National Museum of Mexican Art – Marcos Mora DeLaCruz, Week 1

 This first week of my practicum at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago has been full of creativity, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning. I’ve had the privilege of working with the museum’s Bilingual Multicultural Summer Camp, where young students from across the city come to explore Mexican culture through the arts.

My main assignment this week was helping lead a workshop focused on making alebrijes masks. We began the process by layering papier maché onto balloons, a foundational step before students can begin decorating their creatures with vibrant colors and symbolic details. It was exciting to see how engaged the kids were in shaping their masks, asking questions about the origins of alebrijes, and expressing their interpretations through art. I worked closely with them demonstrating technique, encouraging creativity, and keeping the momentum going.

In addition to the mask-making project, I joined the museum’s team on a field trip to Brookfield Zoo, where the campers had the chance to observe real animals and connect them to the fantastical creatures they are building. This experience brought the concept of imagination and nature together in a tangible, educational way.

Another one of my highlights was helping to introduce students to music, specifically by teaching the basics of playing the guitar. We talked about rhythm, strumming patterns, and even played a few simple songs together. For some of the campers, it was their first time holding a guitar, and it felt powerful to be a small part of that moment of discovery.

These experiences have already taught me a great deal about the inner workings of cultural institutions. From daily planning and supply preparation to child engagement and storytelling, I’ve seen how each team member plays a critical role in ensuring these programs run smoothly and meaningfully. Museums aren’t just spaces for displaying art they’re active sites for community engagement and education.

Through my practicum, I’m gaining a deeper appreciation for how museums integrate visual art, music, history, and hands-on learning into youth programming. This interdisciplinary approach not only nurtures creativity but also helps students connect with their cultural identity and heritage in a personal way.

This week’s work strongly aligns with the mission of the Young Ambassadors Program. Like the students we work with, I am learning through experience. I’ve stepped into a leadership role, mentored youth, and explored how art and education intersect to empower our communities. The impact of this camp goes far beyond the walls of the museum; it's cultivating the next generation of artists, thinkers, and storytellers.

For my community outreach component, this week was about showing up for these young learners not just teaching them how to create, but listening to their ideas and encouraging their voices. The most rewarding part has been building relationships with them. I see how one week of access to culture, creativity, and mentorship can spark real transformation.

I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in the next three weeks. I’ll be continuing with the alebrijes project, and soon we’ll be helping campers finalize and present their creations during an exhibition for family and friends. Until next week!