Immigrant Artist Passes Along Jewelry Skills

Valentine Day Jewelry Show at Design One

by Myra Hafetz

(February 8, 2006) They sat around a long table covered with boxes of beads, wires and nearly, completed pieces of jewelry. Their teacher, Aurelio Castaño, looked at their work and gave them suggestions. “Don’t be afraid to try this a different way and experiment with other colors,” he told them. Two years ago none of the people at the table had ever made a piece of jewelry. Today they were putting the finishing touches on bracelets, necklaces, and earrings for their second Valentine’s Day jewelry show at Eric Newland’s Designer One, located at 139 Larchmont Avenue.

Aurelio Castaño demonstrates jewelry technique with as Artisco student.

The jewelry makers are all members of “Artistico,” a group of Hispanic artisans and painters who are led by Mr. Castaño and co-sponsored by The Hispanic Resource Center and The Mamaroneck Artists’ Guild. In the time they have been together, Mr. Castaño has taught different techniques and introduced various materials. The group’s current work reflects their increasing creativity and sophistication, he said. His hope is they will be able to sell their work and get needed income.

Mr. Castaño described how he had come to the United States over ten years ago with nothing but his dreams. He spoke no English and worked sixteen hours a day so that he could send money for food and medicine to his family in Colombia. Despite setbacks and a serious injury, he put himself through college and has become an artist, teacher and role model to his students. He teaches at the Westchester Art Workshop, which is part of the Westchester Community College. He is also an active member of the Guild. “I believe that I must volunteer my time for the workshop,” he said, “ because I feel a deep obligation to help other immigrants fulfill their hopes and dreams for a better life as I have fulfilled mine.”

Everyone watched intently as Mr. Castaño demonstrated how to make a flower with glass beads. As he worked, he discussed with the students their hopes for the future.” I have been where you are now,” he said in a voice full of emotion and memories. “You must seek new opportunities and never surrender to despair.” He tells them over and over again “as one door closes, a hundred more open. I also know that you have very little, but you still must help others.”

A new member had just joined the workshop, and the other artisans obviously remembered Mr. Castaño’s words. They gather around and offered help, advice and materials for the first bracelet. The meeting was lively. Members brought food to share with each other as they talked of work, problems and plans. They were excited to be part of the Valentine’s Show and very proud of their work. Mr. Castaño looked around the room at his new family and smiled. “Their jewelry is truly a gift of love.”

Eric Newland, owner of Designer One displays the Artistico Jewelry.

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