Rafael López's Blog

Discover and learn more about Jesse Treviño this Latino Heritage Month. Despite losing his arm in Vietnam, Treviño was determined to achieve his dream of becoming an artist! In this learning lab I created for the Smithsonian National Postal Museum explore his biography, achievements and the remarkable way he authentically shares the life of and culture of Mexican Americans with his art. Hoping this learning lab helps students and teachers recognize their own potential to solve problems creatively and make a difference in their own neighborhoods. Jesse Treviño Learning Lab 

 

Today “The Little Book of Joy” arrives. In their only collaboration for children, Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu show young people how to find joy even in hard times and why sharing it with others makes it grow. Sharing inspiration and process in this book birthday video.#TheLittleBookofJoy #dalailama #desmondtutu #RafaelLopez #childrensbooks #kidlit #randomhousekids

Let’s talk about the connection between food and Latino Identity. 82% of Hispanics say the most delicious food comes out of their family kitchen. Authentic recipes and dishes are passed down from generation to generation and love is the essential ingredient in Latino foods. That’s my mom Pillo at 86, still grilling chiles out back. Meet Encarnación Pinedo whose first cookbook, El Cocinero Español was published in 1898 in San Francisco. It was the first cookbook written by a Hispanic in the U.S. and first written recording of Californio food.#americanlatinomuseum#reformanational

This month is the right time to celebrate an agent of change whose team responds to emergencies around the globe. Here’s a personal portrait I created of a visionary chef, José Andrés who decided it was time to feed the world. We met in 2008 and I can tell you firsthand that this man knows how to cook and make a difference. A Spanish immigrant, American citizen and ambassador who brings his own pots and pans. In 2010 he established World Central Kitchen to empower communities.Explore the American Latino experience with this activity book created by the National Museum of the American Latino. https://learninglab.si.edu/…/presen…/sRQN3pVPnFLJjS8l…#AmericanLatinoMuseum#WorldCentralKitchen

 

Join me in celebrating Latino identity this Hispanic Heritage Month. As Guest Artist of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum  I learned how to create Smithsonian learning labs. I can’t think of a more inspired individual to get this conversation started than Judy Baca. Please check out my first learning lab on artist, muralist, educator and activist Judy Baca who empowers communities. Sharing her portrait created for National Museum of the American Latino.

LEARNING LAB

https://learninglab.si.edu/collections/judy-baca/iYuBWov4r8VUG0ld

#AmericanLatinoMuseum

 

Hispanic Heritage Month begins tomorrow. This past year I had the great opportunity to tell stories with portraits created for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. There are 56.6 million Hispanics in the U.S. with rich and colorful stories.  This vibrant reading room chandelier is crafted with icons I developed for the museum. September 15-October 15 is a great time to shine light on our Latino community so  future generations will see themselves reflected in our national story.

Please check out this short film Somos directed by Alberto Ferreras for the National Museum of the American Latino . https://latino.si.edu/exhibitions/presente/map/somos-theater-6-16#somos

#AmericanLatinoMuseum

 

Growing up I remember nostalgic weekends listening to the uniquely Mexican sound of Mariachi music in Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Colorful songs that tell stories of celebration, struggles, lost love and joy. Mariachi music is an emblem of Mexican cultural heritage with roots in the United States and followers around the globe. Excited and honored to share the vibrant spirit of Mariachi music with five new Mariachi Forever stamps I created for the United States Postal Service.The 2022 Mariachi stamps will be available soon online and at a post office near you. ¡Viva Mariachi!

In 2021 on the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe a Mexican icon passed away.Vicente Fernandez represented the heart and soul of millions of his fans here in Mexico and around the world.

Sidney Poitier

To download portrait please select the link above

Today, a new book takes flight!The Year We Learned to Fly is my second collaboration with the amazing Jacqueline Woodsonand a follow-up book to The Day You Begin.

The pandemic has been a rollercoaster of physical, emotional and social challenges that have left children and families afraid and exhausted. Many children are challenged by learning online, feeling stuck inside, bored or struggling with transitions and change. Many of these struggles are unfamiliar and frustrating. But there is reason for hope.

Within the illustrations, I wanted kids to know that generations who came before them found a way to overcome incredible struggles and challenges and they can too.

How do we learn from the past? How can we as individuals, as community support children and families to face the challenges of life?

With comforting, encouraging words and art, I hope our book will empower children and families. To be uplifting and let kids know that they have the creativity it takes to imagine a brighter world. 

Compass of humanity, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Arch had an infectious smile and laugh. A storyteller, he brought people together and eased tensions with his wit, activism, courage and integrity. I’m guessing the stars will shine brighter tonight honoring this luminary of global peace.