Resource Title
Crossing Borders through Art: The Tortilla as Canvas
Summary
Crossing Boarders through Art: The Tortilla as Canvas is an art-based activity, which includes poetry by Robert Frost and art by Mayan Guatemalan artist Paula Nicho Cumez. These help to frame the activity, and give students an understanding of themes of migration and refugees in Latin America.
It is recommended that students have some background knowledge of why people emigrate and why people become refugees would be helpful before doing this activity in class.
Resource Details
Description
This lesson focuses on feelings about leaving one’s home country, so may be a sensitive topic and need some adaption in the classroom.
The activity involves discussing the poem and paintings included, and brainstorming some common themes. Then, students produce their own piece of art based on these themes on a tortilla. Depending on time and academic level, students can present their pieces, explaining the meaning behind them, or even displaying in the classroom or a hall for further discussion.
Available from:
Download Crossing Borders through Art: The Tortilla as Canvas PDF
Teaching Central America’s website here.
To read Paula Nicho Cumez’ story in her own words which helps give further context to her art and would be helpful in the classroom, click here.
For more background about borders, walls, the US-Mexico border, and the Great Tortilla Conspiracy, click here for more from Lynda Tredway.