As the artist became a mother in a new country herself, she got to know mothers in Western Massachusetts – women who are pillars not only of their nuclear families, but also of their communities. Building on deep friendships, these mothers created a strong support network that continues to expand through their own non-profit, Latinas413, which highlights Latinas’ growing role in the regions’ cultural landscape. Many of these same individuals have key positions in local agencies providing bilingual services; together they have contributed immensely to create a welcoming and structured environment for newcomers. It is evident to the artist that these women are also building new worlds of possibility for their daughters.

Mother-Daughter dance is part of an ongoing collaboration between Folegatti and Latinas413 that aims to strengthen local support for immigrant mothers while using image-making as a tool for community building. Through photography sessions, interviews, and workshops, the families and the artist celebrated their connection to the natural landscape, the networks of mutual support between friends and colleagues, and the intimacy of the mother-daughter relationship. Please see below documentation of the exhibition Mothering in Migration showcasing the first phase of this project.