Programs

Program Overview

Below is a comprehensive list of events Mujeres de Maiz has offered since 1997. Many events occur on an annual basis. Live Art Show An intercultural, intergenerational, multimedia art and activist event that is part concert, part performance and part ceremony that features women of color and queer musicians, dancers, visual artists, poets, actors and artisans. The show is held in honor of International Women's Day, Women's Herstory Month, spring equinox and Mexica new year. Annual Zine Publication We have the longest running self-identified women of color zine in the nation. Our annual literary and arts “zine” (short for fanzine or magazine) is published in conjunction with the Live Art Show. Zines are a non-commercial form of independent media that circulate information and communicate stories that are often devalued in popular culture, public discourse and mainstream politics. The Mujeres de Maiz zines feature the original poetry, prose and the visual art of self-identified women of color. It is a platform for writers and artists of all abilities, from novice to professional from local to global. Community Workshops Topics are typically based on current need or requests from community members. Workshop topics have included art making, healthy eating, healing with herbs and plants, self defense and women’s health. Topics are typically based on current need or requests from community members. Workshop topics have included art making, healthy eating, healing with herbs and plants, self defense and women’s health. We have organized two series comprised of three to six weekly workshops–one on organic urban gardening and the other on creative writing. All workshops are led by local experts who volunteer their time and are geared towards a novice or beginning audience. Art Education A multi-generational community arts enrichment program designed for ages 5 to adult taught by professional women educators covering a a variety of mediums. Art Exhibition An annual multi-genre art exhibit featuring women of color artists. The venue, typically a gallery or community center, varies each year. A call for submissions is distributed with a theme focused on women’s issues. Past themes include: “Seeds of Resistance,” “Ofrendas (Offerings) of the Flesh,” “Madre, Mother,” “Soldadera de Amor (Soldier of Love)” “Rites of Passage,” and “Identity Blinging.” The opening reception typically includes a performance, artist talk and/or curator presentation. Poetry Night/Procession A poetry event is organized at a venue or as a mobile procession in a neighborhood. The event includes featured well-known adult poets, a featured youth poet and an open mic. Novice and experienced poets alike are able to share their work. The event has also been a springboard for poets who have subsequently performed at events and festivals nationwide. Some poets have published in the MdM zine and others have published books of poetry. This event has become a staple in Mujeres de Maiz programming. Monthly Full Moon Circles (Coyolxauhqui Circle) Coyolxauhqui is the moon goddess in Aztec mythology. The monthly full moon circle is a women’s gathering derived from this myth and based on contemporary Indigenous teachings of respect, healing and interconnectedness. “Full Moon” is run mainly as a talking circle and is a space for women to learn, share and gain introductory knowledge to Indigenous teachings. This event has occurred monthly since November 2010. Check our calendar page for our next full moon circle! High School Assemblies Educational and empowering school assemblies feature women artists and activists (artivists) who make creative presentations. Through music, performance, poetry or film, each presenter discusses topics ranging from self-esteem, educational opportunities, sexism, healthy relationships to racism. Presenters teach students about Women’s Herstory Month and International Women’s Day. The students witness women of color sharing empowering messages of hope, love and power. Women’s Conference A day-long conference in honor of Women’s Herstory Month. The conference features health and wellness workshops based in Mexicana/Chicana/immigrant knowledges, empowering and educational speakers, artist-activist performances, and an all women artisan marketplace. Conference workshops topics include: healthy relationships and teen dating 101; moontime (menstrual cycles); la cultura cura (culture cures) artivism (art and activism); body image and the media; safety, self awareness and self defense; creative writing; and herbs for wellness. A free healthy vegetarian breakfast and lunch are offered. Conference participants evaluate their experience and the data is used to organize the next conference. Mujer Mercado (Women’s Marketplace) A community marketplace featuring local women of color artisans, visual artists, jewelers and holistic health practitioners.

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