2025 Interactive Arts
Presented by Pump House Regional Arts CenterSaturday, June 14th, 10 am – 7 pm
Riverside Park, La Crosse WI
Interactive Art Activities for All Ages and Abilities with Local Non-profits and Businesses
PUMP HOUSE PRESENTS
ALEBRIJES CULTURAL IMMERSION WORKSHOP
WITH MEXICAN FOLK ART COLLECTIVE
HISTORY: Alebrijes started in Mexico City many years ago. It all began with an artist named Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When Pedro was 30, he fell very ill and had a high fever that made him see strange and wonderful things. In his dreams, he saw a forest full of fantastical creatures—animals with wings, long tails, sharp teeth, and they all had one thing in common: they kept saying the word alebrijes—a word Pedro had never heard before. It didn’t mean anything in Spanish, but in his dream, it felt just right.
Pedro decided to bring these creatures to life. He started creating them using paper and paste. He painted them with beautiful, bright colors and patterns, turning his dream into something real. And so, alebrijes became part of Mexico’s folk art tradition, especially in a technique called cartonería, which is like paper mache, but with deep roots in Mexican culture.
PROJECT: At Artspire we’re going to create our own alebrijes! Just like Pedro, we’ll start by sketching our own fantastical creatures, letting our imaginations run wild. Then, using air-dry clay and aluminum foil, we’ll shape our creatures, adding our own wings, tails, spikes, or anything else that comes to mind. You’ll add color, bring your creature to life, and fill your day with inspiration, joy, and maybe a little bit of magic.
'Mani' Alebrijes Sculpture by Gaby Marvan - Mexican Folk Art Collective
Workshop Timeline
The workshop will happen every hour and a half, limited to 40 participants per timeslot
- 10:00 am
- 11:30 am
- 1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
- 4:00 pm
- 5:30 pm
Sign up suggested. Sign up anytime at the booth, day-of, and show up at beginning of requested timeslot to participate
Mexican Folk Art Collective members Gabriela & Andrea
This workshop is sponsored in part by:
All Glazed Up
Project: Spin Art
All Glazed Up is a “Do It Yourself” Art Studio for anyone looking to release their inner artist. They strive to create the ultimate ‘ARTmosphere’ and offer classes and workshops for everything from painting and mosaics to string art and tie dye and so much more!
The Artsiders
Local Non-Profit Art Collective that helps local artists connect, collaborate and showcase their works. We believe in creating art as you are. We don’t censor.
The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection
Project: DIY Pride Bracelets
Our mission is to create spaces for connection, community, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people, our allies, and our neighbors.
Coulee Region Humane Society
Promoting the humane treatment of all animals and fostering positive human-animal relationships.
Grey Area Productions
Grey Area Productions exists to offer a wide range of artistic and cultural enrichment through presenting published and original works founded on the principle of accessible theater for all.
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region
Together with the people in our community, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region helps to provide and preserve affordable housing opportunities and create a community where families can build and improve places to call home and where they feel they belong.
La Crosse Film Academy/Rivoli Arts District
The La Crosse Film Academy’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support a flourishing community of filmmakers, screenwriters, digital storytelling artists, and lovers of cinema across the Driftless Region.
La Crosse Public Library
La Crosse Public Library is dedicated to providing accessible materials, engaging programs, and inclusive services, the library cultivates a culture of discovery, creation, and connection for all. Our Main Street Library serves as a vibrant community hub, while the North Community Library extends our reach and impact across the city. Together, our staff work to deliver outstanding service, thoughtfully curated collections, and dynamic programming that reflects and supports the needs of our community.
La Crosse Storytelling Festival
Project: Mask Decorating & Storytelling
The La Crosse Storytelling Festival strives to be the premier storytelling event in the upper Midwest, celebrating the art of storytelling by edifying, educating, and entertaining people of all ages and walks of life. Come and enjoy the magic of storytelling!
UFAH & La Crosse County Historical Society
The United Fund for the Arts and Humanities (UFAH) enhances the cultural life of our community by supporting 12 local arts and humanities organizations, like the La Crosse County Historical Society. The Historical Society enriches lives through engagement with the history of the Driftless Region.
Wisconsin Public Radio - WPR
Project: Rock Painting
With 3 networks and 38 stations, WPR has been serving Wisconsin for more than a century. WPR news, music, and entertainment programs inform, inspire, and build community. Events. Arts & Culture. Music. Podcasts. News. Weather.
SPECIAL EVENT: CHALKFEST
All are welcome to leave their mark on the Artspire grounds with their chalk creations!
Featured artists that will be creating large designs at Chalkfest:
Sabrina Bruehling | Chase Gentry | Sarah Piper | Gus Hinton (MN) | Beth Banashak | Unicycle Michael
Chalkfest is brought to you by the La Crosse Arts Initiative.
Prizes and chalk are sponsored by the La Crosse Society of Arts
The whole family loved our experience last year! Can’t wait to come back!
Artspire Sponsored In Part By
