Cal State Fullerton Tip Sheet California State University, Fullerton
Public Affairs
800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92632
657-278-2414 Fax 657-278-5226
www.fullerton.edu/news/

 

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June 9, 2003::No.259

Colorful Mexican Wood Carvings and Papier-Mâché Punctuate Summer Exhibit

What: Folk Art of Mexico highlights two collections: Oaxacan wood carvings from the Dr. & Mrs. Frank Ma Collection of Alebrijes and the Scott and Sandra Anderson Collection of Papier-Mâchés.
   
Where: Atrium Gallery, Pollak Library, Cal State Fullerton
   
When: Through Sept. 30
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays
Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays
Closed Sundays, through Aug. 24, thereafter, open noon-5 p.m.
(Please note, gallery will be closed July 4 and Aug. 23)
   
Public Information: 657-278-7160
   
Oaxacan Fantasy: Created by village artisans around Oaxaca City in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, the colorful and detailed wood carvings, or alebrijes (nightmare or dream animals), were originally inspired by the unusually twisted and gnarled branches of the copal trees that appeared in a dreamer’s mind as fantasy animals and creatures. Although Oaxaca has been known for its centuries-old craft tradition, the relatively recent (about 50 years) introduction of alebrijes has created a worldwide frenzy among folk art collectors. Approximately 46 pieces from the Dr. & Mrs. Frank Ma Collection of Alebrijes will be exhibited.
   
Sculpting with Paper: Donated to the university by alumna Sandra Anderson and her husband, the Scott and Sandra Anderson Collection of Papier-Mâchés spotlights the craftsmanship of Mexican papier-mâché artists, whose works depict birds, other animals and suns.
   
Photos: Images of several alebrijes can be downloaded from the campus website at www.fullerton.edu/newsphotos/.
   
Media Contacts: Veronica Chiang, director of exhibitions, at 657-278-2990 or vchiang@fullerton.edu
Gail Matsunaga, Public Affairs, at 657-278-4851 or gmatsunaga@fullerton.edu