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Library Innovation Lab: The Immigrant Experience
Library Innovation Lab 2018: Exploring New Ways of Engaging Immigrant Communities through Public Humanities Programming
The library's primary goal in applying for grants is to continue the dialogue about the various communities that co-exist in Watsonville and documenting their experiences. This is accomplished by the library developing partnerships with local community members and other non-profit organizations to foster awareness of the struggles of discrimination, exploitation, migration, and civil rights that local citizens have experienced in the past and today.
The Completed Murals
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The Atomic Instinct of Migration
This image depicts the vision of an individual with an internal compass that is both instinctual, and influenced by family, culture and goals. The birds at the far distance of the path represent a sign of hope, despite the challenges that may come. We are happy to include this young adult perspective on immigration as part of our project.
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Migration as a Natural Phenomenon
In this painting, the idea that migration is a natural thing is illustrated by the process of the butterfly. The caterpillar represents preparation, the cocoon represents reflection before a decision, and the butterfly represents destiny.
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Citizen Rights, Duties and Responsibilities
This painting reads Citizen Peoples and has three individuals engaging in different yet related acts. The young man is learning about the rights and responsibilities expected of all citizens in a nation dedicated to constructive problem solving. The lady is swearing in as a new citizen and the elder man is practicing his voting duty. All of these actions plus many more produce a sum total nation of justice and correctness. A place for all people to flourish.
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Many Cultures, One Sky
This painting was produced by the Watsonville High School Mosaic Art Club. Student depict a vision of many birds representing many cultures in a sky that is free, open and inclusive.
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Quest for a Better Life
There are many reasons why people migrate to another country. One of the most common reasons is to look for a better life. In this painting, the central figure is a young man leaving everything he knows- family, country, and culture. His heart experiences both the sadness of leaving his country, and the excitement of new possibilities in the new country.
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Moving With the Earth
The title of this work suggest that the relationship between the Earth and the People is a cooperative one. This painting depicts the people caring and traveling with/for the Earth. This painting also depicts the Earth caring and traveling with the People- nourishing them along the way with life promoting fruits.
The Process & How the Murals Were Created
Phase Five: Mural Unveiling & Dignity of Labor Medallions Reception
Everyone is invited to see our completed murals hung in the library and the Dignity of Labor Medallions that will be hung in our computer lab. Refreshments and tours will be provided.
Wednesday, October 17th, 4:00pm at the Main Library
Phase Four: Bringing the Murals to Life
Thank you to everyone who came out to pain our murals! Painting has finished.
Our design concepts have been selected, so we now invite all of the community to paint the murals.
Friday, September 7th, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at the local Watsonville Farmer's Market
Thursday, September 20th, 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Main Library Meeting Room
Friday, September 21st,10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., at the Main Library Meeting Room
Saturday, September 22nd, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., at the Main Library Meeting Room
Phase Three: Artist Renderings & Community Feedback
The artist is currently at work coming up with a couple proposed mural designs based on the information given in Phases One and Two. The proposed designs will be able to be viewed on Wednesday, August 22nd from 10am - 6pm at the Main Library and open for community input.
The proposed mural designs are:
Phase Two: Community Meetings
Did you leave your country of birth to come to a new place in search of a better life? Are you the first or second generation United States citizen with stories from your parents or grandparents to tell about their migration experience? The Watsonville Library is offering you an opportunity to share those stories through the universal language of art.
The Pajaro Valley Community is invited to submit or tell their immigration stories at community meetings scheduled on June 30th and July 7th at 2pm at the Watsonville Library Conference Room. These stories will be used to generate a mural that communicates the immigration experience in a universal visual that will be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Local muralist, Jaime Sanchez, and a team of 5 young artists will develop the concept and draw the outline on various mural panels based on community input. In the fall, the community will be invited to help paint these murals which will be on permanent display at the library.
Submit your story to Alicia Martinez via:
♦ voice mail box: (831) 768-3403
OR
♦ email your story to alicia.martinez AT cityofwatsonville.org.
OR
♦ Come to the Community Meetings at the Library either on June 30th and/or July 7th at 2pm.
Phase One: Evaluation and Input from our Community
Is still ongoing!
♦ Public Survey
♦ Community Partners Survey
About the Grant
Twelve public libraries across the state of California will receive support from California Humanities as part of the second year of their Library Innovation Lab program. The program is designed to explore new ways of engaging immigrant communities through public humanities programming. Each library will receive up to $5,000 to support public programs, along with an intensive program of training and technical support.