CLUES is accepting applications for a free Manualidades (arts and crafts) program to engage participants in self-healing and community-building through learning and creating Latino folk arts and crafts. Participants will learn basic skills in papier-mache, drawing, mosaic, poetry, and weaving, with a focus on art and artisan traditions from Latin America.

This Latino-focused crafts program will help participants overcome isolation by joining in community, conversing, learning from each other and using one’s hands to create traditional Latino art forms. The program will adhere to COVID19 social distancing guidelines (some classes will be in person with appropriate distancing, and some will be virtual).

This program is designed especially for adult Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants who wish to build community with others, and who are interested in learning traditional Latino arts and crafts.  The program will be bilingual (Spanish-English), with a focus on Spanish, and is open to all applicants.

• The deadline for application is August 31 at 5pm. Please reach out as soon as possible, as early applicants will be given preference.  To apply or ask about the program, please email arte@clues.org, or text 952-210-3598, and let us know that you are interested.  We will follow up with a phone call.
• The program will be taught by 6 Minnesota-based Latino craftspeople with varied skills.  Participants will also share their own skills and talents with each other.
• The program will run September 2020 through April 2021.  All sessions will be held at CLUES in St. Paul (797 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106), 6 – 8 pm, on Tuesday evenings twice per month (with a break from mid-Dec through mid-January).
• Dates: September 15 and 29, October 13 and 27, November 10 and 24, December 8, January 19, February 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20.

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