“Origins”: Art, Family, and Tradition in Holguin

In the province of Holguin, a group of women and men have found in art a reason to come together, grow, and heal. The sociocultural project “Origins,” founded by Anisley Reyes Martínez, a teacher and instructor at the “Manuel Dositeo Aguilera” House of Culture, is a space where collective dreams converge.

What began as an artistic unit evolved into the community project that now brings together artisans, housewives, and creators to demonstrate that art can be a bridge towards social transformation.

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A project that was born to grow “Origins,” which emerged in 2019, is not just a space for creation but a network of support and personal growth. “It means everything to me; it’s what makes me get up and go to bed every day,” says Anisley Reyes, whose passion for art and teaching has been the driving force of this initiative.

In six years of creation, they have expanded their reach by incorporating interdisciplinary workshops for young children through the program “Educa a tu Hijo”. Additionally, they created the artistic unit “Luz de Luna”, focused on enhancing the self-esteem of children who are victims of bullying by designing clothing with recycled materials.

“Our main objective is to rescue cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary craft techniques, such as cold ceramics, crochet, and others that are currently being taught and marketed,” she commented.

Currently, the team is made up of 12 women and 3 men who have not only enriched the technical diversity with their skills but have also broken stereotypes, proving that craftsmanship has no gender.

Art that heals and empowers For many members, ‘Orígenes’ is an emotional refuge, a family where they find support. This sense of belonging attracted Daymaris Gallardo González, one of the first to join and now an amigurumi specialist.

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Daymaris Gallardo González, a member of the project, practices the amigurumi technique. Photo: Yenisel Elcea

“I have been passionate about knitting since I was a child. A few years ago, I discovered amigurumi, a Japanese technique that means ‘knitted friend.’

Making them transports me; I don’t think about my problems,” she confesses. Her greatest wish is for her creations to cross borders. Liset Góngora Acosta, another member, joined the project thanks to Daymaris.

A graduate in craft, she found in paper weaving a way to combine creativity and promote recycling by giving a second life to what many consider trash.

But her story would not be complete without mentioning her husband, who recently joined this family. “He works with coconut techniques, creating everything from ornaments to utility pieces.

Sometimes at home it’s chaos because we are both immersed in craft work, but we support each other. It’s a blessing to share this passion.” The story of Mirva María Fernández Parra is one of the most moving within the group.

Thanks to them, she overcame the depression she was in after losing some loved ones. “I shut myself in my house, I didn’t want to see anyone. Until my dad met one of the girls from the project and insisted that I join. At first, I hesitated, but from the very first day I felt welcomed.”

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Mirva María Fernández Parra, a member of the project, works in leatherwork. Photo: Yenisel Elcea.

That’s how she discovered leatherwork, a technique she now masters expertly. “My son-in-law suggested that I try working with leather. I started by making wallets and now I create more elaborate pieces.

When I am working, my mind is freed. This project means everything to me. Now I think about the future with hope. Each day I have new ideas, and I know that my colleagues will be there to help me,” she states with emotion.

Recognitions and Future Dreams. The effort put into this project has been highlighted in international fairs in Granma and Havana, particularly for their workshops with autistic children and in vulnerable communities.

They participated in ExpoAmbiente2025, the Romerías de Mayo, the Ibero-American Festival, and recently ExpoCiencia, where they received recognition for their outstanding work. But their greatest achievement, they agree, is the support network built. The future for them looks colorful like their pieces.

With plans to expand to more communities and make an impact in national and foreign events, “Orígenes” not only preserves traditions but also empowers with a clear message: Art is refuge, identity, and a synonym for a new beginning.

Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez

Yenisel Elcea Olbine
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