Helen Pappas

Pappas recognized a unique opportunity for students to participate in Albuquerque's tri-centennial next year, highlighting the area's rich artistic heritage. She decided to organize the "Innovation, Inspiration and Invention" program. The program is a yearlong study of the artistic and technological contributions of four cultural groups in the area, all in conjunction with the city's celebration. The project will focus on the roles of Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans and European Americans in the arts and culture and will emphasize how technology mirrors civilization through the ages. Projects, special speakers and field trips will be organized to enhance cultural lessons taught on how each group contributed to the fiber, digital, performing and visual arts. Many of these scheduled events will be open to the public, bringing together the community to celebrate the cultural past and future of the area. All monies received will help fund students and their families to participate in activities for the program. Pappas lives in Albuquerque.