mascaraviva
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 Lucrecia  Novoa 

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I am an artist and cultural educator. I use a combination of masks, puppets, costumes, storytelling and dance to interpret the folk traditions of many cultures. I believe the art education must be an strong component of the people's lives and they need to be motivated not only intellectual level but should also receive tools that enhance their creative minds and personal talents.
In my workshops to children, teen and adults I use different materials and techniques introducing the students to the imaginary word and character they can create. Sharing experiences with Seniors is also a very important part of my work as an artist. 
When I tech mask making my goal is to make the students realize that the masks are not merely decorative objects in the galleries. The masks can be part of the character and the people can make this character alive. 

 
I am the founder  and director of  "MASCARA-VIVA"  We are the performers  behind the characters. 
 I studied at Fine Art School in the University of Chile and Massachusetts College of Art.
 1996, I attended the "Art of Mask" course in Massachusetts offered by the Mask maker Eric Bornstein and this was a turning point  in my career, under Eric's guidance I learned not only techniques of mask and puppet making but also how to mold gestures and  expressions into the masks. 
 1997, I joined Eric's Behind the Mask studio in Cambridge, MA. I started working in pieces that represent technical challenges. I was  Eric's assistant creating masks and Puppets for the First Night Parade in Boston, participating in several workshops in Schools and  Universities , at the same time I was part of the theater play shows for "Behind the mask theater" ( A theater Company based in  Cambridge MA)
 1997 to the present . I have been participating with my characters  in different parades in USA.
 1998 - 2001. I joined the Holistic meditation group Dahn Kahn based in ancient Korean techniques. (Boston MA.)
 2002-  2009. I joined the Hapkido Marcial Arts in NY. Both experiences were very good connected with the purpose of my work.  Making the character move and interacting in a gently and graciously way. 
 2002 to the present. I have been working as artist in residence for Society of the Educational Art. (NY City).
 2004 to the present. I have been the Director and designer of the Masks and Puppets workshops for Earth Celebrations  Organization. (NY City).
 2006 to the present . I have been a member of Bronx Council on the Art participating with the community.  (NY)
 2010 to the present. I have been join Superior Concept Monsters. ( the principal troupe in NYC's Village Halloween Parade.)
 2013 to the present  I have been designing and making the Masks and giant Puppets for the New York Botanical Garden Events.
 2014 to the present. I have been working in Marble Hill Community Senior Center. (Bronx NY.) 
 2017 to the present  I have been working in James Monroe Senior Center. (Bronx, NY)