Born in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, and raised in South Florida, Mayling Pao attended the New World School of the Arts in Miami and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. [Photo by Mayling Pao]
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority invites people of all ages to join the Fantastical Walk on Oct. 26.
Showcase your creativity by carrying, pulling or wearing papier-mache sculptures down Clematis Street. This unique community parade begins at the City Hall Courtyard at 10 a.m. and concludes at the Waterfront Great Lawn at 12:30 p.m.
The DDA is partnering with local artist Mayling Pao, who is hosting several free workshops on creating papier-mache sculptures that represent spirit animals and mythological and other fantastical creatures, using sustainable methods.
Alebrijes, vibrant and whimsical animal hybrids, are a popular choice. Inspired by Mexican folk art, these colorful creatures celebrate the magic of creativity and the beauty of a more ethereal world. Each alebrije is unique, reflecting the individual personality and imagination of its creator.
There will be a Fantastical Walk Workshop on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the GreenMarket pop-up tent, 101 S. Clematis St., to help participants get ready for the parade.
“The welcoming and eclectic vibe of our downtown will help inspire and unlock people’s imagination,” says Teneka James-Feaman, the executive director of the West Palm Beach DDA. “Mayling and her workshops encourage people to tap into their artistic side, bring their unique visions to life and transform the Fantastical Walk into a celebration of spirited and diverse people of West Palm Beach.”
Registration is required for the Fantastical Walk and the workshops. Visit downtownwpb.com/fantastical.
The Fantastical Walk is one of four projects funded by the DDA’s placemaking mini-grant program, which fosters community engagement and well-being by creating vibrant public spaces and events.
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