National Museum of Mexican Art - week 3

I was once again left with an amazing experience to hold on to and a week of genuine laughs with the kids and my co-workers. As I continue to create great memories at the museum, I also continue to create a foundation of trust with my co-workers, as well as a friendship.
The kids began working on a special activity that was chosen because of the kids love for the Netflix original show, Nailed It. After watching numerous episodes of Nailed It during lunch, the kids were told that they were to create their own cakes made out of styrofoam. Although it may have not been real, it still allowed the kids to put their creativity and artistic skills to the challenge. And not to my surprise, they once again managed to leave me amazed of how well they were able to represent their ideas through different figures and designs made by model magic and a special paint paste. This has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the museums abilities to create an activity out of a something as simple as a show that the kids have a strong liking for. This helps understand more and more of the ability to find art in many aspects of everyday life.

                                                   

Not only have I been able to see the art within the museum, but I have also found the art on the streets meant to express the ideas within an individual. A piece that has stood out to me the most was one that said “Money shouldn’t buy culture”. This one for has for sure meant a lot because my culture is a form of how I choose to identify myself and it's one that I don’t want anything or anyone to ever take away from me.

As the kids worked on personalizing their cakes, they were put into a “competition” to create a sense of Nailed It, in which they were given the choice to either participate or not. This activity was certainly one that many of the kids enjoyed and got a good laugh out of.  As the week winded down, the kids were also given an opportunity of decorating their own real cake in groups. They each got into groups of three of four and began creating a piece of art that was not only creative but also delicious. 

            

                             

             

Something new that we entranced to the kids was a project that involved them recreating their favorite family tradition on a canvas. This activity was inspired by Carmen Lomas Garza who is well known for her traditional paintings that illustrate typical traditions she does with her family, such as Quinceñeras, día de los muertos, family cookouts, etc.

Quinceñera by Carmen Lomas Garza

We gave the kids a variety of printed pictures to choose from, which consisted of many typical Hispanic decorations, foods, and holidays. In the end, each kid used their canvas to illustrate their favorites traditions for holidays or special events with the use of many images and colors. It was interesting to see what traditions are consistent in every family. One of the kids created her painting of making tamales with her family and I loved seeing how simple traditions like these are ones that are most enjoyed.

The activities this week were certainly simple ones, but were also ones to enjoy. Other simple moments that I have enjoyed this week have been when the kids borrowed my phone and filled my camera roll with many hilarious snapchat videos of them with filters. Being able to go out onto a field during recess and giving somewhat of a “yoga” class as well as playing duck duck goose with them. And also being able to share in their love for the movie Coco, and I can say that it was honestly the quietest and calmest I have ever seen them.

Gracias a Dios, I was able to live through another wonderful week and create a better relationship with my co-workers and the kids. These relationships and experiences are ones that continue to inspire and motivate me to do what I do best and help others.