Capelo Handicraft Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo

Location

The Capelo Handicraft Centre is located in the tranquil parish of Capelo, an area of Faial Island, Azores, that invites serenity. Situated within the municipality of Horta, this venue is set in an environment that reflects the natural beauty and calm of Faial's landscape, offering a space for pause and discovery along the journey of those visiting the island.

A Building with History

This centre occupies a building of striking architecture, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, which remains in good condition. Originally, it was a chalet belonging to a local benefactor, Conselheiro Terra Pinheiro, who donated it to serve the community. Over time, the property assumed various public functions, having served as a school for the inhabitants of Capelo, the secretariat of the Parish Council, and even temporary premises for the Parish Church. Its isolated structure, with a rectangular body, traditional roof, and a distinct hexagonal tower, combined with a neo-romantic garden featuring lakes and fountains, confers upon it a unique character and valuable architectural heritage in the region.

The Expression of Local Craftsmanship

The Capelo Handicraft Centre serves as a vibrant meeting point and showcase for the creativity of the island's artisans. It gathers works from around thirty local artists, valuing their savoir-faire and innovation. Visitors have the opportunity to discover a remarkable variety of techniques and materials, from the delicacy of fish scales and fig tree pith, to the texture of corn husk, wicker, rush, raffia, and dragon tree leaf. The diversity extends to pieces in pyrography, basalt stone sculpture, felting, crochet, lace, ceramics, patchwork, sewing, and woodwork, not forgetting the emblematic Straw Embroidery on Tulle, a true symbol of Faialese art.

A Space of Living Culture

More than an exhibition venue, the Capelo Handicraft Centre is a dynamic stage for culture and art. The space regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, including painting and sculpture by local artists, providing new perspectives on the island's talent. Furthermore, visitors may have the opportunity to watch live work demonstrations, a direct invitation to understand the creative process behind each artisanal piece. This environment fosters the appreciation and launch of new talents, consolidating the centre as a hub of cultural and artistic dynamism in Faial.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt