Arizona State University's "Displacement Project" allowed charter school students to use their artistic talents to tell stories of social justice, diversity and community. The project was designed to encourage students to tell their stories as a way to overcome their sense of displacement. Project participants attend Esperanza Community Collegial Academy, a pioneer charter school in bilingual education.

Students will display their projects in an exhibit titled "Esperanzarte," at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Esperanza Community Collegial Academy, 2507 E. Bell Road, Phoenix. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Using art as an international language, students based their artistic designs on what they have learned about their history, needs and hopes. For many Esperanza students, art has become a medium in which to rediscover and embrace their heritage. Students developed and refined their art skills with the assistance of art instructors Rene German-Maldonado, Tabasco, Mexico, and Nelson Garcia-Miranda, Cuba.

In addition to the exhibit and as part of the celebration visitors will be entertained by Cantamus Poetique, a bilingual poetry and music group.

The Displacement Project was led by artists Leandro Soto and April Edwards. Both Soto and Edwards are from ASU's West campus. For further information contact Elsie Duarte, marketing consultant, at 602-550-3073 or email at elsie.z.duarte@chase.com.