Puerto Limon

Local band playing at opening reception of Quilts for the Red Textil: First Encounter of the Ibero American Textile Network at UCR Limon

Teaching in Limon was a warm and rewarding experience.  EdJohnetta, Adriene and I had 9 to 15 students each.  We soon learned the challenges of the tropics that were greatly outweighed by the rewards of its friendly, generous and industrious people.

Adriene's class beginning a project

Fiber magic taking place.

Hermalina, American Corner Librarian taking roll to assure all interested students get a place in one of the classes.

EdJohnetta and her students preparing to learn about greeting cards.

The American Corner in the Thomas Lynch Library hosted the three classes in several spaces in the building.  All of the students enthusiastically approached three different approaches of fiber arts.  My class began with a show and tell of quilts I had brought along with part of my collection of fiber postcards.  As a ice breaker students were introduced to quilt terminology, looked at an assortment of fabrics I brought from the US for their use.  Thereafter they began making fiber postcards.  This initial project insured that each student completed at least one project no matter her speed.  Most were able to make more than one before we started on a larger piece.

Main room of library with Ed's class on the right, quilt samples in the middle and my class on left.

Here I am getting used to being called "Miss Marion".  I'm in age denial.

 

Many bottles of water and preferably a small towel or handkerchief are essential accessories for teaching in the  tropical environment.  These ladies are sweethearts and eager to learn.  Many wanted to know when we were coming back before we even finished the class.

Mixing it up!

Beginning quilters exploring new ground with needles and thread.  We only had one sewing machine on the first day and received another on the second day.  We accomplished a lot with limited electrical tools.

  Mother, daughter and friends working together.

First fruits of their labors.  One of my translators, Ilvira Stewart is on the left.

These are three of my fastest students. The student wearing the black and white brought we a yummy coconut.

Very nice work especially for a first effort.

 I have more great images but unfortunately Blogger has a glitch with image orientation and any taken in the vertical frame won't upload properly. If this gets fixed I'll add more of the class.

We were excited to find this sewing machine in our favorite restaurant.

UCR Limon Exhibition Gallery

Opening lectures and reception for the exhibit were held Thursday evening.  Both were well attended and received.

Beginning of the lectures.

Opening remarks by university official.

Art team and university representatives.

View of Puerto Limon from the Lighthouse Restaurant.  What a fabulous view.  Can't quite say the same for the food.

Teaching and touring was a 12 hour a day event.  Classes started at 9 a.m. and we finished our day around 10 p.m.  We made new friends,  tried local delicacies at the reception, listened to live music presented by emerging artists of the area and learned about the local issues within the community.