About the Workshops

Tramando, a workshop series by Taller Puertorriqueño, is dedicated to empowering individuals and diaspora communities through collective art-making and cultural preservation. Our mission is to support artists in cultivating agency and developing sustainable creative practices, while honoring the rich diversity of Puerto Rican and Latino culture.

The series includes four modules, each offering a deep dive into various textile arts practices. The first three modules are intensive workshops that engage participants in specialized textile techniques and professional development. Led by expert guest instructors, these modules focus on traditional methods such as natural dyeing, fiber spinning, and mundillo lace making.

Welcome to Tramando!

Professional Development

Tramando is committed to fostering both artistic mastery and professional growth for creative entrepreneurs. Our workshops integrate comprehensive professional development, equipping participants with the skills needed to succeed in the creative economy. Through sessions led by industry professionals, participants learn essential business strategies, including branding, marketing, and financial management. We provide guidance on building sustainable business models, navigating entrepreneurial challenges, and connecting with local networks. By blending hands-on artistry with practical business training, Tramando empowers participants to transform their craft into successful, community-driven enterprises.

Collaborative Public Art Making

For each of these modules, we'll select up to 20 individuals to form two cohorts per module, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment where participants can learn from each other's experiences and expertise. To ensure accessibility, participants in our cohort are compensated for their involvement in the program. Visit our FAQ page for more specific information on compensation.

In the final phase of the project (Module 4), participants from the preceding modules will have the opportunity to collaborate on a fabric sculpture project. Led by local textile artist Richie Lopez and visiting artists from Trama Antillana, Trama Textiles, and Carmen Arteaga, this project challenges conventional distinctions between fine art and craft. Over the course of several weeks, participants will work together to design and fabricate an interactive textile artwork that invites audiences to engage in rest and renewal. The project will culminate with the installation of the artwork, complemented by a photography exhibition documenting the entire journey, captured by teen participants in Taller’s Photography Without Borders program.

Join us in our exploration of textile arts and professional arts development, where cultural preservation paves the way for economic opportunities and safeguards cultural legacies for future generations.

TRAMANDO WORKSHOPS

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TRAMANDO WORKSHOPS ~

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR MODULE 1!

Natural Dyes & Fiber Spinning of Puerto Rico

Instructors: Leila Mattina and Beatriz Lizardi of Trama Antillana Dates: Wednesdays 5-8pm Starting Sep 25th OR Thursdays 1pm-4pm Starting Sep 26th

Participants will learn the fundamentals of natural dye techniques and fiber spinning methods by Trama Antillana of Puerto Rico.

Priority registration will be given to the Kensington Fairhill and Norris Square neighborhoods before the greater Philadelphia area.

Following the 6-week workshop with Trama Antillana, students will attend a Professional Development for Artisans Salon.

This is in development.

More information on the Salon coming soon.

  • Natural dye techniques involve extracting pigments from plant sources like cochineal, indigo, annatto, and avocado pits. These pigments, carefully extracted through boiling, fermentation, or maceration, yield a spectrum of colors ranging from earthy browns to vibrant reds and blues. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these dyes carry stories of tradition and connection to the land, reflecting the intimate relationship between artisans and their environment. By embracing natural dye techniques, artisans honor the legacy of their ancestors while contributing to sustainable practices that respect and protect ecosystems. Through workshops focused on natural dye techniques utilizing plants native to Puerto Rico, participants delve into the intricate art of dyeing while reconnecting with the cultural roots of their heritage.

    In conjunction with exploring natural dye techniques, participants will also delve into the ancient craft of fiber spinning. Fiber spinning involves transforming raw materials like wool or cotton into yarn through twisting and winding processes. This craft complements the natural dyeing process, offering a deeper understanding of textile-making from raw material to finished creation. Guided by experienced instructors Leila and Beatriz, students will master various spinning techniques, from drop spindle to wheel spinning. Through hands-on learning and experimentation, participants will emerge from the workshop series with a newfound appreciation for the intricate interplay between color, texture, and technique in the creation of textile art.

  • Wednesdays Evening Workshops 5pm-8pm

    WORKSHOPS WITH TRAMA ANTILLANA

    September 25, 2024

    October 2nd, 2024

    October 9th, 2024

    October 16th, 2024

    October 23rd, 2024

    October 30th, 2024 (Last Workshop Day)

    Artisan Salon Dates TBD

  • Afternoon Workshops 1-4pm

    WORKSHOPS WITH TRAMA ANTILLANA

    September 26, 2024

    October 3, 2024

    October 10, 2024

    October 17, 2024

    October 24, 2024

    October 31, 2024 (Last Workshop Day)

    Artisan Salon Dates TBD

REGISTRATION DATES COMING SOON

Traditional Weaving Techniques of Guatemala

Instructors: Amparo de León de Rubio and Oralia Chopen of Trama Textiles Dates: Feb 5th 2025 - April 23rd 2025

Participants will delve into the art of back strap weaving guided by Trama Textiles, a cooperative of female Maya back strap loom weavers across Guatemala, followed by a professional development artisan salon.

  • At the heart of Trama Textiles lies a profound mission born out of resilience and unity. Formed in 1988 amidst the aftermath of the devastating Guatemalan civil war, Trama Textiles emerged as a beacon of hope for Maya women whose communities had suffered immeasurable losses. Trama Textiles intervenes to ensure fair compensation for the weavers, valuing their artform and providing a reliable source of income for the women in their communities.

    In this module, participants will immerse themselves in the intricate techniques of backstrap weaving, gaining insight into the symbolism, history, and cultural importance woven into each thread. Backstrap weaving is a century-old Maya art that remains a fundamental part of Maya identity today. Across Guatemala, each Maya town has its own unique traje (traditional dress) which distinguishes it from others. Some of the pieces worn by the women are so intricate they can take months to make. Guided by Trama Textiles' skilled artisans, Amparo de León de Rubio & Oralia Chopen, participants will explore the process of setting up the loom, selecting and preparing materials, and mastering the intricate patterns and designs unique to this traditional craft.

    Join us in Module Two as we honor the legacy of Trama Textiles and delve into the art of backstrap weaving, celebrating the resilience, unity, and cultural heritage of Maya women across Guatemala.

  • Dates and Times to be announced closer to registration sign-up. Check back soon and register for our newsletter to receive the latest updates!

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Mundillo Lace-Making

Instructor: Carmen Arteaga of Borinquén Lacers  Dates: Fall 2025 (dates to be determined)

Participants will learn the intricate art of mundillo lace making guided by Carmen Arteaga of Borinquén Lacers, a local group lace makers dedicated to preserving and promoting this traditional craft in Puerto Rico's Borinquén region. Following this workshop series participants will attend a professional development artisan salon.

  • Mundillo lace making is a delicate and intricate form of lace-making that originated in Puerto Rico during the 16th century. Inspired by Spanish lace-making traditions, mundillo lace is characterized by its intricate patterns and designs, often reflecting the island's cultural heritage.

    Mundillo lace making has been passed down through generations in Puerto Rican families, with artisans often learning the craft from their mothers or grandmothers. It is considered a valuable part of Puerto Rico's cultural heritage and has been recognized by organizations dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. Today, mundillo lace making continues to be practiced by artisans across Puerto Rico, and efforts are underway to promote and preserve this traditional craft for future generations. It remains an important symbol of Puerto Rican identity and craftsmanship.

    In this module, participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from Carmen Arteaga, a skilled artisan with a deep passion for preserving the art of mundillo lace making. Under her guidance, participants will explore the techniques and traditions of this centuries-old craft, gaining insight into the history, symbolism, and cultural significance woven into each intricate design.

    Using small bobbins and a hand-held frame known as a "mundillo," participants will learn how to manipulate threads to create delicate lace patterns inspired by nature, religious symbols, and geometric motifs. Carmen Arteaga will share her expertise and experience, guiding participants through the process of setting up the mundillo, selecting materials, and mastering the intricate techniques of lace making.

    Join us in Module Three as we honor the legacy of mundillo lace making and celebrate the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Puerto Rico's Borinquén region under the expert guidance of Carmen Arteaga and Borinquén Lacers.

  • Dates and times to be announced closer to registration sign-up. Check back soon!

Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when registration goes live!

Compensation for Participation in Program

To ensure accessibility, participants in our cohort are compensated for their involvement in the program.

  • The hourly rate for workshop participants is $15/hr for a combined total of 36 workshop hours. Total compensation for attendance will be $540 per participant.

  • All participants will be paid with a Visa Gift Card worth a total of $45 and given to them after each workshop.

  • No, we will not require income verification to qualify for the workshops.

  • We will be prioritizing folk from our immediate community by opening registration to the following zip codes: Kensington- 19125 , Norris Square- 19122, Fairhill- 19133

    If there are open spaces after the initial registration for these communities we will open registration for the greater Philadelphia area.

Have more questions? Visit out FAQ page below or reach out to us at tramandotallerpr.org