Faculty at Utica University

LOGINS Academic Alert  Adobe Connect  BannerWeb CANVAS Curriculum Committee Portal Engage FAC/PDC Materials General Education Assessment Issues Under Discussion SiteManager CMS SOOT Faculty Login UC Alert VoiceThread Webmail   RESOURCES Benefits Dealing with Difficult Students Employment Opportunities Media Center Requests Room Reservations Resources for Faculty Students/Situations of Concern Referral Form Title IX Wellness

INFO Academic Assessment Academic Information Campus Directory College Policies Department Chairs Faculty Senate Info for Adjunct Faculty Moodle Transition Search Committee Information Support UC   OFFICES Academic Affairs Campus Safety Center for Innovative Learning Environmental Health Facilities Help Desk Human Resources

---

UC NEWS

Back to News Archive

UC Welcomes Accomplished Maya Weaver

Ancient Guatemalan Art Form Passed from Mother to Daughter

Written By Katie Prue '10, PR Intern

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (10/28/2009) - According to Maya legend, the goddess Ixchel invented the art of backstrap weaving. A traditional practice in the Maya culture, this is one way that women have maintained a connection with their culture. This ancient Guatemalan art form, passed down from mother to daughter, is considered a symbol of the life of the Maya woman. 
  
Utica College will present Maya weaver Alida Perez-Santos on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery. The demonstration, hosted by the gallery and the office of student activities, is free and open to the public. 
  
In addition to demonstrating the art of backstrap weaving, Perez-Santos will also offer Maya textiles and bead jewelry for sale. All sales will benefit craftspeople in Guatemala. 
  
A member of the Kakchikel Maya clan from San Antonio Aguas Calientes in Guatemala, Perez-Santos is an advocate for the Maya people. Her accomplishments include the creation of Artisanos Unidos, a program that promotes indigenous crafts and creates a market for them in the global economy. In addition, she founded the Museo Casa del Tajido Antiquo, in Antigua, Guatemala. The museum’s main focus is on the education of weaving practices, techniques, history and various styles employed by Maya artisans. 
  
For more information, visit www.utica.edu/culture.

# # #