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Press Release - Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
In collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico in Canada, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) will present a fundraising event with a live exhibit of traditional Mexican dress, tapestries, and art on Saturday, September 9 between 6 and 9 p.m. at the Almonte Old Town Hall (14 Bridge St). For $25 a ticket, the Mexican textile collection of William Hodge and Robert Wylie will be modeled on the catwalk!
Admission to all three sites of Fibrefest on Saturday, September 9 is included: the Almonte Community Centre, Almonte Old Town Hall, and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum All pieces will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and funds will support the MVTM.
Hodge and Wylie have spent the last four decades immersed in fibre arts; creating, teaching, and learning, with a special interest in Mexican textiles. The pieces on show have been purchased from artisans across the Mexican states of Chiapas, Coahuila, Guerrero, México, Mexico City, Michoacán, and Oaxaca, and feature handwoven textiles made from handspun wool and cotton. With an array of textures and colours, achieved by both natural and synthetic dyes, there’s something for everyone! The collection presents a variety of eye-catching garments, accessories, and household items.
“Cultural diplomacy is the best way to bring together the people from two nations like Mexico and Canada," states Ingrid Berlanga Vasile, First Secretary, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Mexico in Canada. "This time, textile art and designs from Mexico will blend together creating a wonderful ambience of colors, textures, and indigenous cultural heritage to an exhibition that will wrap all our senses.”
“The textiles in this collection are gorgeously coloured and detailed, and we’re excited to showcase them during one of the town’s busiest weekends. We are grateful to William, Robert, and the Embassy for coming together to support the Museum in this fundraiser. This will be an excellent event and opportunity to bring international textile traditions to Almonte," adds Michael Rikley-Lancaster, Executive Director/Curator, Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
Mexican artist Elia Morales’ exhibit, “Weaving Stories,” will be showcased throughout the event, where she will introduce her art. A Graphic Designer of the National School of Plastic Arts of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), she actively shares her expertise by delivering lectures and presentations on various aspects of sensory design. She has served as a moderator in numerous national and international conferences, where she engages with audiences and facilitates topical discussions. Morales has worked as a designer at the National Museum of Cultures and at the Cultural Dissemination Office of UNAM, and as an independent designer for corporate groups and events. Her plastic work involves different techniques, including engraving, enameling, textile, and Washi Zoo Kei. Her work has been exhibited in several universities and venues nationwide.
The venue will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout Fibrefest weekend on September 9 and 10, where the collection will be on display. The auction will open at 10 a.m. on September 9 and close at noon on September 10. As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, with Almonte being named after Mexican General and diplomat Juan Nepomuceno Almonte, this event is very timely. Join the celebrations with complimentary refreshments, including margaritas courtesy of Jose Cuervo, and an evening of fun and art while supporting a local charity! Tickets are on sale HERE.
