Alebrijes Painting Workshop

Alebrijes Painting Workshop with Sergio

Saturday, October 17, 10:30 AM to 2 PM (includes a half hour lunch break in the courtyard with live music)

Member Price $85, Non Members $95

All materials included

No experience necessary

Join master Alebrijes artist Sergio Aragón Ramírez for a hands-on workshop exploring the traditional Oaxacan art of carving and decorating Alebrijes, brightly colored folk-art sculptures known for their imaginative forms and intricate painted designs.

Sergio is a master Alebrijes carver and painter from San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico. Born into a multigenerational family of woodcarvers and painters, he learned the tradition from his older brother and has since passed it on to his own children. His finely carved and vividly painted sculptures reflect a collaborative family and community process that includes carving, sanding, preparing and decorating each piece.

Traditional Alebrijes are carved from copal wood, which grows throughout southern Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, Guerrero and Chiapas. The wood is carved while it is fresh, when it is soft and easy to shape. As it dries, it becomes lightweight, strong and durable. The finished sculptures are then decorated with acrylic paint, often using elaborate patterns, vivid colors and carefully applied details.

During this workshop, Sergio will introduce participants to the materials, techniques and cultural traditions behind this distinctive Oaxacan art form. Participants will decorate their own Alebrijes while learning about the many steps and people involved in bringing each sculpture to life.

Sergio has led Alebrijes workshops and public demonstrations throughout Southern California, sharing not only his artistic techniques but also the importance of family, tradition and community within the alebrije-making process. Supporting this art form helps sustain the artists, families and craftspeople whose collective work is represented in every finished piece.

Please bring a sack lunch.

Artists Biography

Sergio Aragón Ramírez is a master Alebrijes carver and painter from San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico. Born into a multigenerational family workshop, he has devoted his life to creating and teaching these intricately painted copal wood figures. After immigrating to Los Angeles, Sergio became a vital link for his family and fellow artisans, helping them sell Alebrijes in the U.S. during times of economic hardship in Oaxaca.