Arts & Crafts in Tenerife

Maybe you already have a hobby, perhaps you would like to take up a new one and experience something totally different. Would you like to see how traditional crafts are made here in Tenerife? Here are places to visit, places to learn as well as some ideas to fill your spare time:

PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

Tenerife has a reputation for producing outstanding traditional crafts, over time many have died out. The good news is that Tenerife is now taking official steps to preserve some of these wonderful traditions. Cigar-Rolling, doll-making and basket-weaving are among the 43 trades put forward by people seeking a Craftsman’s licence from Tenerife Cabildo.

The Tenerife Cabildo has recently opened a new shop at the Museum of Latin American crafts in La Oratava. Commerce councillor Efrain Medina believes this will be a wonderful attraction for both holiday makers and visitors to the centre as well as opening new craft shops in tourist areas and within a number of hotels. These include Hotel Sol Meliá in Puerto de la Cruz, Hotels Turquesa, Diamante, Esmerelda, Villaba, Señoría del Valle in Santiago del Teide as well as La Pinta and Beatriz.

PAINTING CLASSES (Watercolour & Silk Painting)

Artist Janet Roberts is offering classes in 'Watercolor for Beginners' and an 'Introduction to Silk Painting' from her private studio in Golf del Sur. Join in with other students or book a course of private lessons to combine with your holiday. Even come as a group and Janet will tailor classes to suit. Small classes (5 max) means plenty of individual tuition. All materials are provided so come and learn an exciting new skill. To see samples of Janet's work and for more info see link to website below and take home something that lasts longer than just a sun tan. www.janetart.com

If you already paint and would like to Exhibit your work in Tenerife and the other Islands, why not contact Jose Francisco Morales who will help you in organising your schedule and keep you up to date with Art competitions available in Tenerife: http://www.artesigloxxi.org/

CERAMICS COURSE

Ceramics courses with master potter Antonio Cid Menchen, including introductions to ceramics and the wheel, perfecting techniques on the wheel, firings, tailor-made courses and courses for teachers; courses will be taught in English. Accommodation available in well equipped studio apartments, courses can be taken without hiring accommodation. www.antoniocid-ceramica.com/ingles/index-ingles.html

THE ART OF TAI-CHI

Marie Carr teaches classes of Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation and breathing exercises; leads with inspirational talk, teachings in stress management; and supports individuals with massage and relaxation techniques. http://www.taichitenerife.com/index.html

MUSIC

Santa Cruz Academy of Music, Cadenza – Learn to play music or sing. Courses available for both Adults and Children.

COOKING & FOOD PREPARATION

There are quite a few places in Santa Cruz where you can take courses in Food preparation.

CANARIAN CULTURE – Places to visit

A good place to visit and see traditional Canarian culture is the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, which examines the history and culture of the Canary Islands. A particular highlight is the collection of mummified Gaunches, the first-known human inhabitants of the Canary Islands. There is a small admission fee and discounts can be negotiated.

Or why not visit the Plaza del Adelantado, a central square lined with rustic 15th century mansions, where a traditional daily market takes place. Here, groups can sample and buy all manner of fresh produce in addition to embroidery and lace, the making of which are traditional island crafts. Teneriffe lace is a needle lace from the island of Tenerife. Sometimes called Sol lace, sun lace, similar to a lace from South America called ñandutí (meaning spider web). In the 1930s - 1940s it was sometimes called Polka Spider Web Lace.

Vilaflor has plenty to offer its visitors. Take a wander around the village which consists of little artisan craft shops. Vilaflor is home to some of the island's best known craftsman and a visit to the Center de Artesania will give you an opportunity to see some popular local crafts, including embroidery, ceramics, and pottery being made. The area is also well-known for its production of wine and cheese.

WINE TASTING

The Valleoro Wine Cellar offers a guided tour of its cellars where you will see its pneumatic grape press, steel barrels and conveyer belt, capable of bottling 3,000 bottles of wine an hour. Wine tasting sessions are also offered.http://www.bodegavalleoro.com/in/index_in.htm

If you would like to find a new hobby in your area, go into your local Centro Cultural, they will have people offering courses on varying subjects. Check out the notice boards as well as the local paper.

Find out more about Tenerife, relocating and Tenerife culture on our website.