Casa Brasil enhances Serra Gaúcha handicrafts

Workshops with craftsmen are the first step of the project that will result in a line of decorative objects for kitchens to be launched at Casa Brasil 2013
 
Last week, a partnership between the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis) and the Department of Tourism (Semtur) was established to portray and enhance the local handicraft. From August 13 to 17, designer Renato Imbroisi and architect duo Tina Moura and Lui Lo Pumo visited communities located in the countryside of Bento Gonçalves holding the first workshops with craftsmen and artists to create a collection of decorative pieces that will be launched at Casa Brasil 2013, August 13 – 16 next year. 
The Project will combine traditional materials and techniques with contemporary and sophisticated design. Tina Moura and Lui Lo Pumo (LT Arquitetura e Design), members of Casa Brasil  curatorship and designer Renato Imbrosi, from Rio de Janeiro, are in charge of implementing the project and organizing the workshops. The trio had been researching traditional raw materials of the Serra Gaúcha handicrafts in the last two months, in addition to identifying artisans interested in developing a line of objects featuring exclusive design and elements of the regional culture. 
All districts in the area were visited in order to decide which pieces would be part of the collection that will be made from basket weaving techniques (wicker, straw), hand weaving, crochet, embroidery and woodwork. The program also included a cookery workshop with chefs to inspire artisans creativity to use a wine-gastronomy theme. Now, the pieces will start to be produced.