Ugandan artist to teach at NT event

Stephanie Daniels

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE

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Ugandan artist Fred Mutebi (right) shows a second grader how to express her views on the environment through art.

This weekend at NT, the organization Let Art Talk will promote diversity through its teachings of an old-world craft.

Printmaking on bark cloth has been used in many countries around the world. The art will be introduced by Ugandan printmaker Fred Mutebi.

Mutebi has been to America every year since 2004 after graduating from the University of Uganda to talk to others about the ancient art of printmaking on bark cloth, which is only made of the bark of the Mutuba tree in Uganda.

"It was a lost art that I wanted to bring back to the society in Uganda, especially children," Mutebi said.

Those who attend the activities and lectures throughout the weekend will learn about the lost art and practice doing it themselves.

"The event held in Dallas on Saturday is mainly geared toward family activities, and the actual presenting will be on campus Sunday," said Lesli Robertson of the art faculty.

Robertson said bark cloth was used for centuries for cultural practices in Ugandan culture.

"Now many people are going back to the cloth to go green," she said.

The bark cloth activities, including practicing printmaking on bark cloth and creating recycled jewelry, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 4 at the South Dallas Cultural Center, while the panel discussion will take place at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the NT Art Building Room 223.

Robertson said Ugandan designer Fred Nakazibwe and art historian Veny Nakazibwe will join Andy DeCaen of the art faculty for a panel discussion about the art.

Not only does Mutebi feel strongly about bringing old art into new generations, but he said he is also committed to keeping the environment in good shape by planting new Mutuba trees.

"I like to promote the Mutuba trees in Africa as more of a renewable resource." he said.

To close out the weekend, Mutebi will lecture at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Center for the Visual Arts in Denton to talk about his artwork and organization.

All events are free and open to the public, but space is limited at the Dallas event.

"I want to revive using bark cloth," Mutebi said. "I want to bring old art to the young generation."

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