This week, staff at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) set aside time to spread awareness for Hispanic History Month. Students were welcomed to share their thoughts on Hispanic history, drink horchata (a well-known spiced Hispanic beverage), and grab some snacks.

Librarian Lara Beckwith demonstrated to students and staff how to paint a moon, which is one of the more popular Talavera tiles in Mexican culture. Sharing with the class the moon’s origin, Beckwith informed the students of the different cultural styles of art the Hispanic culture has to offer. Students asked many questions in regard to the various techniques used in the moon example and gave full attention to detail.

A couple of months back, the library had done a Paint and Sip session for Women’s Day and the feminist movement by painting and learning about Frida Kahlo. What librarian Lara Beckwith really wants to see with students is simultaneously taking a mental break from all the studying but being involved in learning exercises from unfamiliar cultures. Beckwith states, that “activities such as these get another sphere of your brain going. Instead of using the linear part of the brain all the time, the art and creative thought side of things creates a healthier brain and keeps you learning.”