Bringing Colcha Embroidery to the Classroom: Workshops begin at Centennial and Sierra Grande

The San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery Project is partnering with three schools across the Valley to bring colcha embroidery to the classroom. On October 1st and 3rd, colcha embroidery artists visited Centennial in San Luis to work with elementary, middle, and high schoolers. Sierra Grande students in Fort Garland started their projects with the visiting artists on October 14th and 17th. The workshops include learning about the history of colcha embroidery in the Valley, a gallery of artwork examples, close instruction with the visiting artists, and each student receiving all of the materials needed for their artworks.

Special thanks to our teaching artists Maria Eufemia Barela, Adrienne Garbini, Donna Madrid Hernandez, Aurora Martinez, Sandra Ortega, Trent Segura, Susan Walanski, and Valentina Valdez. Thank you to art teachers Maria Fleming, Taylor Hubbard, and Katlynn Scanga and to the schools for hosting the program. Many thanks to Think360 and the Southern Colorado Community Foundation for supporting this unique opportunity for intergenerational connection and art education in Valley schools.

Centennial 4th Grade Class

Art Teacher Taylor Hubbard’s Centennial Blog Posts:

Centennial Colcha Embroidery Workshop Day 1

Centennial Colcha Embroidery Workshop Day 2

Craft Connections: Colcha Embroidery Artists Ride Through the Fall Landscape

On September 28th, 2024, San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery Project artists joined the HEART of Saguache leadership team and Valley community organizers on a relaxing day-long excursion on the Cumbres & Toltec Train from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado. A few artists worked on their embroidery projects while the rest sat back and took in the sweeping vistas of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. It was a prime weekend for stunning views of changing leaves. The terrain was covered in vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges. It was a special occasion to enjoy each other’s company and the beauty of our home. By the end of the day, everyone was smiling, exhausted, and looking forward to more opportunities for community togetherness. 

Ghouls, Goodies, and Health Guides: KV Estates Haunted Resource Fair

The Health and Safety Resource Fair, hosted by SLV AHEC and HEART of Saguache on October 25, 2024, brought together community members for a day of activities and important resources. Held at the KV Estates Clubhouse, the fair featured kids' activities and resource booths from local vendors offering wellness information, dental care, fire safety training, and more.

The event wrapped up with the KV Oktoberfest, where attendees enjoyed Trunk or Treat and a party—adding a festive, spooky touch to the day’s events. It was a successful gathering, offering both valuable health resources and Halloween-themed fun for all ages. The event was funded in part by a Saguache County Sales tax grant.