Casa de la Cultura: Manos a la Obra

Casa de la Cultura is running Manos a la Obra at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center from October 6 through November 10, with sessions from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. It's a series of workshops and open studio sessions built around the traditions of Día de Muertos, and it runs for over a month, so you've got plenty of time to drop in.

The focus is hands-on. You'll be making traditional Día de Muertos art, like sugar skulls and papier-mâché decorations and figures, rather than just watching someone else do it. The program mixes open studio time, where you can work on your own, with demonstrations and guided activities. Along the way, there's a focus on the cultural significance of the holiday, so you're learning why these things are made, not just how.

Guest teaching artists come in to lead sessions, sharing their techniques and their own artistic practices. They're there to walk you through the process, so you can pick up a few new skills while you work. It's open to artists and community members of all ages and experience levels, which means you can bring the kids or just show up on your own if you've never touched a piece of papier-mâché in your life.

It's a creative space to celebrate remembrance, heritage, and community through art, and since it runs for several weeks, you can go once or keep coming back. You'll find it at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center at 600 River St., Austin, TX 78701, from October 6 to November 10, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.