At Hillcrest High School, art students gather around tables as colorful Lotería cards are shuffled and dealt.
Laughter and chatter fill the classroom as they call out familiar phrases and share memories of playing the game with their families.
Afterward, the students move on to sketching and coloring their own Lotería cards, bringing their personal creativity and cultu
ral perspectives to each design.
Natalie G., a freshman in Margaret McGaughey’s Studio Art I class, says the project helped her embrace her Hispanic roots and recall memories of playing with her relatives growing up.
“This project was really fun because I already knew how to play Lotería,” she said. “I struggled with my identity as a kid, and even now, so doing something that made me feel more connected to my culture felt really nice.
With over 70% of Hillcrest students identifying as Hispanic or Latino, McGaughey emphasizes that the artists her students study and celebrate, both during Hispanic Heritage Month and year-round, should reflect their community so they can see themselves in the work of successful creators.
“I thought it would be great to play the game before the project, so students familiar with it could share their experiences,” she said. “It starts the class positively when it’s lighthearted. They love to see their culture represented in class and feel valued.”
The game, which dates back to 1887, features 54 iconic images originally painted by artist Don Clemente Jaques. Over time, those images have spread across Latin America, becoming symbolic of Hispanic culture and identity.
Today, the imagery is instantly recognizable, and many artists continue to reinterpret the designs.
As part of the project, students studied the history of Lotería and learned about the importance of honoring the original artist’s legacy.
They explored the difference between plagiarism, cultural appropriation, and respectful cultural appreciation, gaining insight into how to apply originality while drawing inspiration from existing works.
“It was fun because I really miss my country and I like to talk to my family out there. I also found that I love art,” Yatzil De La Cruz, ninth-grade art student, said. “Showing our uniqueness and creativity allows us to express our emotions, thoughts, and how we see ourselves. It makes us really excited and happy because we get to share what we feel through a visual transcription that others can feel or try to understand.”
By reimagining the cards with their own unique perspectives, Hillcrest students practice their artistic skills and celebrate a tradition that connects communities across generations.
Their artwork serves as both a tribute to Hispanic heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural roots while encouraging creative expression.
“Art is such an expressive place for the kids because they can really put their personality into whatever they’re doing, make new friends, and share their ideas,” McGaughey said. “It’s really important to me that they feel safe and celebrated in my classroom.”
