ARMANDO SOSA NEWS
Stay up to date with the latest news from Armando Sosa, Master Weaver. Here, you'll find information about new work, exhibitions, and special events. Check back often for updates and insights into Armando’s weaving journey.
FOR NJ ARTIST, THE FRUIT OF HIS LOOM IS SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLY BEAUTIFUL AND INTRICATE
HOPEWELL, NJ — Armando Sosa begins his morning with the rhythmic clank of his loom -- foot on the pedals, hands on the reed, and eyes glued to his design.
Sosa, 61, is a master weaver, or as the U.S. government has classified him, "an artist of exceptional ability." He spends hours at his loom, weaving intricate textiles with bright colors and traditional motifs from various cultures. "You can see a bird. There are two birds watching each other," Sosa says as he leans down during a quick break to explain the design he's creating. It's a maroon circle that encompasses two birds made of forest green and silver yarn. "Putting one design with the other, you know the colors, it always takes a long time."
ARMANDO SOSA: WEAVING DREAMS FROM GUATEMALA TO NEW JERSEY
The shirt Armando Sosa wears is woven in multicolored threads, predominantly bright blue. His sister sent it from his hometown of Salcaja in the Guatemalan Highlands. It is just like the garments once woven by his father and grandfather. In fact, 90 percent of the population of Salcaja made a living as weavers, although that is no longer true today.
“It’s sad,” says Sosa. “Weaving is hard physical work. A weaver works 10 hours to create a piece to sell. Older weavers can no longer continue because the materials are expensive and they don’t sell well enough for them to make a living. Younger people are not interested in weaving. They have better educations and become professionals in a different say.”
NJ STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS SELECTS FIRST EVER FOLK ARTS MASTER ARTIST
Award commemorates 20th anniversary of State Folk Arts Program
TRENTON, NJ — Commemorating 20 years of the Council's Folk Arts Program, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, in partnership with WheatonArts, has selected Armando Sosa, Master Weaver, to be the first-ever recipient of the Folk Arts Master Artist Award.
This award honors Sosa's lifetime achievement, artistic excellence, and significant contributions made to New Jersey's folk and traditional arts through community engagement.
