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Woven Threads through Time: 

Maya Women, Weavers, and Their Stories

An exhibit curated by Dr. Gabrielle Vail

Opening April 3, 2009 at the Weedon Island Preserve

Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

This exhibit to be on display at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center (WIP) explores Maya weaving from a number of different perspectives – the use of the backstrap loom and other techniques favored by Maya women; examples of weavings from both ancient and contemporary Maya culture; the sacred nature of woven textiles and their place within the Maya cosmos; and the stories behind the weavings and those who created them.  The exhibition highlights contemporary weavers from Cobán, Guatemala, and Zinacantán, Mexico; Maya women from Yucatec-speaking villages of Mexico; and women from the distant past who are known to us through carved or painted portraits and hieroglyphic texts detailing various aspects of their lives.

We are seeking sponsors to help with the cost of researching and mounting the exhibition, preparing an exhibit catalog, and hosting weavers and speakers for the opening day activities ($10,000).  Sponsorships can take many forms; in addition to making a financial contribution, individuals and businesses can lend their support to the exhibition by providing materials and services needed (such as photocopying, photo processing, catering for the opening day event, items for the online auction, etc.). Donations can be made through the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc. (FOWI) and are fully tax-deductible.  Sponsors will be graciously acknowledged on the exhibit webpage and in the exhibit itself; we would be happy to include your business logo and a link to your website.

If you are unable to help with a sponsorship, we hope that you will participate in the online auction, which will open on November 1st, el Día de los Muertos, the day to honor the ancestors in Latin American cultures.  We are currently accepting donations for the auction – items like textiles woven by indigenous peoples from Mesoamerica or South America, books pertaining to Maya culture, or gift certificates to national stores and restaurants.  Anyone donating to the auction will be considered a sponsor of the exhibit and receive the benefits described above.

Questions should be directed to Phyllis Kolianos at the Weedon Island Preserve (727-453-6503) or to us by email at MayaWeaving@gmail.com.  Financial contributions can be made directly to the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc. (FOWI) and sent to Phyllis Kolianos at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.  Please state on check “For Maya Weaving Exhibit.”

We thank you for your generosity of spirit and for your support of an important art form that has its roots in the distant past among the Maya and other cultures of Mesoamerica. You can also support the exhibit by becoming a Member of the Woven Threads Weaving Circle.