This new exhibition, on July 18th and 19th, in the CECs Science Tent, was organised by INDAP Los Ríos (the Agricultural Development Institute of the region) and was sponsored by CECs. Gathered together were 23 artisan groups from different communities in the Región de los Ríos, who presented their hand-made wares, the majority crafted from wools. The two-day event attracted more than five thousand visitors.

 Source: Diario Austral

As part of the exhibition, 13 artisans displayed their creations in a fashion parade, presented by the renowned Chilean actor, Álvaro Rudolphy. A range of garments in beautiful, colourful designs were shown: wrap-around shawls, cardigans, coats and skirts, among other items. The fashion show in particular was very well-received by public onlookers who completely filled the CECs auditorium.

“We are thrilled that this “Handicrafts Expo” has taken place and has been so successful; it exceeded all our expectations and leaves us feeling very positive about organizing a second Expo next year”, stated the Regional Director of INDAP, Jorge Sánchez.

Participating artisans came from communities throughout the region: Futrono, La Unión, Río Bueno, Lago Ranco, Corral, Los Lagos, Mariquina, Panguipulli and Valdivia. The exhibited handicrafts, on 20 stalls, included woollen products, hand-crafted wooden items, basketwork made with voqui pil pil (the woody tendrils of the native climbing plant Boquila trifoliolata) and Mapuche jewelry. And three stalls offered a cafeteria service with home-made cakes and beverages.

Marcelina Lienlaf, President of the “Artisan Woollen Collective” from Mariquina, when asked for her opinion of the CECs exhibition said: “We’ve done really well. The products on show were very well received by all visitors to our stands”.

As well as the exhibits, several free workshops for the public were available. Particular interest was shown in learning to use the Mapuche weaving loom, in the horquilla (hairpin lace/crochet) technique for clothing, and in methods for making woollen wall murals.