The Sculptors of Light: Poems about Cuban Women Artists

By Margarita Engle

Book Overview

2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book List by NCSS/CBC From the enchanting world of folk art to the captivating realms of photography, architecture, painting, sculpture, and music, the talent of Cuban women artists has long remained hidden on a global stage. The Sculptors of Light pays homage to the diverse tapestry of Cuban culture, where Indigenous, Spanish, West African, and Chinese influences blend seamlessly. For generations, women with ancestral roots tracing back to the Ta no and Ciboney peoples have skillfully melded their Native traditions with art forms from Spain, Africa, and China. These extraordinary women have crafted objects of grace and strength, whether through lace, embroidery, ceramics, or other forms of expression. Yet, their names often went unrecorded, their fame unclaimed, and their art, though no less remarkable, was often relegated to smaller labels such as "handicrafts," "tradition," "folk art," or "women's work." Celebrate these nameless but immensely talented artists, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Cuban art and culture. The Sculptors of Light is a poetic tribute to these unsung heroines, shedding light on their remarkable lives and legacies. Available in both English and Spanish, this collection is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Cuban women artists.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1478879610
• ISBN13: 9781478879619
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Reycraft Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 10.2" x 12.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8