More than a cultural festival, more than a day of arts exploration, World Arts Day, is held each March at PCD, and reveals as much about the diverse talents and perspectives of the PCD community as it does about the many different forms of art throughout the world.

Visual artists, storytellers, chefs, dancers, riddlers, and musicians from all over the world lead workshops throughout the PCD campus, on this day of global arts immersion that includes all students, faculty and staff.  Japan, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East, Haiti, and Africa might be among the countries and regions represented in any given year. Notable chef Haruki Kibe has taught students how to make sushi, and roots musicians Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly have demonstrated the American folk art of contra dancing and fiddling. Students have learned to salsa dance, create art out of found indigenous materials, and to control their breath to make a didgeridoo resonate. At a school-wide assembly, students and teachers share their newfound talents with the entire community.

This day, which concludes with a school-wide feast featuring dishes from around the world, calls all of us to cross perceived boundaries. It is a day for teachers to try belly dancing, for 5th graders to write and sing a gospel style song with seniors, for bridging gaps and increasing understanding—not only among foreign cultures, but among our own.  It is a day to showcase our community spirit, our curiosity and respect for others, and our willingness to step outside of comfort zones to discover something new.