Proyecto Carrito Caravan, Days 2-3

Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL to Boulder, CO — An impromptu presentation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago capped this two-day, thousand-mile stretch. Hours before we were scheduled to depart Chicago, we were invited to present to Drea Howenstein‘s class, titled “Art as Social Force,” in SAIC’s Sullivan Galleries.

Mario Ernesto Osorio and Tamera Marko in SAIC's Sullivan Galleries.
Mario Ernesto Osorio and Tamera Marko in SAIC’s Sullivan Galleries.

We were honored to join this multidisciplinary group on their first day in the Sullivan Galleries, as they were just getting a feel for the space and preparing to install their exhibits.

Mario Ernesto Osorio discussed his perspectives on how education influences perceptions of immigration, calling for children, beginning from kindergarten, to be taught more accurate information about why people immigrate to the United States—in many cases, he said, because social or economic conditions in their home countries left them with no other choice.

Mario Ernesto Osorio discusses connections between education and immigration.
Mario Ernesto Osorio discusses connections between education and immigration.

“There’s always some nervousness,” Mario said afterward, “because you don’t know what kind of audience you’re going to find.”

But in the end, Mario said that he felt the class did connect with our project, and understand what we’re trying to achieve.

“They were very attentive to the videos we showed and to what we were saying,” he said, “asking us questions and showing their interest.”

Drea Howenstein's class at SAIC watches a Proyecto Carrito video.
Drea Howenstein’s class at SAIC watches a Proyecto Carrito video.

After wrapping up at SAIC, we set off for our next presentation in Boulder, Colorado, driving over 1,000 miles through the night. Thank you to all of our donors who have made this Caravan possible! Donating is quick and easy, and gives you an inside look into the Caravan, through daily video updates sent right to your inbox.

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With two-thirds of our drive done, and several more presentations to go, we’re thrilled with our progress and excited for what’s next.

The Proyecto Carrito Caravan is a group of janitors driving their stories of immigration from Boston to San Diego. For more information about the Caravan, please contact Ryan Catalani at ryan@mobilitymovilidad.org. A press kit, including a fact sheet and full-resolution images, is available to download.