Dover, NH – October 19, 2011 – The Children’s Museum of NH will host visiting artists Manuel Abeiro Horta and Modesto Horta, a team of mask-makers from Tocuaro, Mexico on Friday, October 28 from 10 am – 2 pm. The Horta brothers will be demonstrating their traditional process of mask making for museum visitors, and this demonstration is included with paid admission.
With nothing more than some hand-made tools forged by a local blacksmith, the brothers will transform a block of wood into an expressive work of art based on the traditions of their ancestors. Wooden masks are still used in many regions of Mexico during fiestas. The Horta brothers learned their craft at a young age and by they time they were 12, they were helping their father, famed carver Juan Horta, create wooden masks. Juan Horta created many of the carved pieces that decorate the “One World” exhibit at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.
Manuel Abeiro particularly enjoys carving animal masks and adorning them with hair and whiskers made from the hide of wild boars. Modesto is known for his elaborately carved high-relief devil masks. The duo’s masks are painted with laquer-based automobile paints, making them durable for multi-day celebrations. Both brothers have exhibited their masks in exhibitions in the United States and Mexico, and will have a variety of these masks with them when they visit the museum. A video presentation portraying life in their rural village will also be shared at the event.
The visit to the Children’s Museum of NH is one of several scheduled throughout New England. As part of Margaritas Education Outreach Program, these artists visit local schools as well as Margaritas restaurant locations. Margaritas created the program in 1999 to bring artists, carvers and sculptors to the Northeast every year to share their talents with children as well as adults. The series provides a glimpse into the colorful culture and traditions of techniques that date back centuries.
About Margaritas Mexican Restaurants
Founded in 1986 by John Pelletier, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Group has 23 locations throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New Jersey. From colorful authentic décor to a commitment to community relations through field trips and visiting artist demonstrations, Margaritas provides an atmosphere rich with culture and flavors of Mexico. Margaritas Mexican Restaurants have earned numerous awards and honors, including being named Best Mexican Restaurant in both New Hampshire and Connecticut. For more information on Margaritas, visit www.margs.com
About the Children’s Museum of NH
The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences. Located at 6 Washington Street in Dover, the Museum offers two floors of hands-on exhibits featuring a wide range of subjects ranging from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, natural history and engineering. The museum is open year-round and hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events. For more information, please call 603-742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org
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