Friday, March 16, 2018

A Duo of Events @ The Institute for American Indian Studies March 17 & 18

This coming weekend, the Institute for American Indian Studies on Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is celebrating Native American culture, art, and history.

On Saturday, March 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. guests of the Institute for American Indian Studies are invited to learn about Native American art from a gifted Native American artist, Jeanne Morningstar Kent, Abenaki.  She was named Spozowialakws (Morningstar) by an Abenaki Elder many years ago.  It means, "One who leads out of darkness into the light...a teacher."  Morningstar's artwork contains Native American symbols and designs of the Northeast Woodland People with a focus on the Wabanaki group.





Participants in this very special class will join Native artist Jeanne Morningstar Kent, and learn to paint an assortment of figurines.  Under Morningstar's professional eye, the group will paint Native American and wildlife forms in both authentic and whimsical patterns and textures.  Participants don't have to be an artist to join in the fun and are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild!  For those that enjoy this workshop, there will be additional figurines to purchase and paint at home.

Morningstar Studios located in Whiting Mills in Winsted features an array of gourds painstakingly handcrafted in traditional designs from the Wabanaki tribes in the Northeast Woodlands.  The designs, symbols, and stories told on the gourds help preserve the visual language of the Northeast Woodland people.  All of the artwork crafted by Jeanne Morningstar Kent meets the standard of the Indian Arts and Crafts Laws as designated Indian Made.




To reserve a spot call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. The cost is $15 for non-members of the museum and $5 for museum members.


On Sunday, March 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club hosts avocational archaeologist and author, Michael Bouchard in his talk, Archaeology: Exploring Connecticut's Past. Participants will learn about four archaeological sites that Mr. Bouchard has authored including the Paleo Project- Paleo Indian migration patterns in Connecticut, the Baldwin Station Site and the Laurel Beach Site in Milford, and the Joshua Bouchard Site, an isolated Frontenac Island in Shelton.  

One of the most fascinating elements of this lecture will include information on Templeton (also known as 6LF21).  This is the oldest known site in Connecticut dating to Paleo Indian period that provides a firm date of inhabitation at 10,490 years ago.


This program is open to the public.  The lecture is $5 for members, free for members of the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club, and $10 for museum admission and lecture. Light refreshments will be served.



About The Institute for American Indian Studies


The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.

 Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

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