Irma Rodriguez

Irma Rodríguez is an artisan born in San Pedro Taviche Ocotlán, Oaxaca. She learned to paint when she was a little girl watching her parents, aunts and uncles making Alebrijes. The Alebrije is a type of craft native to Mexico made of cardboard or Copal tree, painted with bright and vibrant colors. They are imaginary beings conformed by a combination of several mythical and actual animals.  This work has given Irma the opportunity to demonstrate her artistic ability in Sonoma County and as a tool for self-healing and preventing depression because of not having extended family locally. She uses art workshops to share her culture and to create community.