Join the Shaker Historical Society for the opening reception of “Arte y cultura Boruca” featuring colorful masks from the indigenous Boruca people of Costa Rica. The opening will take place on Friday, June 16, from 6-8pm at the Shaker Historical Society. This Lissauer Gallery exhibition showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Boruca community. The masks on display are a testament to their rich artistic traditions, reflecting their unique worldview and ancestral stories.

At the heart of this exhibition is the journey of Christian Romero, the founder of Beyán. After losing his job due to the pandemic, Christian returned to his homeland of Costa Rica and had the privilege of connecting with Santos Lazaro, one of the master wood carvers of traditional Boruca masks. Immersed in their culture, Christian learned about the adverse impact of the pandemic on the Boruca community’s livelihoods and founded Beyán to bring traditional Boruca masks to Northeast Ohio.

“Arte y cultura Boruca: Boruca Masks from Costa Rica” is on view in the second floor Lissauer Gallery from June 16 to September 17, 2023. All masks are available for sale with proceeds supporting the Boruca people in Costa Rica. Learn more about Beyán and the Boruca community at beyanllc.godaddysites.com.

“Arte y cultura Boruca” is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.