Multicultural Arts Day at Oxnard College was a roaring success, with activities and events on campus that exposed students to different cultures while still maintaining an entertaining learning experience.
Sandra Allen, the chair for Multicultural Arts Day, had very little complaints with how things turned out.
“I think the event went wonderfully,” said Allen. “I would have liked to see more people, but as the chair I guess that was my desire. I think we did a great job bringing everything together.”
Multicultural Arts Day was organized with the theme “The colorful world we live in,” and took place on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. in the left quad area of Oxnard College.
Featured was music, food, lectures and dancing from cultures from around the world. Dancing and music were emphasized during the day’s activities, with the construction of a new Performing Arts center on campus, said Cathy Garnica with public relations for Oxnard College.
“I think we need to recognize art and dance on campus,” said Garnica. “We try to build on those areas.”
The event was also organized to tie in with Latino Heritage Month. The Culinary Arts department demonstrated tortilla-making as part of the “Taste of Oaxaca” exhibit, Mayan dancers taking the stage at the end of the day, and Pacifica High School Advanced Dance Production had a number of dance performances.
Also on hand was a miniature career fair. Representatives from various companies were on hand to pitch careers to students while they enjoyed the festivities.
This year was technically the first year Oxnard Multicultural Arts Day had an official theme, with last years a scaled down affair called “Oktoberfest” and the year before that being the first annual Multicultural Day.
The very reason last years event was scaled down, the construction on campus, helped push the festivities more towards the students and faculty, Garnica said. A good portion had to take place down the central Science Building walkway, as well as in the outer area of the OE building.
Garnica feels that while she and several other colleagues enjoyed Multicultural Arts Day, the key is to balance the fun with serious.
“A lot of entertainment, but also great learning opportunities,” said Garnica. “That was important as well.”
“Move Something,” the Pacifica High School Advanced Dance Production class perform hip-hop moves in front of the College Stage. (Cathy Garnica)
OC Culinary Arts students demonstrate tortilla-making in the Hotel Restaurant Mgmt. dining room as part of the “Taste of Oaxaca” exhibit. (Cathy Garnica)
