"Starting in September, I'll be learning Moroccan Arabic, Arabic script and Berber, the native language of Morocco," she said. "Then, after our three months of training in Rabat, we'll be placed in a city or a village, depending on our language skills at that point." Presecan also is trying to learn about daily life and the best ways to interact with Moroccans. "I've been told that women in Morocco have more rights than women in other Middle Eastern countries," she said. "Even the queen walks in the streets in modern dress." Relations between men and women still are restricted, though, Presecan said. "Men and women don't mix on the streets, and I've been told not to make casual eye contact with men," she explained. "They say I might get proposals from men I don't even know, and, in general, many Moroccans will wonder why I want to be there at all."
Hillary Presecan will leave for Morocco in September with the Peace Corps to teach English and health
Artist to bring love of art to Marshall, then to Morocco
Linda Jo Scott • For the Enquirer • June 7, 2008
Caption: Hillary Presecan, who just graduated with a bachelor´s degree in art history from Kendall College of Art and Design, will leave for Morocco in September with the Peace Corps to teach English and health. (John Grap/The Enquirer)
In September, Hillary Presecan will embark on a Moroccan adventure — she'll be hands-on, teaching English and health with her colleagues in the Peace Corps. This summer, however, she'll engage in another kind of adventure. Also hands-on, but likely messier.
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Twenty-three-year-old Presecan, a 2003 Pennfield High School graduate, will spend the next few months up to her elbows in paint and paper, teaching art classes for kids at Marshall's East End Gallery.
Recently earning her bachelor's degree in art history at Kendall College of Art and Design, Presecan hopes to use her training and experience in the visual arts, perhaps starting an art club for children, during her time in Morocco. But this summer, she'll concentrate on cultivating a local love of art.
"I want to combine art history and hands-on experience," Presecan explained of her classes that begin Monday. "We might study impressionist painters, for example, and then do a finger-painted version of a favorite scene."
Cynthia Marko, one of the coordinators for East End, said she was happy to have such a talent to the gallery.
"We believe Hillary will bring wonderful new energy, imagination and skill to the gallery teaching program and bring out the best in the children she will be working with," she said.
Meanwhile, Presecan is trying to read everything she can about Morocco and about customs and practices in the Muslim world.
"Starting in September, I'll be learning Moroccan Arabic, Arabic script and Berber, the native language of Morocco," she said. "Then, after our three months of training in Rabat, we'll be placed in a city or a village, depending on our language skills at that point."
Presecan also is trying to learn about daily life and the best ways to interact with Moroccans.
"I've been told that women in Morocco have more rights than women in other Middle Eastern countries," she said. "Even the queen walks in the streets in modern dress."
Relations between men and women still are restricted, though, Presecan said.
"Men and women don't mix on the streets, and I've been told not to make casual eye contact with men," she explained. "They say I might get proposals from men I don't even know, and, in general, many Moroccans will wonder why I want to be there at all."
None of these aspects of life in Morocco dampen Presecan's excitement about her adventure, however.
"I love helping people and it finally will help me, too. My ultimate goal is to come back knowing what I want to do with my life — and what I am willing to spend $50,000 on for graduate school."
For more information about children's classes at the East End Gallery and Studio, call 789-2379.
Linda Jo Scott is a freelance writer.
