This "Cultural Heritage and Arts" project came about as a tribute to Cesario (Cesar) Estrada Chavez (an American leader and civil rights activist), who is quoted as saying, "Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures." This pilot, a unique arts initiative, was initially designed for girls and boys in grades 5th through 8th. The inaugural project of this pilot has been completed.

The objectives of this PILOT are to:

• Facilitate meaningful conversations between parents and children about their cultural heritage and traditions.
• Encourage children to explore and express their cultural identity through arts/crafts.
• Provide a hands-on art/crafts making experience that promotes creativity and self expression.
• Teach children practical skills in design and transfer techniques for creating personalized artwork on different mediums.
• Foster a sense of pride and connection to one's cultural heritage and traditions through artistic expression.
• Inspire the children to understand, celebrate, and respect each other's cultures and traditions, while celebrating their sameness as humans traveling this journey together.

We aim to promote cultural appreciation, creativity, and family bonding through the power of art and storytelling, with results being well-rounded children, with increased confidence, creativity, and appreciation of their cultural heritage and traditions.

Project Activities include:

• Parent-child and extended family-child discussions at home about culture and traditions, stories, and experiences.
• Children creating drawings based on their understanding and interpretations of the discussions with their parents and relatives.
• Art/Crafts workshops led by project sponsors/volunteers to teach children how to design and transfer artwork onto t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, stickers, other media.

As mentioned earlier, the first project of this PILOT has been completed. Please take a look at some of the wonderful work and the childrens' creativity that came about as a result of this project.

A second offering is anticipated during fall/winter. Continuation beyond the second offering of this PILOT is contingent upon donations and community interest.