This lecture by Dr. Yolanda Chávez Leyva, Director of the Institute of Oral History at the University of Texas at El Paso and an Associate Professor in History, will explore the ethical and historical issues associated with curating an art exhibit created by anonymous migrant youth held in detention. Tornillo was the largest detention center for young unaccompanied asylum-seekers between June 2018 and January 2019. Students engaged in an art project intended to help them remember their towns, cities and countries as well as the culture and history of where they came from. While psychologists and attorneys witnessed depressed and anxious youth, held in prison like settings, they were able to create beautiful art that spoke to their desire to be free.
Admission is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
