Librería Barco de Papel is more than just a typical bookstore. After opening the bookstore back in 2003, the co-owners wanted more than just the literary aspect and saw a need for the visual arts. They wanted to have a safe space for the arts so that the entire community, including the local artists, can come together and express themselves.
They offer monthly workshops, studio art courses, and joint sessions. They even have an open call for artists, where people can submit their work, which is then displayed in a group show.
Arts and Crafts
Librería Barco de Papel was a children’s bookstore before it was anything else. To this day, it offers many fun and meaningful arts and crafts opportunities for the youth. The co-owners plan these activities for a regular weekend or a special holiday.
For El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the owners invited local artists to face paint for the kids.
Image from: Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/day-of-the-death-catrina-makeup-workshop/
For their last activity of 2015, Barco de Papel gave children the opportunity to paint their own hand-made books. Artist and writer Joyce Sanchez Espinoza led this activity, in which kids used recycled cardboard to encase their books.
Image from Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/artisanal-book-making-for-christmas/
Photography is another big art form that Barco de Papel focuses on. They brought in Alejandro Teutli Morales to showcase his photographs. In his photographs, Morales expreses the magic present in a small village in Veracruz, Mexico. Morlaes wanted to memorialize the traditions and customs of his town and spread them to the world.
Image from Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/semblance-of-a-magic-town-photographic-exhibition/
Theatre
The library built an outstanding theater program as a way of giving back to their community. They invite local artists to perform their life story or the life story of memorable artists and authors such as Frida Kahlo and Fernando Botero. Local students come to the library and watch these performances for free. The picture below displays Darinka Ramirez, an artist who is new to New York and made her debut at Barco de Papel. This performance was aimed at children, as well as adults. Darinka Ramirez presented the oral traditions of her grandparents from New Mexico. As she was telling her story, Pablo Uc, a musician, provided additional voices and music to bring the story to life.
Image from Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/Darinka-Ramirez-and-Pablo-Uc-kamishibai-theater
Music
Barco de Papel brings in many local musicians for the public to enjoy. The co-owners try their hardest to invite musicians from varying Latin American countries. Last year, in celebration of the month of love and friendship, they invited many musicians including Samy la Voz Hispana and Ruben Isola. Samy, a renowned entertainer and singer from Colombia, sang a traditional love ballad.
This video depicts Margarita Laso, an Ecuadorian poet and singer with her husband, Pablo Valarezo, and an Argentinian guitarist, Ruben Isola.
Videos from Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/music
Readings
Barco de Papel invites famous Hispanic authors to do readings for children and adults. Jorge Viera, an inspirational Puerto Rican author read his book De Todo Menos Perfecto. He spread the message of perseverance and said, “If I was able to do it, you can do it better.” There are many Latin American authors, like Jorge, who had a tough life but were still able to persevere. Some of the authors who did readings at Barco de Papel include Fernando Morote, Irma Aguilera, and Jennifer Linenie.
Image from Centroculturalbarcodepapel.org
This website is specifically for their activities and performances: http://centroculturalbarcodepapel.org/frente/
