¡Tocamos! A Mexican & American Picture Book and Artisanal Collaboration

Join us for a talk with bilingual children’s book author Cynthia Weill as she discusses her latest publication, ¡Tocamos!, and the inspiration behind its creation.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Cynthia Weill is a renowned author of many award-winning bilingual children’s books in English and Spanish. These books for young children, known as the First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art series (Cinco Puntos Press, an imprint of Lee & Low Publishers), utilize hand-crafted figures made by artisans from the state of Oaxaca in México. Beginning in 2003, Cynthia began collaborating with artisans to create lively and colorful figures made of papier-mâché, wood, ceramics, and totomoxtle (woven palm). These anthropomorphic and human figures are then photographed and incorporated into her bilingual children’s books, including her latest publication ¡Tocamos!. Cynthia will talk about the process of developing these books and about the deep friendships she has developed with her collaborators, like the artist Avelino Pérez. Pérez’ whimsical and artistically refined pieces illustrate ¡Tocamos!, and now form part of the growing Mexican folk art collection at the Field Museum.

After Cynthia’s talk, guests can enjoy seeing the many works of Oaxacan folk art from renowned artisans such as Martín Melchor, Maximino Santiago García, Agustín Cruz Tinoco, Jesús Canseco Zárate, and many more.

This event will take place in Ward Hall, on the lower level near the Field Museum’s west entrance. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Please note that while this event is free, it does not include general admission to the Field Museum, which can be purchased separately.