The Artful Stories program brings young children together in the Carlos Museum galleries to hear children’s literature related to the collections and exhibitions, look closely at a single work of art together, and then head to the studio for an engaging hands-on activity.
In order to include the museum's collection of molas in the Artful Stories program, museum educators searched for an appropriate picture book. When they couldn't find one, they created their own, which tells the story of a young Guna girl living in the San Blas Islands, learning to make molas from her grandmother. The book conveys the close relationship the islands' inhabitants have with their environment, both land and sea, and how that relationship is reflected in the imagery of their colorful cut-work designs.
Enjoy learning about molas, then try creating a design of your own!
