Guest artist honors environment and tradition through handmade works

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Student Camila Gaspar smiles as she hand makes paper with guest artist Javier Silverio onlooking in the Rabun County High School art room April 21. Gaspar squeezes a sponge to make paper just as Silverio does at Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Student Jackie Gonzalez makes paper by hand using natural materials and dyes in the art room at Rabun County High School April 21. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, instructed students on the process, which has roots in Mayan culture. Students look on and have a great time creating the artwork.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, instructs students in the Rabun County High School art room April 21 on how to make paper using natural materials and dye. Silverio uses a blender in the process as students look on with excitement.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Student Giselle Canales is shown how to make paper using natural materials and dye by artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico in the art room at Rabun County High School April 21.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, instructs students in the Rabun County High School art room April 21 on how to make paper using natural materials and dyes.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, instructs students in the Rabun County High School art room April 21 on how to make paper using natural materials and dye. Silverio uses a blender in the process as students look on with excitement.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, instructs students in the Rabun County High School art room April 21 on how to make paper using natural materials and dyes.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio is the director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico. Silverio shared the art of handmade paper with students at Rabun County High School April 21. He spoke about the importance of caring for the environment and not damaging it, so all of the materials and dyes he uses are from natural sources.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, speaks to classes at Rabun County High School April 21 about his inspiration behind his artwork which comes from his Mayan culture and love for the environment. Spanish teacher Scarlett Shaffer introduces the guest artist and translates. The classes joined students in art classes and Spanish classes.

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Javier Silverio, director of Taller Leñateros in Chiapas, Mexico, works with student Audrey Schomburg while making paper in the Rabun County High School art room April 21.