International street fair wraps up week

by Allison Cayse
For The Post

"Children Unite the World" was the theme of this year's International Week, which began Monday. The week, sponsored by the Student Activities Commission and the International Student Union, incorporated programs designed to include community members of all ages.

"The goal of this year's International Week is to make the community aware of how important children are in our lives," said David Tilahun, associate director of International Student and Faculty Services.

On Monday, local international students took part in a quiz show that was taped at the Radio and Television Building. The show was later broadcast on cable access. On Tuesday, Wednesday and yesterday, local children participated in the creation of a wall painting that reflects this year's theme.

Another program that involved children was the International Cultural Workshop that took place Wednesday at Gordy Hall. Children ranging from 4 to 12 years old shared elements of their native cultures with university students who attended. The children were from several countries, including Bangladesh, China, Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Dressed in the traditional clothes of their homelands, the children sang songs and taught different sayings in their native languages. Attendees also ate traditional food and saw toys that reflect the children's culture.

"It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said OU senior Bill Anspach, who attended the workshop. "I thought it was great that there were children from different countries and cultures interacting with one another."

Other events of the week included a panel discussion Tuesday at Alden Library and "A Taste of Latin America" at Casa Cantina, 4 W. State St.

International week continues this evening with a slide presentation from world-renowned Turkish artist Burhan Dogançy, according to a news release. His work "Walls of the World," began when Dogançy traveled to Israel. Since 1975, he has taken more than 25,000 photographs of walls that were used as centers of public art, covered by graffiti or used for political messages. "Walls of the World" will be on display until Aug. 26 in the Kennedy Museum of Art.

The week culminates in Saturday's 20th annual International Street Fair. Tilahun said he expects 3,000 to 4,000 people to attend the event. At the fair, which lasts from noon to 6 p.m., different booths will feature arts, crafts and activities to educate attendees on the culture of different countries. There also will be a parade and dance performances.