Cultural Demonstrators

A visit to Tumacácori may include a truly sensory experience with one of our historic craft demonstrators. These artisans demonstrate traditional crafts on the grounds of Mission San José de Tumacácori. Demonstrations may include tortilla making, paper flower making, O'odham basket weaving, leather working, or iron working.

Check the Calendar for the complete schedule of what crafts will be occurring on which days. In general:

October through December

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.- Tortilla demonstration

January through April

Thursday through Monday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Tortilla demonstration
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Craft demonstration

Call 520-377-5060 for more information.

 

 

Artists and Craft Demonstrators

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  Painting Cultures

  Draven Wilson - O'odham Painter

  Demonstrates on weekends, Fiesta, and the O'odham Tash.

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  Pottery With Purpose

  Kathleen Vance - O'odham Potter

  Kathleen considers herself to be a traditional utilitarian potter, but also uses clay to make whistles and effigies.

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  Carving Culture

  Homer Marks Jr. - O'odham Carver

  Homer uses cultural elements from O'odham and Hopi traditions to carve and paint his figures.

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  Weaving Culture

  Rhonda Ray - O'odham Basket Weaver

  Rhonda learned basket weaving from her grandmother and shares her stories generously with visitors.

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  Wood and Paint

  Louis Valenzuela - Yoeme Carver

  Louis Valenzuela has been sharing his culture through his carvings, sculptures, and paintings for over 30 years.

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  Weaving Culture (in miniature!)

  Lola Thomas - O'odham Basket Maker

  Lola transforms plants like devil's claw and beargrass into miniature baskets you can wear.

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  Weaving Wire

  John Reno - O'odham Jeweler

  John uses modern materials like steel and copper wire to weave and forge jewelry in traditional O'odham styles.

 

Tortilla Demonstrators

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  Tortillera

  Carmen Espinosa - Corn & Flour Tortillas

  Carmen demonstrates corn and flour tortilla-making as well as cooking for the Family Sleepover.

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  Tortillera

  Sandra García - Flour Tortillas

  Sandra is always smiling! She is also an excellent teacher and will help you learn to make the perfect tortilla yourself.

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  Tortillera

  Carolina Arizpe - Tortillas

  Carolina makes corn tortillas and is known for her salsa de "puro chile."