The art of folkloric attire is the focus of the current exhibit at Watsonville Center for the Arts.
Presented by Galeria Plazita, “Threads of Identity” showcases men’s and women’s attire created for the world of folkloric dancers through the ages.
Watsonville Arts Program Manager Yesenia Molina said that the exhibit features clothes from Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guerrero, Campeche, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima.
“And we have a few things from Michoacan—can’t forget that—because many people in Watsonville are from there,” Molina said.
Most of the items stem from Esperanza del Valle, a folkloric group in the Pajaro Valley that is currently celebrating its 46th year.
The exhibit features dresses and men’s clothes, hats, jewelry, hairpieces, shoes and props.
“So many of the Mexican dresses have amazingly fine embroidery,” said Molina, who is a dancer with Esperanza del Valle.
As an example, she pointed to a dress covered in sequins and tiny, colorful beads.
“For us, this show is about bringing the outfits to life,” she said. “And it’s about having some of the young folks participate, bringing the next generation along. A lot of them are in youth dance groups.”
Janet Johns, dancer and choreographer with Esperanza del Valle, said the exhibit represents a sampling of Esperanza del Valle’s collection of traditional attire and accessories gathered over 46 years.
“Each piece tells a story of its own,” Johns said. “You can clearly see the influences of the three roots: indigenous, African and European in each garment and region presented.”
The garments of the Huasteca region of Veracruz were handcrafted and embroidered by the seamstresses of Chicontepec, Veracruz. A team of Esperanza dancers traveled to the Huasteca region along with a seamstress Soledad Jauregui.
“We experienced firsthand the danzas, but also the intricate work that went into creating these beautiful masterpieces of embroidered attire worn by the people of the region,” Johns said. “Our seamstress was able to reproduce some of the handcrafted outfits. Many of the hairpieces were created by the masters of the region.”
The Center, 375 Main St., is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3pm, and Saturdays from 1 to 4pm. The public is invited to their opening reception Oct. 10 from 6-8pm. It will include a fashion show at 7pm.
