Alebrijes: The Art of Oaxaca, Mexico
Lesson by Mindy Kirton
Teacher Notes
Project Description:
Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. They are painted with intense colors and intricate patterns. The first alebrijes appeared back in 1936, and today they are well-known and celebrated in Mexico. Students may recognize them from the movie Coco. In this project, students learn more about Alebrijes and the colorful sculpture work of Mexican artists Pedro Linares Lopez & Manuel Ramírez. Students then create their own fantastic Alebrije out of colored clay, wood sticks and acrylic paint. Note: if you want to reuse the Play-Doh containers, we have included instructions for a bonus rattle project.
Notice: Docent or Teacher Lead Project Only!
This lesson is meant to be done with a docent or teacher teaching the project. There are no resources for a student to do on their own at home at this time.
Main Supplies
Play-Doh, Colored Paper, Scissors, Acrylic Paint, Decorations (like toothpicks, popsicle sticks, wax sticks), Plate
Docent/Teacher Resources
Lesson Plan - Bonus Rattle Project (optional, uses left over Play-Doh containers)
Video - Docent Training on YouTube (available on google here)
Handouts ( optional, various options, use only what you want.)
Other Useful Videos:
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Building Beautiful Monsters in Mexico - by Great Big Story - 3 minute youtube video with a good background, and fun clips of parade
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El desfile de los alebrijes: A Story in Spanish for Beginners - by Estudia Feliz - 4 minute video in beginner Spanish - for Spanish classes that may use this project!
Samples
Special thanks to:
Mindy Kirton for the wonderful project!