By Damaris Perez-Pizarro from Mass Live

Five students from Chestnut Academy Middle School were inspired to create paintings of the women who inspire them thanks to a new program that explores the history, art and culture of Puerto Rico funded by a grant from the Hispanic American Library.

The objective of the art program is to teach, through art and reading, part of the Hispanic culture and roots in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. The program is held in the Esperanza Center at the middle school.

The girls participate in the program every Monday and Thursday after school. They meet with art teacher Damaris Torres, who teaches them drawing and painting techniques.

Each of the girls chose a Hispanic woman who gives them personal inspiration. Among the wide range of Latina women who have made a big difference in various fields of work students chose Grammy award-winning entertainer Cardi B., painted by Yulianna Molina; the beloved Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla Perez, who was killed in 1995 painted by Deztany Morales; Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, painted by Jesenia Calvante and archaeologist Catheleen Martinez painted by Cassandra Maisonet and Laila Correa. All the women were drawn on a canvas’ measuring 24 by 36.

Torres was inspired to draw and paint the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, with a paper technique embodied in her canvas.

Each of the girls had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, both in the art and in the history of the ladies they chose to paint.

All the girls said that thanks to the class, they were able to expand and learn new drawing techniques since most of them had previously drawn and painted. After the girls learned more about the contributions that the chosen ladies have made, they now want to continue in different careers after they finish high school.

Juan Falcon, the founder and executive president of the Hispanic American Library, said that a scholarship had also been given to the New North Citizens Council Children & Family Center so that the children of Pre-K could also be taught the history of Puerto Rico.

“We hope that our children and young people will develop the culture more so that they know their culture and can feel proud of who they are and where they come from so that they have a good self-esteem and can strive to have a good career and thus have a better future economy,” Falcon said.

For more on this story go to: https://www.masslive.com/living/2019/03/latin-inspirations-connect-students-to-their-caribbean-roots.html