A Festival de Rebozos, including a fashion show and Mother's Day celebration, is being presented at the Tucson Museum of Art by the Latin American Art Patrons.
Armandina Cruz, director of Casa del Rebozo of Guadalajara, Mexico, will be the special guest at the festival, said Michael Weber, a member of the organization that raises funds for the museum's Latin American Art programs.
Cruz is an expert in the history and uses of rebozos, or Mexican shawls, and founded the Casa del Rebozo as an educational center to teach the craft and history of the garment.
In her presentations, Cruz will speak about the history of the rebozo and its ties to music, dance, poetry and fashion, Weber said.
The rebozo dates back centuries and is used as a garment to provide warmth, as a head covering in church, to cradle babies, and as an adornment for evening wear or for brides on their wedding day.
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Rebozos also incorporate a family's history into the design, and the pieces represent lineages and regions.
Today, the shawls are worn around the hips, as a turban or draped around the neck. The garments are made of wool, fine cotton and silk and can range from $40 on up to several thousand dollars. "The finest rebozos can be pulled through a wedding ring," explained Weber.
Mexican first lady Margarita Zavala, wife of President Felipe Calderón, is known for her signature shawls. Artist Frida Kahlo was known for her shawls as is Chicana author Sandra Cisneros.
"Armandina will be working with children and teaching them about rebozos at schools during the week prior to the festival at the museum," said Weber, who met Cruz in 2006 while in Guadalajara on a business trip and learned about her work and the center.
The festival also will include presentations by weaver Rosa María Ochoa, singer María Dolores Hernández and poet Silvia Moreno.
festival de rebozos
What: The Latin American Art Patrons, a support group for the Tucson Museum of Art, will present Festival de Rebozos with special guest Armandina Cruz, director of the Casa del Rebozo of Guadalajara, Mexico.
When: 6-9 p.m. May 9 is a Gala Celebration of Music and Dance, including a fashion show demonstrating the ways of wearing rebozos. This fundraiser is for the museum's Latin American Art programs and the cost is $30 per person.
On May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. is a Mother's Day celebration and families are invited to bring in their rebozos for expert evaluation. A master weaver will demonstrate her craft. Admission is free.
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Information: 624-2333.
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