lalana rugs                                                               Special Project

Francisco Cruz (1960) is a textile artist, educator, and researcher from Jasimaná, Salta. He learned traditional weaving from his parents and studied at the "Tomás Cabrera" School of Fine Arts, where he later became a professor. His background also includes studies in art history, aesthetics, and anthropology at the National University of Salta.

His work has been shown in 14 solo exhibitions and 39 collective shows across Argentina, Ecuador, France, and Italy, including venues like the Palais de Glace and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Salta. He received the First Prize at the 5th National Tapestry Salon from the National Secretariat of Culture in 1984.

Cruz is the President of the Awaysun Foundation, through which he coordinates projects like the E.N.AR.TE. Biennial and the Progetto Ermanno development initiative between Jasimaná and Biella, Italy. He continues to teach drawing, tapestry, and dye laboratories in Salta.