Magic Windows

Through the magic windows of her cut-paper art, Carmen shows us her family, her life as an artist, and the legends of her Aztec past. We look into Carmen's studio and see her paint a Mexican jarabe tapatío dancer; we glimpse the hummingbirds that cross the US-Mexico border to taste the sweet nectar of the cactus flowers; and we watch Carmen teach her nieces and nephews how to make their own magic windows. Magic Windows is a continuing tribute to family and community as well as a way for Carmen to connect future generations to their ancestors by teaching and sharing with them this traditional folk art.

A step-by-step companion book, Making Magic Windows [link to book page], is also available. In it, Carmen teaches children how to create beautiful papel picado banners and designs by simply cutting and folding tissue paper. 
 

Carmen Lomas Garza is considered one of today's finest Mexican American painters.  Garza was raised in Kingsville, Texas, near the Mexican border. Carmen is one of the first Chicana artists to receive recognition in the national mainstream art scene. She has received two California Arts Council Artist-in-Residence Grants and two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. Her work, including paintings and papel picado, is exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States and abroad. Carmen currently lives in San Francisco, California. 

Themes: Memoirs and Personal Narrarives, Making Art/Creative Process

Related Books: Family Pictures, In My Family, Making Magic Windows
 

•    2000 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award
•    2000 Skipping Stones Honor Award
•    2000 Carter G. Woodson Honor Book
•    1999 Américas Honor Book
•    1999 Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc. Outstanding Achievement in Children's Books
•    1999 Parent's Choice Picture Book Recommendation

"Designed like stained glass windows, these vibrantly illustrated pieces … hold the eye with their entrancing play between positive and negative space." —Booklist

"Vivid examples and simple explanations make this unusual art form intriguing and accessible." —Bulletin of the Barahona Center for Children's Books