LACIS is pleased to welcome Mexican sculptor, puppeteer, and actor Alejandro Jimenez Molina and artist and documentarian Carolyn Kallenborn, UW–Madison emeritus professor, as our Spring Artists‑in‑Residence!
Together, Molina and Kallenborn bring decades of experience in visual art, performance, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their residency highlights the power of puppetry, mask‑making, and storytelling as tools for education, cultural exchange, and public dialogue.
During their upcoming residency, the artists will lead and participate in a wide range of activities, including:
- Hands‑on workshops in several undergraduate art courses
- A mask‑making workshop at Glacier Creek Middle School in Cross Plains
- Multiple puppet shows and workshops at Centro Hispano
- A puppet show and presentation as part of LACIS’ weekly lecture series (April 21st @ Noon)
Additional public events will be announced and added to this page as plans are finalized. Questions can be directed to Sarah Ripp (skripp@wisc.edu / 608-262-0616).
About Alejandro Jiménez Molina: Alejandro Jiménez Molina is a sculptor, puppeteer, and actor. He learned wood carving in his father’s workshop and began acting in the 1980s, touring Mexico. In 1987, he moved to Italy, gaining recognition for his versatility in sculpture and set design. Returning to Oaxaca in 2009, he now creates theatrical performances, fine art, puppets, and marionettes inspired by classical literature and Mexican culture, constantly experimenting with new forms and ideas. He collaborates with artist Carolyn Kallenborn on artworks and performances. Watch him create.
Contact with Alejandro: Instagram: alejandrojimenezmoli | Facebook: alejandrojimenezmoli
About Carolyn Kallenborn: Carolyn Smythe Kallenborn, Professor Emerita from the University of Wisconsin, is an internationally acclaimed artist working with textiles, film, and community projects. Since 2004, she has collaborated with artisans in Oaxaca, guiding students, artists, and academics. Through her exhibitions and documentary films, Woven Lives and La Vida y Los Muertos, she promotes appreciation for Oaxacan artisans. Her award-winning collaborative works have been featured in galleries and museums in the U.S., Mexico, and China. She collaborates with Alejandro Jimenez Molina with painting, performance and presentations.
Connect with Carolyn: Instagram: @carolynsmythekallenborn | Facebook: carolynsmythekallenborn
Special Events:
4/21 @ Noon: “Un Títere de Sangre Zapoteco”
With playful energy, music, colorful hand-carved wooden puppets and masks, Alejandro Jimenez Molina in collaboration with Carolyn Kallenborn brings to life the story of renowned 20th-century Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo. Tamayo’s journey begins in c
(4/22) @ 9 AM: "Geometry in Movement: Scrap wood Puppet Making Workshop"
This three-hour puppet-making workshop is an exercise in imagination, hand skills and geometry in movement. Using scrap wood and simple woodworking skills, participants will create a sculpture that moves and comes to life. Space is Limited!
