there are only two weeks left for Carnival Charlotte 2015! LAWA will offer the opportunity to celebrate Valentine's Day with a spectacular array of food, music and of course, decorations!
Conchy Alemán is the decoration chair, and it was her idea to move this year's carnival to Europe combining Venetian Carnival and Valentine's Day.
We created masks and center pieces, all in black and white + hearts galore! LAWA's Carnival has always been a Black tie affair, lets make it Black and White affair for women also! Or maybe some dresses in red, silver or gold?
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| Judith Barriga, Carmen Hilton, Concepción Alemán |
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| María del Carmen Hernández, a true artist! |
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| One of many masks! |
Many of you may ask why we spend so much time and effort creating our own decorations for Carnival; well it has an ulterior purpose.
LAWA volunteers came to Charlotte from many different countries; during our sessions we exchange stories about customs, learn colloquial terms from each other. I say micro, Carmen and Judith say camión, Carmen from Spain says omnibús, and Conchy calls it guagua!! We eat food from different parts of Latin America, recite poems, sing and talk about our families faraway.
We become richer and enormously aware of life in America as an immigrant. Most of us had a wonderful childhood and we bring with us not only language and customs, but an understanding for the new generation of immigrants, who is still struggling with the language, the colder climate and a different educational system. LAWA gives us the opportunity to become volunteers and help by giving our time and talent and asking for treasure from our generous donors and sponsors.
That is what is behind our every year creative gatherings: an awareness of the needs of others, the strength to dedicate our efforts toward a better community for all, a surprising discovery of our hidden talents by giving, giving, giving and sharing...
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| Sasha cutting out hearts! |
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| Alejandra Elliot preparing hearts |
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| Hearts in all sizes and colors |
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| A mask surrounded by hearts |
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| This mask captures the Venetian style |
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| A qrcode will allow guests to look at LAWA's website |
After several weeks we only need to get together three more days to complete all our center pieces. Would you like to come and join us?
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| Take a look at LAWA's website |
Do come to Carnival, go to LAWA's website, click on What You Can Do, click again on Buy Carnival Tickets! $100 dollars will not break your bank!
Be generous, Become our friend, Contribute to build a strong community for all of us in Charlotte, North Carolina!
Note: you may click on the pictures to see them in a larger size, and call 704 552 1003 for more information, or write us at lawa@lawanc.org
