Description

Join us for a Business After Hours at Gail Borden Pubic Library for the Kick-off Unveiling of ALEBRIJES - Creatures of a Dream World. This event is complimentary to the community and all are welcome to join us. Please register.

"Alebrijes" stem from Mexican folklore that was highlighted in the movie “Coco” and embody characteristics from many animals to create fantastical creatures. The sculptures include Goliath, a 16-foot deer, giraffe and eagle, and Lacuarium, a seahorse-meets-dragon.

Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, Senator Cristina Castro, Representative Anna Moeller, and many more will help kick off this traditional Mexican art form at 4:30 pm on September 12 at the Main Library, 270 N. Grove in Elgin. Everyone is invited to help us unveil giant creatures, hear music and enjoy fun family activities.

"We were so happy that Gail Borden Library has these high ceilings to accommodate these tall creatures," said Gail Borden Foundation Director and Elgin State President Yaneth Medina. "I am so pleased that the Library Foundation, the Library, Elgin State Bank, KCT Credit Union, Bear Family McDonalds, Shales McNutt and other sponsors were able to make this happen. These Alebrijes inspired by Mexican folklore are going to bring people to the library in droves. The colors and the fanciful animals are fuel for the imagination."

"I am honored to help kick off this Alebrijes exhibit, " said Mayor David Kaptain. "Elgin is a place that supports and embraces all cultures. We are proud of its rich Mexican culture and we want to celebrate and share diversity."

"We love hosting these Alebrijes," said Carole Medal, CEO of Gail Borden Public Library District. "It fits our mission statement so well as we are 'the library where imagination and transformation flourish, fueled by the power of community.'"

"I'm excited to bring these Alebrijes to this wonderful library," said Fernando Ramirez, President & Founder of the Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage. "There is no better place for imagination to take hold."

Twenty imaginary paper mache animals (8 large and 12 smaller figures) by Mexican artists Alejandro Camacho Barrera, Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano, Roberto Carlos Martinez Tecillo, Edgar Camargo Reyes and Alberto Moreno Fernández will be on display throughout the Main Library.

People are invited to enjoy many events coordinated with the Hispanic Heritage Month and Alebrijes.