Program 5: National Museum of Mexican Art

Yollocalli Arts Reach hosted the end-of-summer arts showcase at Jardin Malinalli in Little Village.

Yollocalli Arts Reach, the youth initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art, has been the steward of Malinalli for the past six years, continuing to provide resources and programming to the space.

In the summer, we host our summer arts showcase at the garden. We install youth artwork created during the summer months to celebrate the journey, friendships, and talent of youth. We usually have snacks and drinks, but through our work with the Chicago Botanic Garden, we were excited to hire a local taco truck and local ice cream maker for our event. Youth participants, their family and friends, and neighbors in Little Village were welcomed to enjoy the artwork, purchase youth-made merchandise, eat locally made food, and be a part of our summer celebration.

Our youth radio program hosted a pop-up radio show, interviewing students, instructors, and staff about their time with Yollocalli. It was a beautiful summer day, filled with laughter, delicious food, flowers, critters, and art. From youth, to neighbors, to families, it was another memorable event at the garden.

You can listen to the radio show recorded live at the event by clicking on the link.

listen

—Vanessa Sanchez, National Museum of Mexican Art