Mexican Train Migration
Arturo Barrera believes multiculturalism is a valuable component for students and community to embrace. He communicates with individuals that need to be aware of the benefits of and the highlights of the many cultures that are a part of today’s society. He teaches students about how the fine arts can be integrated with the core curriculum of their understanding in all continual growth.
The names of the cities starting at the front of the locomotive engine going towards the cabin represents the migration of the Mexican people to the United states of America and ending in Chicago, the capital of the rail system, which was the main hub for the trains in the USA. The colors in the engine represent the diversity of the Mexican culture that was brought to the to the USA. The names inside the engine cabin are the box car camps that the Mexican migrants families lived in from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Arturo Barrera
Arturo was an art educator in the Chicago Public School system, the third-largest school district in the United States. He served as an Assistant Principal for 4 years and has been teaching art education for over 36 years. Currently, he is teaching at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and at Daley City College. Arturo received a B.F.A. from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Art Education, a M.F.A. from Northern Illinois University in printmaking and painting and an M.A. in Education Administration from Governors State University. He creates and coordinates various mural projects that incorporate the talents of his students. Arturo is a recipient of various grants, which benefit his students, the school, and various communities.