A collaboration between the Barelas Community Coalition, the Vecinos Artist Collective, and Dolores Gonzales Elementary; Poet Laureate, Hakim Bellamy, and Candelario Vazquez of Encuentro, taught a two day workshop on the theme of the "Twelve Days of Christmas: Barelas". Learning about poetry, parody, and remix culture, Mrs. Hayden's 5th grade students took a common Christmas song and created a new song inspired by their own family traditions. Students performed their song at the Barelas Christmas Tree Lighting and also had their poem displayed on windows of south 4th street businesses. Students also worked with Vecinos Co-founder, Michael Lopez in recording Christmas memories they collected from family members. These recording were then broadcast on the bilingual arts and public affairs program Espejos de Aztlan on Christmas Eve.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
-Vecinos Artist Collective