Putting the ART in STEAM -- Arte Libre VA's Executive Director Abigail Gómez

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Get ready for an artistic adventure with Abigail Gómez, the force behind Arte Libre VA! Explore the fusion of STEM and the arts, discover the magic of children's books that celebrate culture, and learn how public art is shaping communities. A dynamic professor at Shenandoah University and the visionary executive director of Arte Libre VA, Abi shares her remarkable journey into teaching and her unwavering passion for the arts, emphasizing the power of creativity in higher education. Discover how Arte Libre VA is making arts education accessible to underserved youth, creating a sense of community through public art. Abi also delves into the vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos (you're invited to join the fun in Winchester on Nov. 2). Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the transformative potential of art, cultural diversity, and the promise of growth.

• [01:23] Abi's non-traditional path to teaching and her passion for the arts.
• [03:18] Introduction to Arte Libre VA and its mission.
• [05:16] The integration of arts into STEM (STEAM) and its importance.
• [07:37] Examples of integrating STEM and Arts in education for all ages.
  • Using recycled materials to create art
  • Exploring the chemistry of pigments.
• [10:37]Examples of STEAM adjacent picture books
  • Ada's Violin, Rainbow Weaver, Maybe Something Beautiful, Building an Orchestra of Hope, Sí. ¡No!, If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja.
  • Zombies Don't Eat Vegetables and the importance of normalizing diverse cultures and languages in literature (plus ideas connected to cooking, art, and gardening).
• [15:03] Announcement of Dia de los Muertos celebration and public events.
• [18:52] Significance of Dia de los Muertos and Nov. 2 event details
• [23:24] The importance of public art and ongoing projects.
  • The role of public art in building community, fostering connection, and creating a sense of place.
  • Arte Libre VA's parking space mural project, which brings art to the streets and provides opportunities for emerging and BIPOC artists.
• [25:25] Showcase of parking space murals.
  • Abi showcases images of the parking space murals created by various artists, including a dragon mural by Kelsey Camacho.
• [26:08] The symbolism of the butterfly in Arte Libre's work.
  • The butterfly logo as a symbol, representing transformation, strength, and the promise of growth.
  • Connecting the butterfly's symbolism to the transformative power of the arts.
• [27:30] Abi's dreams for the future
  • Arte Mobile, a vehicle transformed into a mobile art studio.
  • The importance of providing tuition-free art programming and paying teaching artists for their work.
• [29:58] How to contact and support Arte Libre VA.

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.