A Family Affair

How often is it that you get to spend quality time with your family, and how often is it that you are able to learn with your family? Well for most of us between work and our daily lives it's not too often. That's exactly why REACH for Literacy decided to take some time out of their normal duties to organize a field trip for their families.

REACH for Literacy team and their families boarded a bus bound for the Museum of Latin American Art, in Long Beach. The Museum offered a great way to bring families together and a unique opportunity to learn together. Over forty people joined five staff members at the Museum of Latin American Art, which was featuring the Cuban Exhibition: Unbroken Ties.

The exhibition features contemporary Cuban art, such as paintings, prints, photograph, sculptures, and several video presentations. The exhibition focused on Cuban values and character, presenting art that depicted Santeria, Che Guevara, and the battle of living between two countries. Although none of our families were from Cuba, many of the families said they could relate to the artwork. Both Hispanic and Vietnamese families alike were pleased with how well they could identify with and interpret the artwork.

The museum provided a guided tour for the adults, in which several of the art works were interpreted by a knowledgeable volunteer; who was very impressed by the outgoing parents of REACH for Literacy who were always the first to participate in a discussion about the artwork. While their parents toured the museum the children were able to make several art projects: rain sticks, hats, and maracas. Overall the families enjoyed the experience and it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.