Snakes shed their skins throughout their lives in a process known as ecdysis. This accommodates growth, removes parasites, and offers them a chance at regeneration. In a similar spirit, a free Family Day workshop will offer insights into repurposing materials for artists of all ages, enabling them regenerating something ordinary into a creative delight.
Clarissa Banos is a visual artist with a passion for Indigenous civilizations of the Ancient Americas. On Monday (February 17) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the El Salvador-born artist will be at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island to lead the event, entitled “Transformation and Adaptability”.
This LunarFest Vancouver workshop reflects the ethos of the Year of the Snake, which is all about regeneration. Anyone who attends this session can also take in the artistic Lunar New Year lanterns on display at Ocean Artworks. The <i>Forever Young</i> exhibition, which is part of The Lantern City displays around town, will have its final showing on Family Day.
According to the LunarFest Vancouver website, Banos is a former Fulbright scholarship recipient. She is “particularly intrigued by the Pre Hispanic iconography found in ancient textiles of Mexico, Central America, and South America”.
“In addition, Banos showcases Indigenous women as the axis of a magical universe in celebration of Latin America’s idiosyncrasies, popular culture and folklore,” the website adds.
Banos has a BFA in graphic design from Universidad Dr. Jose Matias Delgado in El Salvador. She also has an MFA in graphic design from the University of Illinois. Banos moved to New Westminster in 2001.
Follow Pancouver on X @PancouverMedia and Bluesky @pancouver.bsky.social, as well as on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
