Las Vegas – The Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum is celebrating
Hispanic Heritage Month from September 1-30, with a community-curated exhibition and special programming honoring the culture, creativity, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latin American community. The month-long exhibition will feature artwork by local artists that explore the theme of how wildlife, ecosystems, and natural landscapes tell stories of culture, identity, and belonging across Latin America.
“Science is often presented as something that happens in a classroom setting or in a laboratory, but science has always been part of how communities observe their environment and work with the materials around them,” said Valerie Miranda, Education Manager at Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum. “Woven Throughout History gives us an opportunity to recognize the science and innovation within cultural traditions while also honoring the people and stories behind them. We hope our guests see textiles not only as works of art, but as examples of applied chemistry, environmental science, engineering, and mathematical thinking; and to recognize that scientific knowledge and innovation come from every community.”
Woven Throughout History is the museum’s new multi-month workshop series exploring culture through textiles as it relates to specific months and themes. Local textile artist Aleida Castro opens the series as resident guest artist, with artwork and workshops that explore both the science of textile-making and the storytelling traditions passed down through generations of Mexican artisans. Following Hispanic Heritage Month, the series continues across Indigenous Peoples’ Month, Black History Month, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
“My art practice reflects my cultural heritage,” said Castro. “Embroidery has a long history in Mexico that predates Spanish colonization. Through these workshops, I want guests to see textiles not just as art, but as a hands-on way to understand history, science, and the traditions passed down through families like mine.”
Visitors of all ages can explore Mexican embroidery traditions during two special drop-in workshops with Castro.
- Saturday, September 5 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Charro Embroidery – Guests will recreate traditional Charro patterns using paper and fabric scraps, creating a 4”x6” take-home art print inspired by traditional Charro suits.
- Saturday, September 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – Flowers Embroidery – Using pre-made templates, yarn, and plastic needles, guests will learn embroidery techniques rooted in traditional Mexican floral patterns and take home their finished craft.
Both workshops invite participants to consider the scientific side of textile-making; from how natural fibers and dyes behave to the strength and structure of thread, connecting the artistic process to observation and discovery.
The Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition and accompanying artist workshops are included with museum admission or membership. Located north of Cashman Center at 900 Las Vegas Blvd N., the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $14 per adult, $12 for students, seniors and military personnel, and $7 for children ages 3-11 and can be purchased online at http://www.lvnhm.org or at the door. Discounts are available for Nevada residents.