tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45019583513482127372012-01-26T15:30:07.161-06:00This blog will showcase the people, places, and organizations involved in the preservation and use of Ugandan bark cloth. Read about highlights from past projects, upcoming initiatives,and anything of bark cloth interest.Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-65837606127346133692012-01-26T15:07:00.007-06:002012-01-26T15:30:07.172-06:00

A sister (or brother) to Ugandan bark cloth is tapa, produced from mulberry trees all along the equator. I was recently visiting Hawaii and found an opportunity to learn a bit more about the cloth and see the technique and elements used to make the tapa. North, along the Kamehameha Highway near the Kalewa Bay Beach Park is a small road side market that sells arts and crafts from Tonga. The

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-69459799193195766782011-10-26T21:42:00.004-05:002011-10-26T21:55:40.689-05:00

I am excited to announce that ExhibitsUSA, a program of the Mid-America Arts Alliance out of Kansas City, has accepted Material Evolution: Ugandan Bark Cloth as one of their touring exhibitions! This is an incredible opportunity to share this work and this unique material with audiences throughout the United States. See the exhibition link at - http://www.eusa.org/exhibit/BarkCloth/descriptionIf

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-33770978109536973382011-04-22T12:46:00.007-05:002011-04-22T12:59:50.305-05:00

Sara KatebalirweSara Katebalirwe is owner and lead designer of Marie-Sar Agencies Limited based in Kampala, Uganda. She began her design career as a self-taught garment designer after a brief career in social administration. After an opportunity at the United Nations Textile Development Agency (TEXDA), she became engaged with product development; a new direction for her work which previously

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-34961812758108939622011-04-01T12:27:00.016-05:002011-04-22T13:04:44.136-05:00

There were so many wonderful artists and designers involved in the exhibition that I wanted to give you an idea of who they are and what they do. So in two postings, you will see an image of the piece and a bio on their work. Here are the bios, in no particular order, from the exhibition artists and designers.All photos courtesy of University of North Texas Art Gallery; photography by Matt Golden

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-23578194266687740512011-03-05T20:31:00.005-06:002011-03-05T20:41:01.577-06:00

This is just a preview of the exhibition and activities from this past week. An open studio, workshop, lecture, storytelling event, and of course the opening made it an exciting and memorable time for all of us involved. I am still gathering photos from all the events and hope to begin posting them in the next week!If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please come by to see the exhibit, it is

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-24883873239166680752011-02-04T14:14:00.012-06:002011-02-04T14:50:35.383-06:00

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the completion of the Renewing Material: Nurturing Environment mural at Rasor Elementary School. Led by project assistants Rebecca Schaefer (art Teacher at Rasor) and Amanda Batson (UT Austin), a select group of students from each grade were invited to add their vocabulary about the environment to the mural that was began in Kibinge, Uganda. The

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-54787056632077392282011-01-13T21:35:00.003-06:002011-01-13T22:02:54.803-06:00

Since 1995 Kinderen van Uganda, under the leadership of Ruud Boon, has supported a varity of projects in Uganda. Since 2000, Fred has worked with KvU in Uganda and giving workshops on printmaking in Holland. It was through their connection that Project Kibinge started. With the support of a Dutch fund they are building the Community House in Bugoga, Kibinge. They are in the process of raising

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-4299700594542324512010-12-11T13:09:00.009-06:002010-12-11T13:59:43.440-06:00

A good friend of Fred's and someone who I have enjoyed getting to know over the years is Rose Mwanja, chief conservator from the Uganda Museum. She has been so gracious to me as I have been researching plaited mat making and bark cloth. During my trip in 2008, she was one of the scholars who was interviewed for the Material Evolution exhibition. We barely made it through the interview for

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-68641450289743329792010-12-10T09:01:00.014-06:002010-12-10T09:43:29.317-06:00

This first week back in Uganda was about putting the finals touches on the plans for the Masaka program. I was running around town touching base with friends, organizing aspects of the trip with Fred, etc etc. What I continue to love about Uganda is that you can never expect what will open up, who you will meet, and what experience you will have from day to day. Through an acquaintance of

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-23078278772163815672010-12-09T08:47:00.015-06:002010-12-10T09:01:30.522-06:00

There are some major gaps to fill in - large parts of my time in Uganda only exist as photos saved on my desktop. As a remedy to this situation, I thought that I would begin again.....I must first say that this project would not have been the success it was without the talent of Becca and Amanda (highlighted in an earlier blog). What I found so refreshing is that I was able to see everything with

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-85030687865304138492010-11-26T09:59:00.002-06:002010-11-26T10:02:07.102-06:00

With the exit of Amanda and Becca from Uganda - so goes my easy access to the internet. So I will have to say that I will spend some time when I get home catching you up on my work here. The photos are great, but I want to tell you more about the experience and the results of these efforts. Lesli

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-74023786097188715732010-11-25T23:35:00.008-06:002011-01-06T15:42:15.053-06:00

The second day of art workshops was again a success. Given the short amount of time I have to post, I thought I would highlight the day through photos!

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-32586346330705869552010-11-23T21:57:00.014-06:002011-01-06T15:42:42.087-06:00

On Monday, we began the second part of Renewing Material, the Talking Mural Exchange and art workshops. Nine schools in total were involved, split into two locations - Kasota and Buyoga. This is an image of a promo poster that was given out to the community. Five schools convened at Kasota Primary School, ready to participate and create. When we arrived, there were over a hundred children ready

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-1585536734732413452010-11-23T21:40:00.005-06:002011-01-06T15:43:03.267-06:00

Although each exhibition site on Sunday proved to be a unique experience - considering that I am running several days behind on my posts, I thought I would give you a selection of photos that I think highlight the day!

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-38354212136590300442010-11-23T08:00:00.002-06:002011-01-13T21:34:38.296-06:00

Just after our morning at Kasota, we packed up and headed to the second stop on our exhibiton "tour," Buyoga Trading Center, about a 20 minute drive from Kasota. This area is quite important to Fred, he is invested in the community, having worked on several projects with them in the past and present. On my visit to Uganda in 2008, Fred and I took a tour of schools in this area, several that he

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-61240588526841587282010-11-22T23:00:00.000-06:002011-01-13T21:10:18.501-06:00

As you have seen by now, there are so many wonderful things going on in Uganda. Despite the poverty and hardships in the area where we worked, we were able to see the gifts that the community is blessed with. As I mentioned in a previous post, the community at our first stop welcomed us with an unexpected program.This short video shows the natural rhythm these young children have - the

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-39046025346634912522010-11-22T21:33:00.010-06:002011-01-06T15:43:28.546-06:00

Sunday proved to be an amazing day. We opened the traveling exhibition in two locations, Kasota and Buyoga - both areas of Kibinge Sub County. Before I go on the describe the events, I must first tell you how this all came about...since I was in Texas coordinating with Fred in Kampala, he had to have someone on the ground here in Masaka working directly with the schools. His brother Steven (who

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-37195343026663630882010-11-21T23:00:00.000-06:002011-01-13T21:11:29.836-06:00

What I have always loved about the countryside is the beauty - the contrast of the red dirt roads cutting through the green landscape. But itsn't there always a price for beauty? Before I go on I have to say - Fred Mutebi is an excellent driver. Uganda is full of a handfull of smooth tarmac roads, but the majority are pothole filled, water washed, red dirt roads. It takes a skilled driver

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-102125678841792042010-11-21T22:32:00.009-06:002011-01-06T15:44:55.499-06:00

My apologies for the long space between this post and the last. As I said in the previous emails, there are challenges with the the internet system. This past week was filled with meeting friends - fellow artists, scholars and family. I have been working to corrdinate with Fred, Becca and Amanda all the remaining planning/packing, etc for the Masaka project. So at some point I will make sure

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-77214467519596397632010-11-20T15:28:00.003-06:002011-01-06T15:44:30.979-06:00

Slow internet connections, traffic jams, and hard to reach internet cafes have kept me from updating you about the project and trip. I am trying to remedy the situation, so until then, take a look at Becca Schaefer's blog, www.beccaschaef.wordpress.com. So, just to let you know, we are in Masaka District, Uganda and ready to start the exhibition tomorrow. I look forward to posting new photos of

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-62723915517851453152010-11-19T08:36:00.009-06:002011-01-06T15:44:10.946-06:00

This week, I had the chance to visit a good friend and former visiting scholar to UNT. Dr. Venny Nakazibwe is the current Dean of the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University. I had the opportunity to visit and present the books and journals given by the staff and faculty of UNT. She was very pleased to receive the gift and expressed her gratitude for the

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-67918754079340364322010-11-16T14:20:00.004-06:002011-01-06T15:43:54.865-06:00

After arriving in Uganda on Sunday evening, we arranged a meeting in the Wakiso district of Uganda, outside of Kampala, with one of the artists that will be traveling to Masaka with us, Ivan Yakuze. Ivan will be displaying several of his barkcloth pieces in the Traveling Exhibition that will be shown in Masaka and later in Texas. It was a wonderful experience to see his work first hand and get

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-21137359200928725952010-11-09T16:02:00.005-06:002010-11-09T20:46:16.650-06:00

Fred Mutebi of Let Art Talk has been diligent in linking this project to local schools in the Masaka area. Fred's connections and hard work will enable us to work with 8 area primary and secondary schools. Thanks to the generosity of donators, Becca, Amanda and I have been packing supplies that will be left with each school, encouraging more explorations of art and design. Additionally, we will

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-18883294412774644022010-10-21T21:03:00.008-05:002010-11-03T12:04:25.515-05:00

I feel very privileged to work with Becca Schaefer (see the earlier blog about her and Amanda Batson, my project assistants), art teacher(extraordinaire)at Rasor Elementary in Plano, Texas. She is leading a wonderful part of Renewing Material, hundreds of her elementary students are contributing to a "Talking Mural" exchange with students in Masaka, Uganda. This will be the 2nd mural exchange

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-70689275634871684072010-10-19T20:00:00.008-05:002010-10-28T16:52:48.594-05:00

Bark Cloth Europe (www.barktex.de) is a German/Ugandan owned company who, for the past 10 years has been diligently getting bark cloth into the hands of artists and designers across the globe. Oliver Heintz and his wife Mary Balongo work both in Uganda and Germany to explore the potential for bark cloth in contemporary art and design. It has been great to get to know their work and business over

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-50084906083813714302010-10-15T09:56:00.008-05:002010-11-03T12:05:36.661-05:00

Bark Cloth has found its way into the hands of design students at Parsons, care of Oliver Heintz with Bark Cloth Europe (blog to follow). They have been challenged to with work with the material to create products that are designed with a focus on sustainability. I have enjoyed fielding questions from professors Erika Doering and PJ Carlino over the past few weeks - questions on the history,

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-37467064853324423912010-10-06T13:40:00.009-05:002010-11-03T12:06:07.480-05:00

I was just reviewing video interviews for the exhibition at UNT in the spring and thought it was time to begin sharing more incredible designers and artists with you. One of my interviewees was Rene Malcorps who founded a company called Art Nature Design in Eindhoven, Netherlands(www.artnaturedesign.nl and www.kingskin.nl). This unique company's approach to design reflects their desire to build

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-13681142499939723972010-10-03T20:23:00.005-05:002010-11-03T12:08:11.448-05:00

We are excited to include Ivan Yakuze as a visiting artist for the exhibition and workshops this fall in Masaka. He is a talented artist whose work is in collections in Africa and now in the US. I first met Ivan in 2008 when he sat for an interview about his work. He is an inventive artist whose skill at applique and whose eye for composition yields beautiful works. I enjoyed hearing about his

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-78256288135182790612010-09-28T20:56:00.007-05:002010-11-03T12:08:34.931-05:00

I am very excited that two of the very best art educators will be leading projects with me in Uganda in November! I met Amanda Batson and Rebecca Schaefer in 2008 when they jumped in full force, assisting me with a Talking Mural Exchange and Art Workshops for the first part of this project to promote bark cloth - thus earning their nickname.They are teaming up yet again to recreate these art

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-58016498912523475992010-09-26T08:37:00.002-05:002010-11-09T16:11:22.590-06:00

Before I launch into writing about my project, you should know who I am working with. I have been blessed to know and work with very talented and dedicated people whose commitment to art, education, and Uganda have inspired me.Fred Mutebi is a talented artist and founder of Let Art Talk, an arts organization whose focus is to use art as an educational tool, empowering communities. He was a

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-64390638157973086142010-09-24T15:29:00.002-05:002010-11-09T16:12:01.336-06:00

My IAA fellowship this semester has given me a unique opportunity to fully commit to my work in Uganda. As I make preparations for the projects in Uganda in November and the exhibition at the UNT Art Gallery in March 2011, I have been able to interact with interesting people, learn about important organizations, and continue to find connections that bark cloth has to people and places I would not

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501958351348212737.post-90899103933561553002010-03-12T11:40:00.002-06:002010-11-03T12:09:06.553-05:00

The University of North Texas Institute for the Advancement of the Arts awarded Lesli Robertson a Faculty Fellowship in support of her work on bark cloth in Uganda and the upcoming Bark Cloth exhibition at the UNT Art Gallery. The generosity of this award will allow the Renewing Material and the Handmade project to continue.Thank you UNT!!!As this project moves forward new posts will be added

Lesli Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05390456884861018366noreply@blogger.com1