Husband-and-wife team from Mexico to demonstrate ceramic art sculpting at Auburn restaurant

Restaurant’s Education Outreach Program brings ancient Mexican culture to local community

AUBURN — Margaritas Mexican Restaurant at 180 Center St. will host visiting artists Pablo Paredes and Enriqueta Rosales, a husband-and-wife team of folk artists from Tlaquepaque, Mexico from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, May 4. The event is free and open to the public.

Paredes and Rosales will demonstrate how to create traditional figures depicting Mexican celebrations and village life by using simple hand tools, paints and detailed sculpting techniques. The region where they live is known for producing a variety of ceramic styles, many of which are on display in Margaritas’ restaurants.

Their lecture and demonstration will illustrate the progress of ceramic sculpture from ancient times to present-day folk art traditions. Paredes creates his figurines using techniques passed down from generations within craft families. The name of his hometown of Tlaquepaque is derived from the Aztec word “tlalipac,” which means “land of clay hills.” Paredes has toured throughout Mexico, Spain and the U.S. in exhibitions featuring folk art from his home state of Jalisco, Mexico.

The presentation in Auburn is one of several scheduled this spring throughout New England. As part of the Margaritas Education Outreach Program, artists tour the restaurants to demonstrate their craft to the public, as well as visiting several local schools to share the Mexican culture, traditions and art with students and faculty. In addition to the demonstration, this year’s program will also include hands-on children’s art activities.

Margaritas created the program in 1999 to share the talent and stories of artists, carvers and sculptors with students and Margaritas diners. The series provides a glimpse into the colorful culture and traditions of techniques that date back centuries.

To learn more, visit www.margs.com.