Join the celebration! Create your Alebrijes masterpiece that will be on display until October 15. Paints will be available in the Wilson Hall atrium on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 12, and you are welcome to participate in this volunteer activity during your lunch period.
Alebrijes, pronounced ah-leh-bree-hehs, a traditional Mexican folk art form, began in the dreams of iconic Mexican artist, Pedro Linares Lopez. The brightly colored whimsical depictions of make-believe creatures capture the imaginations of children and adults, alike, worldwide. His original works can be seen at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. A small display of mini Alebrijes created by Oaxzcan artisans is on display in the Campus Access Office located on the first floor of Wilson Hall. Alebrijes can also be seen on the windows of ROC West and East in Wilson Hall. Aurora and West Chicago middle school students happily shared their creativity alongside members of the Hispanic Latino Forum laboratory resource group (LRG) during a painting party last Friday evening.
The history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to American culture are observed every year during September 15 to October 15. The theme for this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”, underscores appreciation for the enriching promise and impact of diverse and inclusive communities and collaborations. The Alebrijes painting project led by Griselda Lopez and the Hispanic Latino Forum and Vamos a Fermilab hosted by scientists Daniel Elvira, Minerba Betancourt and Juan Estrada are examples of invitations to neighboring middle school and local undergraduate students to envision themselves at Fermilab as interns and professionals. These exposures have potentially opened doors to fulfill dreams that may not have otherwise seemed possible.
As the laboratory continues the work to strengthen workforce recruitment, professional development, and promotion efforts to ensure equity and inclusion, the contributions and voices of the lab’s Hispanic and Latino community are valued and critical. All members of the Fermilab community are welcome to access the Hispanic Latino Forum website at https://diversity.fnal.gov/hispanic-latino-forum/ and join the hispanicerg@fnal.gov listserv.
Sandra Charles is Fermilab’s chief equity, diversity and inclusion officer.
