Colcha Community Stitch-along, NHCC hosts monthly embroidery event

February 19th, 2020

(Albuquerque, New Mexico) – The art of colcha embroidery is practiced in a group session on the third Saturday of every month at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) in Albuquerque. The unique monthly Colcha Community Stitch-along allows patrons to use their embroidery skills along in a social setting.

Popularized in the late 18^th and 19^th century (1700-1800) in northern New Mexico, colcha designs are traditionally Spanish Colonial, with East Indian influence. Designs often feature a central medallion with items from nature – birds, flowers and leaves. Described as a self-couching stitch, the Spanish word ‘colcha’ translates to ‘bedcover’ in English.

The monthly Colcha Community Stitch-along is held from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Pete V. Domenici Education Building. This is a free event facilitated by Sandia Mountains Chapter-EGA.

“Our Colcha Community Stitch-along events harken back to a simpler time,” said Elena Baca, program director. “People get an opportunity to interact face to face while they work with their hands in a relaxed informal setting. It’s a nice break from the video screens and electronics that rule our daily lives, and you have something beautiful to show for it.”

The monthly gathering for colcheras of colcheras of all skill levels is led by Annette Gutierrez-Turk, an award-winning Spanish Market artist. If you are beginning or advanced in the traditional New Mexican style of embroidery, bring your current colcha project along and enjoy these monthly, informal, community work sessions to share ideas, resources and encouragement!

Colcha Community Stitch-along events will take place on these Saturday’s monthly throughout 2020, NHCC’s 20^th anniversary year: February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, Sept. 18, October 16, November 20 and December 18.

Please contact Elena Baca at ElenaD.Baca@state.nm.us or 505-383-4734 to RSVP.

About the National Hispanic Cultural Center:

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts and humanities. The Center presents over 700 events each year through its history, literary arts, performing arts and visual arts programs and its art museum, library and genealogy center.  The Center is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is further supported by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is located at 1701 Fourth Street SW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For information about upcoming events and exhibitions visit the NHCC website at www.nhccnm.org.