Tacoma/Cienfuegos Sister City Student Art Exchange

During February and March 2002, Janice Wagner facilitated a student art exchange between Boze Elementary School in Tacoma and the Beny More’ Escuela des Artes in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

As artist-in-residence in both schools, Janice worked with students in Tacoma and Cienfuegos to create murals about their cities. The eight murals celebrate the richness of Tacoma’s and Cienfuegos’ heritage, focusing on key features such as the natural environment, legends, history, landmarks, agriculture, the arts and activities.

At each school students collaborated in the planning and painting of four 5’x7’ murals. Two of the Boze murals were brought as a gift to Beny More’ School of the Arts, while two stayed on site. All four of the Cuban murals were brought to Tacoma. Two will be permenently installed at Boze Elementary and two will be displayed at the University of Washington Tacoma campus.

Janice visited Cienfuegos, Cuba as part of a delegation of twelve Puget Sound artists sponsored by the Tacoma-Cienfuegos Sister City Committee. In this effort to bridge the gap between nations, the artists were partnered with leading Cuban painters, sculpters, musicians and educators. They also brought medical and educational supplies to the community.

The Beny More’ Escuela de Artes
The Benny More’ School of the Arts is one of the top ten middle level art schools in Cuba. Students with a high aptitude in the areas of dance, music or fine arts are chosen to attend. The Cuban government has a clear vision of the importance of the arts and takes pride in its arts education programs. Those who were working in association with the school were presented with a very moving performance by young, accomplished musicians and dancers.

Janice brought materials including canvas, paints, brushes and more. Through an interpreter, Janice, and co-traveler/arts educator from Seattle, Donna Lough, assisted twenty students, ages 16-22, with their art teachers in the creation of four murals. The themes of the Cuban murals are: the arts, architecture, agriculture and legends. Upon completion, students and faculty insisted Ms. Wagner return to Tacoma with all four Cienfuegos murals.

Project Outcomes

  • This project has helped strengthen the connection between sister cities, Tacoma and Cienfuegos, and has opened the door for future art exchange programs.
  • Students broadened their understanding of our world as a global community.
  • Students discovered they can transcend political barriers and participate in international exchange through their art.
  • Students’ increased their drawing and painting skills, and learned about the process of creating mural art.
  • Tacoma students have increased their awareness about Tacoma’s landmarks, natural environment and history through their drawings and mural work.

    If interested in participating in future student art exchanges, artist in residencies, or mural work in your school, please contact Janice Wagner, 253-265-3632.

    This project was sponsored by the Tacoma Arts Commission, the Pierce County Arts Commission, the Tacoma-Cienfuegos Sister City Committee and many private donors.

    		• Student Art


    "Tacoma Landmarks"
    4' x 6' Acrylic on Board
    Boze Elementary, 4th grade 2002


    "Activities"
    4' x 6' Acrylic on Board
    Boze Elementary, 4th grade 2002


    "Pioneer Days of Tacoma"
    4' x 6' Acrylic on Board
    Boze Elementary, 4th grade 2002


    "Cienfuegos Plaze"
    5' x 7', Acrylic on Canvas
    Beny More School of the Arts, Cuba


    "Sugar Plantations"
    5' x 7', Acrylic on Canvas
    Beny More School of the Arts, Cuba


    "The Arts of Cuba"
    5' x 7', Acrylic on Canvas
    Beny More School of the Arts, Cuba


    "Legends of Cienfuegos"
    5' x 7', Acrylic on Canvas
    Beny More School of the Arts, Cuba

       

    Janice Wagner Art & Murals
    253/265-3632 253/265-2093 (fax)
    E-mail: muse@janicewagner.com