Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Hosts Artists from MATA ORTIZ Weekend of Demonstrations and Family Events
Cultural Weekends 2024 engages award winning artists practicing authentic handcrafting techniques passed down through generations. The Cultural Weekend is a fundraiser for the museum and the artists. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum will host the second of three Cultural Weekends beginning on February 23-25, 2024, featuring artisans from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The Cultural Weekend is free and open to the public. Enjoy an exceptional setting interacting with artists, observing master artisans at work, and experience the artistry + ancestry of Mata Ortiz potters. Shop for a cause and support Cabot’s legacy of cultural respect, art, and community.
Weather permitting, the artists will fire a pot where you learn more about the process of creating the pottery. After firing, you will have the opportunity to own the pot through a live auction.
Meet Lydia Quezada Celado de Talavera. She is the youngest sister of Juan Quezada, the man widely credited for the Mata Ortiz pottery movement. Lydia, a first-generation potter, creates the style of black-onblack pottery, works in white and brown clays, and her pottery is smooth, thin-walled, and light weight—all three hallmarks of quality of Mata Ortiz ceramic.
Both Trini and Lila Silveira are second generation potters and sisters. Trini is well known for the simple elegance of her pottery that has precisely painted designs—a combination of finely detailed lines that form a geometric pattern of precision. Most recently, she has been experimenting with liquid gold into her designs. Lila was taught by Juan Quezada, which under his guidance, learned how to dig and refine the clay, develop painting techniques, and fire the pot on the ground in the traditional method. She is proud to carry on the traditions Juan taught, always adhering to the highest standards of quality.
Meet Evelin Silveira, a third-generation potter, who begins her artistic journey under the guidance of her mother, Lila Silveira. She has participated in art competitions throughout Mexica and has been honored to recognized as a young Mata Ortiz potter.
Cabot Yerxa was an artist, adventurer, and writer. He was one of the original homesteaders in the Coachella Valley and is recognized as the man who discovered the hot and cold aquifers for which the region is famous. He embraced many cultures and beliefs and was a true friend to the Native Indians living in the region. As a community advocate, he helped found the city of Desert Hot Springs and was instrumental in bringing visitors and residents to the region. Now operated as a nonprofit museum Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is dedicated to promoting the life and accomplishments of Cabot Yerxa. More information is available at www.cabotsmuseum.org.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is located at 67616 East Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, and offers guided tours Tuesday through Thursday (subject to availability) at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. $16 for General Admission, $14 for Seniors, Active Military, and Children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free. Selfguided tours are available from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Friday, Saturday, and on Sundays from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. $13 for General Admission, $11 for Seniors, Active Military, and Children ages 6-12. For information visit CabotsMuseum.org or call (760) 329-7610.
CONTACT: Irene N. Rodríguez
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
(760) 329-8100
irene.n.rodriguez@cabotsmuseum.org
