Sixty-three images from Puerto Rican, Mexican and South American artists.
Vejigante masks, princesses, evil creatures, courage and bravery are all a part of Latino folktales.
An exhibit titled "Latino Folk Tales: Cuentos Populares Art by Latino Artists" will be featured at The Eric Carl Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst from March 26 to June 9. These folktales come to life in more than 60 illustrations by Latino artists.
The exhibit was curated by Sylvia Nissley with tour development by Smith Kramer Traveling Exhibitions of Kansas City, Missouri.
"What interested us most in this collection is that the art tells stories that are universal, but also specific to the Latino community," said H. Nichols B. Clark, the museum's curator.
There are 12 artists and 63 original images on display with artwork from Puerto Rican, Mexican and Central and South American illustrators. All of the artists are illustrators for children's books.
The images tell stories of ancient Aztec lore, country tales of bravery, myths and legends told mostly through the oral tradition.
"There are the stories of Cinderella and Rapunzel. Stories that are recognized all over the world, "Clark said. "This is a collection of professional and very beautiful pieces that offer a lot of inspiration."
Lulu Delacre, an artist and author, did extensive research to compile "Golden Tales," a collection of stories originally told by the Zapotec and Aztec of Mexico and the Caribbean islands.
"I have been illustrating children's books that celebrate Latino heritage since the 1980s," Delacre said.
She began researching and creating these Latino stories because she felt there was a need.
"It honestly came from my desire to read stories for my daughters that resonated with children born in the United States to Latino parents," she said.
Delacre has several pieces in the exhibit including work she did for "Golden Tales."
"The illustrations from that book are actually oil paintings," she said.
Delacre said the exhibit is valuable because it gives Latino children an opportunity to see the wealth of folktales and folklore that come from Spanish speaking countries.
"Sometimes it is much easier for children and for people in general to feel something when they can visualize it through images," she said.
Also featured is Raul Colon, who lives in Brooklyn, NY, but has visited schools in Holyoke to teach art to children.
"We've always had a good relationship with the schools in Holyoke," Clark said. "Our goal with this exhibit is to attract Latino families from Holyoke, but also Springfield and the entire Pioneer Valley."
This exhibition also features Maya Gonzalez, Leovigildo Martinez, Felipe Davalos, Beatriz Vidal, Honorio Robledo, Esau Andrade Valencia, Amy Cordova, Susan Guevara, Lucia and Gloria Perez .
Their story telling art can be seen in "The First Tortilla," "Juan and the Jackalope," "The Bossy Gallito," "Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel," and "A Perfect Season for Dreaming." Bilingual books are also included in the exhibition.
Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children, with a special price for two adults and two children of $22.50. For more information visit www.carlemuseum.org or call (413) 658-1100.
Related programming:
At the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
"CactusHead Puppets in "The Tale of Juan Bobo"
Auditorium
April 17 through April 20 (school vacation week)
11 a.m., 2 p.m.
Cost: $5 (Members $4.50)
Meet Juan Bobo! He always tries to do the right thing, but often makes mistakes. For Juan even the smallest task can lead to the silliest of results. But can Juan Bobo's seemingly foolish actions end up saving the day? Join CactusHead Puppets as they bring this classic Puerto Rican folktale to life and decide for yourself.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the museum or by calling (413) 658-1126.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 1 to 4 p.m.
Free with museum admission
Afternoon celebrating the heritage of Mexico, on the the anniversary of its victory in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla during its war with France.
Five-College Musicians at The Carle
Auditorium
May 5, 1 p.m. Cost: $6:50 (Members, $5.50) Museum admission extra.
Celebrate with musical medley of Latin American songs and a special of Munro Leaf's "The Story of Ferdinand," complete with musical accompaniment.
The Springfield Chorus
May 19, 3 p.m.
Free with museum admission
"Art is a Mind Game"
Presentation by exhibit artist Ral Colon
May 19, 11 a.m.
Free with museum admission
"Latin Landscapes," public art program
Art Studio, April 10 through May 21
Create a picturesque panorama adapting the textured drawing style of illustrator Raul Colon.
Free
Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children under 18, and $22.50 for a family of four. For further information and directions, call (413) 658-1100 or visit the museum's website at www.carlemuseum.org