Children are invited to create their own amate painting using acrylic paints and brown paper. Registration required. Supplies provided. This craft is for those entering 3rd to 6th grade. For those who are in 3rd grade or lower, a parent or guardian must be present in the building.

Amatl (Amate {Spanish}) from the Nahuatl (NA-watl) language means “paper”. Amate is made from the pulp of the fig and mulberry trees. The state of Puebla to the east of Mexico City is known for their amate paper production and the artisans in small town San Pablito, who are of Otomί ancestery, continue to practice this ancient tradition of paper making. To the southwest in the State of Guerrero, amate paper is brightly decorated with beautiful scenes depicting everyday life of the villagers, such as the harvest, fiestas, weddings, religious customs and wildlife.