Artist in Residence

Samuel Becerra, the artist for our current Oregon Country Fair grant project, is originally from Mexico City. He has been interested in Pre-Columbian music and culture throughout his lifetime. He has played, composed and recorded music for more than twenty years. He plays a variety of instruments included the congas, bongos, guitar, the cajon and flutes. He has also studied visual arts focusing on ancient Mexican sculptures. Samuel makes his own percussion and wind instruments that resemble instruments of ancient times in the Pre-Hispanic era of his homeland. He promotes the Mexican culture of the past and present as a full time artist.

We are honored to have Samuel working with our students this year to have them create their own whistles modeled after those of the Pre-Columbian era. Each grade level has chosen a symbol to make out of clay such as birds, dragons, bears, panthers, foxes and skulls. In addition to creating their own whistle and learning how to play it, the students are mesmerized as Samuel infuses the history, music and culture of his ancestry.

There will be a culminating exhibit and presentations on Thursday, February 19 beginning at 6:30 in the gym where the students and Samuel will share with parents and the public about this incredible experience.