Culture Connections

Cultural Connections: Kids Celebrate Heritage

This new program aims to foster a sense of appreciation for our diverse world. Through engaging storytelling sessions, interactive discussions, music, and art, role models in our community will share their experiences with children, empowering them to dream big and embrace the values of unity and equality. We invite you to explore with us and let the bonds of culture connect us all!

If you are interested in presenting a culture or heritage at the CMA, please send us an email at education@cmalaf.org.

Celebrating: Black History Month

February 3, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Storytime with Terysa Ridgeway – “Think like a computer”

About: Terysa Ridgeway is a Technical Program Manager at Google. Before that, Terysa was a rocket scientist developing code for Exoatmospheric Spacecraft! Terysa holds Computer Science and Mathematics degrees from Southern University and A&M College, and was recently accepted into Stanford University’s Executive Education LEAD program. Terysa is inspired to write by her insanely vivid dreams, stories from her children’s ‘out of this world’ imagination, and by seeing brilliant young minds at work. Terysa lives with her supportive husband and their four children, a creative ten-year-old, a nine-year-old aspiring author and songwriter, an inquisitive three-year-old, and an energetic two-year-old. Terysa believes that when it comes to learning, with the right support, the sky is the limit!

February 10, 2024 – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Art with Chase Julien

About: Chase Julien is a contemporary realist artist based in Lafayette, La. Raised in the small village of Loreauville, he enrolled in the talent art program from early elementary through high school. Otherwise, he is a self-taught artist, heavily inspired and influenced by early surrealists like Max Ernst and Giorgio de Chirico. Chase’s art typically consists of portraits and animals with a purpose of exemplifying grace, eloquence, and a degree of mystique, executed in a happy balance between realism, expressionism, and surrealism in the mediums of acrylic paint or ink drawing. Chase currently inspires students as a teacher through the Lafayette Parish School System’s Talents Program.

February 17, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Music with Pucci Percussion Performance

About: As a trained and experienced musician, Herb Green founded the group about a decade ago after the mother of local choreographer Leigha Porter sound him out to provide percussion background for her daughter’s dance classes. Since them, Pucci Percussion has grown into an organized group that performs regularly at Acadiana festivals, private events and civic functions, and holds classes for youth to learn the art of playing African drums like the slit drum, djun djun and djembe. Some classes also focus on Latin instruments such as the conga, bongo and timbale.

Febuary 24, 2023 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Storytime with Andrea Wren – “Maggie, the Bee Charmer”

About: Andrea Wren is a resident of Southwest Louisiana, a beautiful region known for its charming cities, scenic landscapes, and diverse cultures. Maggie, the Bee Charmer, is a delightful story that follows the adventures of a curious and imaginative young girl named Maggie. Written for children, this book is a perfect blend of entertainment and learning, as it introduces kids to the fascinating world of bees and their role in our ecosystem. With its engaging plot, colorful illustrations, and relatable characters, “Maggie the Bee Charmer” is a must-read for children who love to learn while having fun.

Celebrating: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Check back for details!

If you are interested in presenting a culture or heritage at the CMA, please send us an email at education@cmalaf.org.

Celebrating: French American Heritage Month

Check back for details!

If you are interested in presenting a culture or heritage at the CMA, please send us an email at education@cmalaf.org.

Celebrating: Hispanic Heritage Month

Join us on Saturday, September 21 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. More details coming soon!

If you are interested in presenting a culture or heritage at the CMA, please send us an email at education@cmalaf.org.

Celebrating: Native American Heritage Month

Check back for details!

If you are interested in presenting a culture or heritage at the CMA, please send us an email at education@cmalaf.org.

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