Programs, Resources, and Outreach
Below, explore examples from TMM's extensive school and community offerings, including rotating craft workshops, do-it-yourself art tutorials, and community outreach programs.
Virtual and In-Person Workshops
Join us virtually or in person to find inspiration in the arts, crafts, and folk traditions of Mexico and Latin America!
Our education programs offer community members the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and contributions of Mexican and Mexican Americans in California and beyond.
Each individual programs seeks to create engaging conversations via inquiry-based methods and Socratic teaching methods. These conversations nurture a diverse and inclusive environment for reciprocal inter-generational learning among participants.
Free or Economical Courses for School Communities
The Mexican Museum offers many of its educational resources and activities free of charge. These range from programs for school students designed to explore Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino cultures, to dance, music, and craft courses focusing on the traditions and practices of native cultures and peoples.
This program engages students with interactive activities and hands-on workshops that explore the material histories of cultural heritage and that in turn foster deeper appreciation for Mexican and Latin American art and peoples.
Customizable Course Offerings and Resources for Teachers
- School Students (Grades 6-12): These programs are designed and instructed for Middle and High School students, with activities scaffolded to different grade levels.
- Teachers and Educators: The program will provide resources and support for integrating cultural studies into the classroom curriculum.
Inspiring Program Objectives
Every program begins with a background lesson which introduces learners to the historical contexts and material cultures that create works of art. These conversations foster a sense of community and connection with the traditions of ancestors and their living descendants and are encouraged for all program participants.
TMM seeks to connect students with the TMM legacy by encouraging creative expression through art projects, in many cases inspired by relevant pieces of the TMM. In sum, our goal is to contribute to the holistic development of learners by exploring the symbolic meanings of art in various Mexican, Mexican American and Latino traditions.
Paper Flowers
Let's create a colorful flower arrangement to brighten your home!
Repujado
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Tuesday: Let's go through our recycling bin this week and save our 12oz cans to create art! Repujado, also known as Metal Embossing and Hojalata, is a fun and easy activity for everyone!
Maracas
Learn more about the celebration CINCO DE MAYO! And make your own MARACAS (shakers) at home with your kids!
God's Eyes
Use sticks and yarn to make your own God's Eye, a traditional 15th-century craft that remains popular to this day.
Papel Picado
Learn how to make these colorful folk art banners that flutter above the streets, in restaurants, and at most celebrations.
These perforated design punched tissue paper decorations create a festive atmosphere, as they have since the Aztecs.
Create your own designs using scissors or an exacto knife and tissue paper, and you’ll never have to buy decorations again.
Talavera Tiles
Talavera tiles hold significant cultural, historical, and artistic importance in Mexican culture. Here is why:
Talavera tiles trace their roots back to the colonial period in Mexico, when Spanish settlers introduced the technique from Talavera de la Reina, Spain. This pottery tradition blended Spanish, indigenous, and Moorish influences, resulting in a unique Mexican art form.
Artisans handcraft each tile using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.Talavera tiles are often known for their vibrant colors and lively patterns. These tiles often feature floral motifs, geometric designs, and scenes from Mexican folklore and history. They can also be found in homes, backyards and courtyards where they serve functional and decorative purposes.
It can also be seen in cultural festivals and celebrations across Mexico. During events like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Talavera tiles are used to decorate altars and public spaces.
Calavera Masks
Calaveras hold significant cultural and artistic importance in Mexican culture, especially during the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
In Mexican culture, death is often portrayed not as something to be feared, but as a natural part of the cycle of life. Calaveras, which are representations of skulls or skeletons, serve as a reminder of the importance of life and the need to embrace and celebrate it.
During the Día de los Muertos festivities, calaveras are seen in various forms, including sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar), which are decorated with colorful icing and often inscribed with the names of deceased loved ones. These sugar skulls are placed on altars (ofrendas) as offerings to honor and remember their loved ones.
Sacred Hearts
In Mexico, Catholicism coexists with indigenous spiritual beliefs, resulting in a unique blend of religious unification. The Sacred Heart has been incorporated into indigenous rituals and merging Catholic symbolism with pre-Hispanic traditions.
The Sacred Heart is believed to offer protection and blessings to those who honor it. Many Mexican households display images or statues of the Sacred Heart in their homes as a symbol of protection and guidance. It is also common to find Sacred Heart imagery in public spaces, churches, and religious processions throughout Mexico.
The Sacred Heart has become a cultural icon in Mexico, representing not only religious devotion but also national identity and cultural heritage.
Sacred Hearts
Sacred Hearts
Sacred Hearts