Ofelia Esparza: Altarista (09:14)

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Tonalli Studios manufactures altars for Dia de los Muertos. Esparza discusses the three deaths and learning flower-making. Day of the Dead invites the souls of those who have passed away to visit; U.S. public celebrations originated at Self Help Graphics and Art.

J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia: Weaver (10:38)

Garcia describes using pre-Hispanic Zapotec and Mixtec natural dyes. His children perform all the steps by hand, drawing inspiration from modern and Zapotec sources. Vasquez's mentors include Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo; the family discusses how they celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Museo Textil de Oaxaca (05:01)

Oaxaca possesses beautiful architecture, altars, oil paintings, and an ethno-botanical garden. Jim Bassler describes the inspiration behind "Biznaga" and "Jarrilla." Feathers and feather yarn hold a unique place in textiles.

Jim Bassler: Weaver (03:35)

Bassler describes the inspiration behind using feather yarn for George Washington's hair in a tapestry. Woven borders play a crucial role in the design, reflecting an ideology of completion.

Veralee Bassler: Sculptor (08:58)

Indigenous people of Oaxaca gather during the Guelaguetza. Bassler describes meeting his wife, their first visit to Mexico, and teaching in local villages. Veralee explains how the culture influenced her artwork.

Oaxacan Non-Profit Organizations (03:23)

Toledo describes why he returned to Oaxaca after living in New York, Rome, and Paris. Taller Arte Papel uses Finnish techniques with local plants to make paper.

Kiff Slemmons: Jewelry Design (05:23)

Slemmons describes her work at Taller Arte Papel and the inspiration she received living in Mexico. Each piece of jewelry she creates is part of her identity. In Chicago, Slemmons works with found objects.

National Museum of Mexican Art (04:54)

There are no borders when it comes to culture and community. Art can create bridges and demonstrate similarities. Thirty years after first displaying Toledo's work in the United States, the museum decides to exhibit art from Centro de las Artes San Agustin.

Credits: Craft in America: Borders (00:12)

Credits: Craft in America: Borders