Mexico, and information about these artists and other like them. Visit a location near you and see for yourself. Join us as we welcome these artists from CarlosAlbert in your community!
Cesar Velazquez and Erica Corona have been working with CarlosAlbert for over 6 six years. They both come from folk art families; Erica is the great granddaughter of Panteleón Panduro, the famous figurine sculptor whose work has spun off many ceramic workshops. Cesar and Erica have worked in the studios of Sergio Bustamante, whom many consider the catalyst for the fusion of traditional folk art with contemporary craft in Tlaquepaque, Mexico. They will be casting their sculptures with papier-mâché and painting with acrylic paints.
Artist Presentation and Activities
On the day of the artists visit to your school, Cesar will demonstrate how to sculpt lifelike figures using low fire clay and/or plasticine modeling clay. He will also demonstrate how to make a mold from the original figure, using plaster of Paris. Cesar will demonstrate how to use papier-mâché to cast a duplicate sculpture from the plaster mold. His wife Erica will demonstrate how to paint the delicate and detailed features using brightly colored acrylic paints. Throughout the day as students watch the artists work, all phases of the processes will be shown. A display of crafts from the CarlosAlbert studio will be exhibited to show the variety of work produced from this craft center in Mexico. Hands on workshops with the artists are also available, (please schedule in advance).
A video portraying scenes from Jalisco, Mexico will also be shown. The images reveal the lives and activities of present day Mexican people. The purpose of this day long visit is to expose students to this colorful country. They will be presented with many facets of life in Mexico. This experience will allow them to meet and talk with Mexican artisans. The program is designed to integrate with various school curricula to impact the widest student population. Students studying Spanish, art, world cultures and social studies will be enthralled with this unique opportunity to visit with these “cultural ambassadors”.
At the end of the day, Cesar and Erica will present a finished sculpture to the school. This will remain as a lasting symbol of these unique artists from Mexico, whose presence in one day challenges, enlivens and stimulates those who come in contact with them.
Pat Picciano, Education Outreach Coordinator and translator will lead all sessions for Cesar and Erica’s visit. Pat has led numerous presentations on Latin American craft. Over the past 15 years he has visited schools, universities, museums and libraries allowing thousands of people to observe and marvel at these talented artisans as they demonstrate their unique talents.
More Information
Learn more about Cesar Velazquez and Erica Corona:
