They're crafty like ice is cold

WHAT: Manichaus (pronounced: "manic house") is an artist-run, professional modern art space located specializing in 20th and 21st century art produced by South Texas, national and international artists. Items exhibited include paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, prints and handmade/wearable art.

WHERE: 1301-B N. Main St., McAllen

E-MAIL: mail: manichaus@blackrabbitworks.com

WEB SITE: http://www.blackrabbitworks.com/manichaus/

PHONE: (956) 207-0940

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; open Saturday by appointment only

McALLEN -- Omar Rodriguez doesn't consider sewing and knitting busywork for grandmothers anymore. In fact, he said, taking up crafts like these is a hip, new trend among Rio Grande Valley scenesters.

Dozens of twentysomethings gathered at McAllen's Manichaus gallery Saturday to showcase wearable art such as altered T-shirts, handmade beaded jewelry and totes bearing glued-on, Mexican-inspired patterns. At the center of the small, crowded room, artists shared their do-it-yourself ethic by taking turns teaching the public how to create the funky pieces on display.

"We want to foster this DIY movement," Rodriguez said. "People can go out and buy something, but it's not unique or special like something handmade."

The event, called "Craftivism," was organized by a group of friends as an effort to "reconnect with the community and fight the global effects of mass production," according to its page on MySpace, the popular social networking Web site.

Cristina Cruz, an organizer, said she and two friends began planning for the event because they realized it was economical and environmentally friendly to alter old pieces of clothing.

"(Creating wearable art) is romantic -it's better quality (than traditional, mass-produced items) and it lets you own something more personal," she said. "It's important to be self-sufficient and self-reliant."

Paul and Rayna Delaney, of McAllen, said they attended the event because they were drawn to the idea of people sharing their creativity.

"You can't find stuff like this at Wal-Mart," said Paul Delaney, a 64-year-old retired purchasing manager.

Rodriguez and his wife, Dawn Haughey, opened Manichaus in December after the couple "got tired of moving the furniture" in their home to display local pieces.

Rodriguez said he hopes the event will encourage non-artists to explore their own creative interests.

"Art doesn't have to be a $5,000 painting," he said. "It can be a small, $5 trinket."

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.