PBS - Craft in America: Borders & Neighbors

CRAFT IN AMERICA, the Peabody Award-winning documentary series, is an inspirational journey to the artists, objects, techniques, and origins of American craft. BORDERS and NEIGHBORS explore the connections between Mexico and the United States through craft.

BORDERS explores the relationships and influences that Mexican and American craft artists have on each other and our cultures. Artists and events featured include Ofelia Esparza, master altar-maker who teaches the meaning and history of the Day of the Dead celebration; master weaver Isaac Vàsquez of Teotitlàn del Valle, Mexico; American weaver Jim Bassler and potter Veralee Bassler; the colorful Guelaguetza parade in Los Angeles; and Chicago artist Kiff Slemmons who works with maestro Francisco Toledo at the Art Paper Workshop in Mexico. This episode confirms that art is a pathway for creativity and connections without borders.

NEIGHBORS explores the people, history, and traditions of crafts from the U.S. and Mexico, noting how aesthetics cross over and back again in a living and ongoing cultural exchange. Featured artists include glass artist Jaime Guerrero; Mexican ceramic artists Magdalena Pedro Martínez and Carlomagno Pedro Martínez; world-renowned painter, muralist, community arts pioneer, and scholar Judy Baca; California ceramic artist Gerardo Monterrubio; and silver designers William Spratling, Carmen Tapia, Miguel Angel Ortíz Miranda, Cristina Romo, and Eduardo Herrera.