Vanessa Maciel

City of residence: Las Vegas
  • Folk and Traditional Arts
  • Visual Arts: 3D
  • Other

Vanessa Maciel is a Las Vegas-based Mexican folk artist dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional Mexican crafts through community engagement and education. Trained at the Arts Institute of Guadalajara, Jalisco, she specializes in cartonería—a folk art technique involving paper, glue, and cardboard to create vibrant sculptures and masks.

Since relocating to Las Vegas eight years ago, Maciel has become an active member of the local arts community, leading workshops at venues like the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and Clark County Public Libraries. Her projects often incorporate recycled materials such as newspaper, cardboard, and flour-based glue (engrudo), reflecting her commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage.

Maciel designs and facilitates interactive workshops using recycled materials and various mixed media, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels. These hands-on experiences emphasize creativity, environmental awareness, and cultural traditions, making her work accessible and engaging for diverse communities.

Vanessa Maciel

Vanessa Maciel’s Work

  • This pieces are part of a Collective art exhibit , my pieces are made from a paper clay home made for a Flora and Fauna art show at Las Vegas Natural History Museum 2025.
    Flora and Fauna group Exhibit
  • This is a large scale tecuan mask part of a Collective art Exhibit called, Villa del Misteri.
    Tecuan Mask
  • This is a piece created from a grant through Nevada Arts Council, this pieces are used in festivals to dance during the celebrations
    Catrina

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