By Jeshannah Sonia Ayala
Guest Writer

In an effort to embrace cultural diversity and encourage unity among minority groups on campus, Pembroke’s Multicultural Center and the Office of Minority Affairs have engaged in a collaborative project to create a multicultural mosaic in the center’s conference room. The idea was proposed and approved by UNCP administration last fall.

The initial proposition was to paint a mural directly on the conference room’s stark white walls. However, administration decided that rather than painting on the walls the mural should be painted onto a canvas that would then be hung and displayed as a piece of art work.

The art department has been contacted about the use of materials and several art students have offered suggestions as well. One was to use digital imaging and manipulation to create several images that would be compiled together. However, it was determined that it would be more cost effective to work strictly with paints and a canvas.

It was decided that students would compose a collage of pictures from magazine clippings that would be laid out on a sheet of paper. These pictures would depict aspects of their culture and heritage. Once that is complete, the canvas and paper will be divided into squares. The image will then be painted to scale on the canvas according to the corresponding squares on the paper.

Organizers hope that the use of paints and allowing students to actively engage in the process will create a memorable experience as well as make the final product more personal to those who participate. The mosaic is an effort by the multicultural center to engage minority groups on campus in a joint project that will emanate cultural pride, embrace diversity and engage groups in a venture that will allow them to work cohesively together.

Robert L.Canida II, Director of the Office of Minority Affairs, said, “I truly see this project emphasizing the importance of embracing all cultures and celebrating the true purpose and strengths of diversity. I’m glad that the Multicultural Center and the Office of Minority Affairs can be part of this student collaborative endeavor.”

The project is still in its initial stages and has had a slow start. It was anticipated that the mosaic would be completed by the end of the spring semester. However, the amount of student support as well as participation from the student body will ultimately drive the project and determine its completion.

Currently, the Interested Ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha, a Latino based organization, has offered to help with the project. The ladies painted a mural for Pembroke’s Palmer Prevention campaign against underage drinking two years ago.

Any group or student interested in participating or offering suggestions should contact Canida at 521-6508 or canida@uncp.edu.