Beginning my first work-out routine

Week 1 at the National Museum of Mexican Art

By Elisa Arce

I was sprinting down Damen street at 8:51 am trying to get at least a minute early to my first day of the internship that started at 9. Let me just say, transportation was quite a journey on its own. When I finally got to the museum, my internship supervisor Mrs.Corral, introduced me to workers and the children from the National Museum of Mexican Art Summer Camp.  They were all so welcoming and friendly. The first child I met was Camila. Little did I know she would be the easiest one to lose sight of in the future (this will make sense later on).

The students had their days planned out on a schedule already. The mission of the camp has been for the children to create a gallery to display to the community and their families. Their first task was to go to the studio with Miss Ashley and practice their folkloric dance “calabaziado,” for the final summer camp performance. The program offers cultural enrichment through the arts such as this dance. 

Right after this, they had their art session with Don Jaime who was teaching them how to create an animation to tell a story. This reminded me of Washington week because we would talk about various ways to share stories and the importance of them. Their stories were very unique and interesting. One group’s story was about a monkey thief who was obsessed with coffee...with coffee! Through the week, Don Jaime started another art project where they learned how to draw with 3D pens. His classes are more technology based; which gave them an insight on more modern art forms. During all of these daily sessions my job was to help them with their projects and make sure they stayed on task. I really enjoyed getting to know all of their names and personalities. 

After setting up the 3D pens

After lunch and physical activities, they had another art session. Miss Gaby, the art teacher, was teaching them how to make diablo masks. I later researched to find out that these folk-masks were used for parades and dancing. Through the week they used model magic to sculpt and paint on their designs. I will never forget this project since I nearly burned my finger off while gluing the horns to their masks. The pain ran through my entire body and I was pretending it didn’t hurt so I didn’t scare the kids -or else I would of screamed. 

Beginning of the masks

Some finished masks

.

Navy Pier Children's Museum

Another part of the week was taking the students to the Navy Pier Children’s museum. We were separated into groups and Don Miguel and I were in charge of 6 students. The museum had a lot of fun activities to try out. We built a crooked house, splashed water everywhere and battled against a random group of kids.This is the part where we found out Camila was impossible to find. Every time we would look away she was gone. This also reminded me of Washington Week because Dahim would always disappear. Camila made the day very fun but also nerve-wrecking. If I were to pick an action of the day (like we would do everyday in YAP), it would be “finding Camila.” Oh, and I also lost my favorite jacket.


Conclusion

Overall this week was incredible! We finished off Friday by having the dress up theme to be pajama day. This week I learned about how programs like this pass on culture and traditions to children for them to teach their families and communities. I would have loved to have this when I was a child because even now I feel like I am not that connected to my home country’s roots (Mexico). I am also grateful for this rare opportunity that YAP and Ford has given me. After this unforgettable week, I accommodated to the 3 hour-long transportation routine. It was and is still worth it every second.

Hasta la proxima,

Elisa Arce