- Renewing Material and the Handmade: the Story of Ugandan Bark Cloth originated in 2008, initiated by Lesli Robertson, Fred Mutebi, and the University of North Texas Art Gallery. The focus was to explore the use and value of bark cloth in multiple contexts, encouraging an awareness of and appreciation for this material’s journey from origin to contemporary relevance.In the fall of 2008, the UNT Art Gallery and the UNT student chapter of the National Art Education Association teamed up to introduce bark cloth to varied student audiences through campus and public programs shared between Denton, Texas and Masaka, Uganda.Ugandan arts education organization, Let Art Talk, led by Fred Mutebi worked at UNT and in Uganda on a Talking Mural exchange between elementary schools in Uganda and the US.By engaging with the material in creative, scholarly and community activities that focus on ecology and cultural renewability, programs encouraged understanding of Ugandan material culture and the value of the handmade in the context of our community’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Renewing Material: Nurturing Environment was a continuation of the arts and education project launched in 2008. In 2010, Lesli and Fred teamed up with art education specialists to work directly with Ugandan students and community members on initiatives that focused on the promotion and preservation of Ugandan bark cloth through the context of environmental awareness.This program launched with a traveling exhibition on November 21st, 2010 at two locations in Uganda: Kasota Primary School and Buyoga Trading Centre both in the Masaka District. The communities at each location partnered with our project to exhibit their local crafts and works on bark cloth alongside an exhibition of contemporary works on bark cloth from across the globe. Visiting artists from Kampala, Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Sarah Nakisanze, and Ivan Yakuze attended and exhibited their artwork.Images and works from abroad included student works from Parsons New School of Design, concept pieces of furniture, fashion, interior design and more by designers from Germany, the Netherlands, and England.A focus on nurturing environment was explored through the creation of artworks using a variety of art media as the project continued in the following days. Teachers and students from 10 area schools were invited to Kasota Primary School on the 22nd and Maleku Primary School on the 23rd to participate in Art Workshops and a Talking Mural Exchange with Rasor Elementary in Plano, Texas.This international mural exchange that was started in Masaka was completed by school children at Rasor Elementary in Plano, Texas in January of 2011. These students contributed their ideas and thoughts on the same mural in hopes that the each group would learn about the interconnected issues faced in this global village.Supported by UNT Institute for the Advanced of the Arts
- The Material Evolution: Ugandan Bark Cloth exhibition featured international artists and designers who create artistic works and everyday functional items from bark cloth, focusing on creating sustainable and environmentally friendly design solutions from a centuries-old process.This exhibition was held in March of 2011 and included a series of programs that reached communities within UNT and the local area.Visiting designers from abroad came to UNT to hold workshops and presentations. The company, Bark Cloth Uganda Ltd., gave a hands-on workshop using bark cloth, while Emily Brewer, a designer from London, created her work for the exhibition during an “Open Studio” at UNT on the Square.Exhibiting artists:Peter Boehm, GermanyEmily Brewer, UKSusana Duarte-Pinto, GermanyOliver Heintz and Mary Barongo Heintz of Bark Cloth EuropeSara Katebalirwe, UgandaRenè Malcorps, NetherlandsSarah Nakisanze, UgandaGloria Wavamunno, UgandaMarkus Werner, GermanyIvan Yakuze, Uganda
- Fulbright Specialist for Mekeka DesignsCLICK HERE FOR MEKEKA DESIGNS
In 2018, Lesli launched Mekeka Designs, a small bespoke studio that focuses on developing contemporary products and markets for Ugandan textiles. She was awarded a Fulbright Specialist Grant that supported her new initiative to connect and re-connect to textile specialists in Uganda.
Through partnerships with Fred Mutebi, and Josephine Mukasa and Pamela Kyagera of AKA Gallery, we began to connect to rural and urban based textile experts. Our goals were to meet with artisans and explore new contemporary designs with barkcloth and mikeeka (plaited palm).
By exchanging ideas and partnering together, we continue to find innovative answers to the cultural, social, and economic obstacles facing the artisans; and to do this through the lens of small business development.
Artisans partners include:
Bukomansimbi Organic Tree Farmers Association
Grace Cottage Weavers
TEXDA
Florence Nakachwa and her team
