Retablos, a genre of folk art deeply rooted in Spanish history, represent the heart and soul of traditional religious beliefs in traditional Mexican culture.  Painted on tin, canvas, wood or masonite, retablos are a personal offering that someone makes to give thanks for fulfilling a wish or need.  In cultural terms, they represent one of the few means by which common people can give public expression to their anxieties, needs, fears and sufferings.  The exhibit Retablos: Miracles on the Border, on display at the Vanderbilt Sarratt Art Gallery from September 3-30, features contemporary "miracles" of the migration experience across the Mexico-U.S. border.

At this teacher workshop, participants will hear from Jorge Durand, professor of the study of social movements at the University of Guadalajara and scholar of Mexican migration, who will discuss the retablo art form as well as the retablos on display in the exhibit.  The workshop will provide a forum for discussing ideas for incorporating retablos and the themes they represent into classroom curriculum.  Participants will earn six professional development points and receive free curriculum materials.