National Museum of Mexican Art, Jessica Oliva Navarro, Week 4

I hope everyone has had experiences that will motivate and guide them long after their internship is over, 

I had an amazing time seeing the bright smiles of the campers as they each directed, acted, and videotaped their shadow puppet and cartoon shows. It was as if I was seeing each short story in a movie theater! For their shadow puppet shows, they designed characters out of solid colored sheets and attached them to sticks. They placed them behind a white sheet of paper and utilized a flashlight to create a spotlight. I assisted with stories titled The Haunted Circus, The Graveyard, The Adventures of Bob and Jeff, and The Hunter and the Dinosaur. After these presentations, campers drafted short story scripts. With transparent film, they were able to make the settings they had written about into reality. Some pieces of transparent film were cut smaller in order to act as moving characters or objects. These characters were placed against the transparent film background and with a sharpie, scenes became even more vivid. Then their work was placed on top of an overhead projector that placed their scenes onto a wall. It surprised me how much teamwork and communication had to take place during a live short story presentation. From moving the scripts in line with the narrator to making sure specific characters were present during certain scenes, each video posed a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, they came out great! Almost all videos started off around 30 seconds. However, because the students worked hard and focused, their videos reached about 2 minutes. Their storytelling skills have developed and grown so much since week 1! Also, I have noticed that they are more confident in their art and stories. This makes me so incredibly proud. 

The Adventures of the Three Porgs

Farmer Stanley and His Sheep

As a group, we conversed over identity and what being Mexican-American means to us. Many students reflected upon their parents immigrating to the United States. They also shared their love for traditional Mexican food. Additionally, they recognized that living in the United States has also shaped them, whether through the language or other aspects. 

I had the opportunity to finish my NMMA en Casa video with Jaime Lopez, NMMA's Off-Site School Coordinator and Digital Specialist. I had seen nearly all of the NMMA en Casa videos online and their organization and different angles have always kept me engaged. Being able to see what goes on behind the scenes has deepened my understanding and appreciation for these episodes. I was overwhelmed and a bit nervous when I walked into a board meeting room filled with cameras, lights, backgrounds, and technology. So much has to happen for a short episode to be filmed. A big thanks to Jaime for setting everything up and being understanding as I had messed up the dialogue a couple of times. My video centered around printmaking and the role prints have and continue to play in activism. My print is inspired by DACA and the strength of Dreamers. The need for permanent congressional action is still very much needed. So, it is vital for youth to keep spreading their voices through social movements and the voting process. I hope to reach youth through this video. 

NMMA en Casa print

As the summer camp is coming to an end, preparations have begun for the showcase in which all projects will be exhibited to the parents. Christian and I have been tasked with creating a welcoming speech that will occur at the beginning of the showcase. No words can truly express how honored I feel to have met these 15 students. Each has a bright future ahead of them. Since the camp ends the first week in August, I will have a 5th week with them. So, hopefully this silver lining stops me from shedding a couple of tears on stage this Thursday. For the final day, which is this Friday, Christian and I have planned a day full of activities. From water balloon fights to karaoke, we hope that the campers have a blast. 

I have met so many inspiring individuals at the National Museum of Mexican art. Thank you to Vanessa Sanchez, Gabriela Rodriguez, Marilyn Corral, Gilberto Sandoval, Miguel Chavez, Joey Leon, Kaelyn Andrade, Berenice Balderas, Mariana Álvarez, Jaime Lopez for making me feel welcomed and supported. NMMA’s community outreach efforts continue to heighten art accessibility while simultaneously changing the lives of youth in Chicago.

My leadership and critical thinking skills have expanded due to the opportunities the Young Ambassador Program has given me. I will forever be grateful. I have been able to develop my identity. I feel empowered to let my voice be heard, appreciate my culture in greater depth, and encourage others to share their own stories. I plan to continue mentoring others and share the impactful lessons Washington Week has instilled in me. I will extend my passions for art education, health equity, immigration reform, and social justice by continuing to go outside of my comfort zone and challenging/questioning institutions that surround me. I am enough and I can be a leader. My experiences this summer will guide me in transforming my goals into existence. The people that I have met have instilled a sense of motivation that I had once feared I would lose after high school. I no longer have this fear. I hope to drive change and empathy in more than one way. Thank you, until next time.

Best, Jessica Oliva Navarro