Celebrating Mexican Tradition: Luis Fitch’s Papel Picado Workshops at Bloomington Center for the Arts

As part of the Luis Fitch Art Exhibition – An Anthological Exhibition of Mexican Artist Luis Fitch at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, we hosted a series of four bilingual workshops celebrating the rich tradition of Papel Picado.

Papel Picado, meaning “perforated paper,” is a cherished Mexican folk art form in which intricate designs are meticulously cut into tissue paper to create vibrant and decorative banners. These banners are widely used in celebrations, from Día de los Muertos to weddings and fiestas, bringing color and culture to every occasion.

Whether participants were beginners or experienced crafters, the workshops provided an easy-to-follow guide to creating Papel Picado masterpieces. Attendees had the opportunity to explore this traditional art form hands-on, learning the techniques and history behind this stunning decorative craft.

These workshops, held in both English and Spanish, reflected Luis Fitch’s commitment to cultural education, artistic accessibility, and community engagement. Each session fostered creativity and connection, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions through art.

Follow Luis Fitch

For more on Luis Fitch’s work and upcoming workshops, follow @luisfitch on social media. Stay tuned for future events celebrating Latinx culture and creative expression!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.