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Bastrop County African American Cultural Center

The Bastrop County African American Cultural Center promotes the rich history and culture of African Americans in Bastrop County through education, community events, and cultural preservation, fostering understanding and appreciation among all residents.

What is a Memory Jug?&nbsp;Memorial vessels inspired by West African burial practices that were created as visual reminders of a lost loved one. Between now and July 18th, think about and gather small objects that belonged to or remind you of the person you plan to honor.&nbsp;Planning for the Memory Jug Workshop:Begin gathering small objects you might use: I like to start by digging through drawers, memorabilia boxes, and the nooks and crannies of closets and the garage. Gather everything you COULD use, knowing you can always choose not to use it. More is better.If you have a historical family photo you want to include, make a small copy on an inkjet printer and find a tiny frame for it to press onto the jug. The other kinds of items you might associate with loved ones include jewelry, beads, seashells, tiny figurines, military pins, dominos, keys, dice, a cuff link, dog tags, a coin, or a thimble, a tiny rock or acorn from church or school they attended,If there are aspects of your ancestor&rsquo;s story you would like to reference but don&rsquo;t have objects to represent, you can do a bit of creative thinking (did they love to fish, sew, cook, etc.). Then spend a little time at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores trying to find small objects to stand for that part of his/her personality.(Example: For the memory jug above, I went looking for old typewriter and calculator keys because memories of my Dad include seeing him at the kitchen table late at night typing invoices and trying to balance the household budget. I found typewriter keys to spell out my Dad&rsquo;s nickname and his birth and death dates on the memory jug I made for him. I also visited sites where he lived, attended school, and the cemetery where he is buried to find tiny stones or acorns to include.) The Vessel:I will have enough vessels of the right shape and size for everyone. However, if you want to choose something that&rsquo;s part of your family history (like a canteen that belonged the person) or just a jug you like the look of, by all means. It just needs to be ceramic, stoneware, metal, or glass and no more than 12 inches high and 6 inches wide. Also remember, vessels with two large flats sides like these are MUCH easier to work on.&nbsp;&nbsp;Something to consider:&nbsp;In my memory jugs, I often include small objects symbolic of the passage of time or the cycle of life such as watch parts and the spiraling forms of a watch spring or a whorl sea shell. Those items reinforce the ability of a memory jug to connect past, present, and future generations.&nbsp;Last, as you get ready to finish there will be areas of your jug for which you will need &ldquo;filler,&rdquo; small beads or seeds of various colors and textures (perhaps a color or texture that has some significance to your memory of that person?) that help you create an overall design through repeating color or shape themes that is pleasing to the eye. I will bring a lot of &ldquo;filler&rdquo; material to the workshops so don&rsquo;t feel like you need to bring some too, unless you want to.&nbsp;&nbsp;How to make the Most out of Your Workshop Time:&nbsp;Plan ahead:&nbsp;1. &nbsp;Place a 12&rdquo; x 18&rdquo; piece of paper on a work table, with the longest side on the top and bottom as you look down at it (horizontally).&nbsp;2. &nbsp;Using a pencil, draw the outline of the jug you selected (or if you plan to use one of mine, use the pictures of the front/back of a bottle here to guide you in sketching an imaginary bottle that is @ 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide) on the paper, two times, side by side, like the image below. You will use one outline drawing to arrange items you want on the &ldquo;front&rdquo; of your jug and the other outline drawing to arrange the items you want on the &ldquo;back.&rdquo; Front &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Back&nbsp;&nbsp;3. &nbsp;Bring all of the items you have collected for the workshop and lay them out next to the two drawings, so you can play with them, arranging them in different combinations on the front and back to see what you like and don&rsquo;t like.&nbsp;4. &nbsp;If possible, leave the paper with the outline drawings on a table or surface where you can return to it any time you have a few extra minutes. Play with different arrangements of the items you plan to include.&nbsp;5. &nbsp;Having the two drawings side-by-side for several days before the workshop also gives you the opportunity to think about front and back in relation to one another. If you have a larger item, like a photo of your loved one, you would like to place in the front center of the memory jug, think about whether you might want to place an item of a similar size on the back, in the same spot? Totally your choice.&nbsp;6. &nbsp;Composition:&nbsp;Some people prefer to include as many small items on their memory jug as they can possibly fit and in no particular order. If that&rsquo;s you, great! It&rsquo;s a terrific look- a little chaotic and very alive. Others prefer to consider the sizes and shapes of items, as well as their colors, and arrange the whole in way that&rsquo;s more a symmetrical design. If that&rsquo;s you, also great. There&rsquo;s no one way to make a memory jug.&nbsp;Use your phone to take pictures of the front and back designs you like best and then pack all of the items and the drawings up to bring with you Saturday July 18th.&nbsp;The advance planning is for those who like to plan in advance. It is in no way required. If you have a question about anything else, please email me at&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:janiscarton@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">janiscarton@gmail.com</a> or text me (512) 299 6426.

Memory Jug Workshop

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Wear your support for the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center. Each T‑shirt helps preserve, promote, and celebrate African American history and culture in our community. Your purchase supports educational programs, cultural events, and exhibits that honor local stories and contributions. Thank you for standing with us as we safeguard this heritage for future generations.

Wear your support for the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center. Each T‑shirt helps preserve, promote, and celebrate African American history and culture in our community.Your purchase supports educational programs, cultural events, and exhibits that honor local stories and contributions. Thank you for standing with us as we safeguard this heritage for future generations.

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Explore the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center&rsquo;s Gift Shop 📚 Each item reflects stories, artists, and history rooted in Bastrop County&rsquo;s African American community. Your purchase helps preserve local archives, support cultural programs, and keep our doors open for learning and celebration 🎉 Thank you for choosing gifts that carry our shared history forward.

Explore the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center’s Gift Shop 📚Each item reflects stories, artists, and history rooted in Bastrop County’s African American community.Your purchase helps preserve local archives, support cultural programs, and keep our doors open for learning and celebration 🎉Thank you for choosing gifts that carry our shared history forward.

Bastrop County African American Cultural Center's Gift Shop

Becoming a member of the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center helps preserve, promote, and celebrate African American history and culture in our community. Your membership supports exhibitions, educational programs, and gatherings that honor local stories and experiences. Choose the membership level that fits you, your family, or your organization. Together, we build a welcoming space for learning, cultural expression, and connection across Bastrop County.

Becoming a member of the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center helps preserve, promote, and celebrate African American history and culture in our community. Your membership supports exhibitions, educational programs, and gatherings that honor local stories and experiences.Choose the membership level that fits you, your family, or your organization. Together, we build a welcoming space for learning, cultural expression, and connection across Bastrop County.

Bastrop County African American Cultural Center

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