Pitt's Center for Latin American Studies and The Mattress Factory to Host Multidisciplinary Teacher Workshop Oct. 20-Nov. 17

PITTSBURGH—Teachers in the United States accustomed to individual freedoms

may find it challenging to explain how life can be so different in Cuba, a country that is only 90 miles from the southern shores of Florida. Pitt's Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) within the University Center for International Studies, in conjunction with The Mattress Factory museum, is hosting a multidisciplinary workshop to introduce teachers in grades K-12 to Cuban installation art. The workshop takes place five consecutive Wednesdays—Oct. 20 and 27 and Nov. 3, 10, and 17—from 5 until 8 p.m.

During the sessions, teachers will learn how social, historical, and cultural forces shape Cuban art today and how art can be used in Spanish language and social studies classes to teach students about the rich, diverse history and culture of Cuba. They also will learn new ways of presenting installation art in traditional art and classroom environments.

The first two sessions will be held at the University of Pittsburgh in 4130 Posvar Hall, 230 S. Bouquet St., Oakland, where CLAS faculty will present the history, economics, and culture of Cuba, as well as delve into such topics as U.S.-Cuban relations. The three November sessions will be held at The Mattress Factory, 500 Sampsonia Way, North Side. Here, teachers will get an in-depth look at new Cuban artwork—part of the "New Installations, Artists in Residence: Cuba" exhibition on display at The Mattress Factory from Oct. 3, 2004, to April 24, 2005. They also will take a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and learn about the installation art resources available to teachers, as well as participate in interactive art and writing projects in The Mattress Factory's new Education Studio.

The workshop is approved for one Act 48 credit. Teachers can receive the credit by attending all five sessions, preparing and presenting a grade-appropriate lesson for classroom use, and paying a registration fee of $75. The registration fee for other participants is $50. The fee covers resource materials, art supplies, and dinner the evenings of the workshop. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis; space is

limited to 40 participants. For more information or to register, contact Rosalind Eannarino, CLAS outreach coordinator, at 412-648-7397 or alinda@ucis.pitt.edu.

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