La Maestra: Maria Luisa Michel Almonte
A video about teacher and master craftsperson Maria Luisa Michel Almonte. An artist/teacher, after immigrating to Chicago in 1950 she supported her family from her flower shop business and became a leader in the educational and cultural life of the community. She taught traditional arts, crafts, and practical skills like dress-making in settlement houses, in community workshops and in her own studio. The video shows Ms. Almonte in community-sponsored workshops teaching neighborhood residents how to make traditional cut-paper ornaments and how to design clothing.