A Weaving Tradition

Malena Martinez weaving “Pilot” in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico.

After 21 years in their Jacksonport gallery, Martinez Studio has become a vibrant heritage brand on the national craft scene. Their work has been recognized in multiple Smithsonian Craft and Philadelphia Art Museum shows, a work is slated for the permanent collection of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago and they were featured in PBS/WPT’s Wisconsin Life.

Wence and Sandra Martinez take their role as stewards of the Oaxacan weaving legacy quite seriously. Their daughter, Malena Martinez and son-in-law Jacobo Martinez debuted as apprentices in 2014, and they began work on the Village Collection. The Village Collection is based on 14 of Sandra’s latest designs woven by the apprentices of Oaxacan wool. Celebrate the debut of the Village Collection on July 25, 2 – 6 pm. A short introduction will be given at 4 pm.

Sandra explains, “Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico is a renowned weaving village and anonymous production weaving remains the standard training ground. At a very young age, Wence went on to extensive studies in Mexico City at a famed weaving school where he mastered Gobelin weaving along with wool dyeing and design.

“Watching him mentor Malena and Jacobo has been rewarding for everyone. They have both achieved the skill levels required to weave the challenging curves of my designs and are given full weaving credit on the work.”

Wence said, “For many years we worked with my brother, Mito and my late father, Cosme, but adding the next generation is a dream come true.”

Martinez Studio is located at 5877 Highway 57, one mile south of Jacksonport. Hours are 11 am – 4 pm daily (closed Wednesdays), or call for appointment. For more information, call 920.823.2154 or visit MartinezStudio.com.