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Color and handicraft workshops event series

From April 23, 2023 until May 21, 2023The workshops will be held on Sundays, April 23 and May 7 and 12 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

MADRID

Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Alcalá, 62). The workshops will be held on Sundays, April 23 and May 7 and 12 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. 3 euros (visit and workshop). Space is limited to 20 people.

In Spanish.

To mark the holding of the exhibitions on display at our headquarters in Madrid, we have organized a series of three workshops on the use of color and on Moroccan handicrafts, for both children and adults. They will be held on Sundays, April 23, and May 7 and 21. Tickets can now be purchased online.

Casa Árabe, with the cooperation of Innovarte, is offering this series of three workshops on the use of color in tiles, fabrics, ceramics and decoration in Morocco in conjunction with the exhibitions currently open at its headquarters in Madrid, “Hand over Hand: Crafts and design in Morocco” and “The Cultural Colors of Morocco.”

The goal is to give the public a closer look at some of the techniques and crafts which involve the historical origin and use of colors in Moroccan crafts and decoration, through a playful, simple, entertaining activity.

The workshops will be given on Sundays, April 23 and May 7 and 21, 2023 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., with a prior visit of the exhibitions.

Each participant will complete his or her own project and gets to take home the finished product at the end of the workshop.

Tickets are on sale in the information section on each workshop.

Color and handicraft workshops event series

Workshop on the use of color in “zellij” (tile)

April 23, 202312:30 p.m.

MADRID

Casa Árabe headquarters in Madrid (at Calle Alcalá, 62). 12:30 p.m. 3 euros (visit and workshop). Space is limited to 20 people.

In Spanish.

On Sunday, April 23, we will be holding the first of the workshops we are organizing to mark the holding of our exhibitions “Hand over Hand: Crafts and design in Morocco” and “The Cultural Colors of Morocco”. Sign up now!

The process to create zellij, an heir to Moorish tile, is extremely complex and painstaking, since the craftsmen cut tiny pieces already fired by hand, then place them into a composition upside down. Color is a fundamental feature in zellij, and there are a series of rules in its design and application which must be respected in order to make the motifs stand out.

During this workshop, those attending will watch a brief talk taking place during a guided tour of the exhibition, and then learn the rules on how it is used by painting onto templates which reproduce the finest examples of zellij from Fez and the Alhambra in Granada.

It will be a fun way to introduce children to the wonderful art of creating geometric decorations, and to the basic principles of color theory and the composition of chromatic harmonies.

Due to its low difficulty level, this activity is suitable for handicraft enthusiasts with no prior knowledge. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (one ticket per person).
Closeup of basket with pompoms.

Pompom and fringe decoration workshop

May 07, 202312:30 p.m.

MADRID

Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Alcalá, 62). 12:30 p.m. 3 euros (visit and workshop). Space is limited to 20 people.

In Spanish.

The second of our workshops dedicated to Moroccan handicrafts will be taking place on Sunday, May 7. Sign up now so you don’t miss out!

The traditional dress of the women of the Fash Anjra region in the Rif Mountains includes, in addition to the striped “mendhil” and “fouta,” or shawl, a colorful hat made of thick palm heart braid called “taraza” decorated with thick wool pompom strings, in two main color versions: navy blue and multicolored.

The decorative potential held by these cheerful accessories customize and enliven any object, no matter how simple it may be. This workshop teaches techniques for making tassels and fringes in different styles, and how to use them to decorate baskets, key rings, earrings, hats, towels, garlands, lamps...

Because of the workshop’s low difficulty level, the activity is perfect for those who love making handicrafts but have no prior knowledge. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (one ticket per person).
Ceramic painting workshop

May 21, 202312:30 p.m.

MADRID

Casa Árabe headquarters (at Calle Alcalá, 62). 12:30 p.m. 3 euros (visit and workshop). Space is limited to 20 people.

In Spanish.

On Sunday, May 21, we will be hosting the third of our workshops on Moroccan handicrafts, to mark the occasion of our exhibitions in Madrid. You can purchase your ticket online now.

The ceramics made by women in the Rif region is of a very great artistic and anthropological value, with origins dating back to the Neolithic era.

This ceramics painting workshop is intended for audiences of all ages and aims to give participants a closer look at the wonderful world of Imazighen tribal symbols, through a fun, highly educational activity. After a guided tour of the exhibition, the workshop will start out with a brief talk accompanied by images and physical samples from the exciting world of Rif women’s ceramics, their production processes, and above all their symbols and meanings.

The practical exercise will consist of brush painting small ceramic pieces. Those taking part will get the chance to create a harmonious composition by reproducing the symbols and motifs they have learned about.

Due to its low difficulty level, this activity is suitable for handicraft enthusiasts with no prior knowledge. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult (one ticket per person).