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Join me in celebrating Latino identity this Hispanic Heritage Month. As Guest Artist of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum I learned how to create Smithsonian learning labs. I can’t think of a more inspired individual to get this conversation started than Judy Baca. Please check out my first learning lab on artist, muralist, educator and activist Judy Baca who empowers communities. Sharing her portrait created for National Museum of the American Latino.
LEARNING LAB
https://learninglab.si.edu/collections/judy-baca/iYuBWov4r8VUG0ld
#AmericanLatinoMuseum
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Growing up I remember nostalgic weekends listening to the uniquely Mexican sound of Mariachi music in Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Colorful songs that tell stories of celebration, struggles, lost love and joy. Mariachi music is an emblem of Mexican cultural heritage with roots in the United States and followers around the globe. Excited and honored to share the vibrant spirit of Mariachi music with five new Mariachi Forever stamps I created for the United States Postal Service.The 2022 Mariachi stamps will be available soon online and at a post office near you. ¡Viva Mariachi!
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The pandemic has been a rollercoaster of physical, emotional and social challenges that have left children and families afraid and exhausted. Many children are challenged by learning online, feeling stuck inside, bored or struggling with transitions and change. Many of these struggles are unfamiliar and frustrating. But there is reason for hope.
Within the illustrations, I wanted kids to know that generations who came before them found a way to overcome incredible struggles and challenges and they can too.
How do we learn from the past? How can we as individuals, as community support children and families to face the challenges of life?
With comforting, encouraging words and art, I hope our book will empower children and families. To be uplifting and let kids know that they have the creativity it takes to imagine a brighter world.
Compass of humanity, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Arch had an infectious smile and laugh. A storyteller, he brought people together and eased tensions with his wit, activism, courage and integrity. I’m guessing the stars will shine brighter tonight honoring this luminary of global peace.
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John Robert Lewis, an American Icon committed to social justice inspires me and so many others. A Freedom Rider in 1961, speaker at the March on Washington in 1963, brutally beaten in Selma during the 1965 march, he went on to serve over 3 decades as U.S. Congressman. I count myself lucky to hear him speak at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. and will never forget the remarkable strength and moral compass of his words. With actions he showed us all what courage means.
A champion of voting rights, we can honor his memory and nurture democracy by voting.
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Last night was a Supermoon and it was spectacular! If you could go to the moon what would you like to do there? Today’s coloring page is for dreamers so color this in your own way or write a story to go along with it.
This supermoon happened because the moon was in its closest approach to Earth in orbit. The moon was much brighter and bigger in the night sky last night. It was also called a pink moon and was our first full moon of spring and you can see some beautiful pictures of it around the world. The pink supermoon comes from native North American wildflowers that bloom in early Spring. You can learn more about what is happening in our night sky this month at Nasa’s jet propulsion lab. I want to share a favorite video of mine I think you will enjoy.
I know you will enjoy. Did you know that in 2023, Yusaku Maezawa bought all the seats on SpaceX and plans to have six to eight artists join him on a trip to the moon? I sure hope he picks me. When they come back to Earth each artist will need to create a piece of art. I’m a huge fan of the moon and just to prove it, I’m showing you some of the art I’ve made giving our moon a starring role along with some interesting facts about our luminous friend.
Scientists believe the moon was created when a rock the size of Mars slammed into Earth just after our solar system started to form 4.5 billion years ago.
Did you know the moon is helps make the tides in our our oceans and seas?
The moon has earthquakes called moonquakes because of the gravitational influence of the Earth. They can last up to half an hour.
Why not learn more about the phases of the moon by watching this video from PBS.
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