The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University announced the line-up of performances, artist talks, hands-on workshops and short films that will join the Myths of the West as the museum presents its Contemporary Indigenous Arts Festival.
The event is Tuesday, October 4th and Wednesday, October 5th at the Ulrich Museum as well as other locations at Wichita State University (listed below). Admission to all events is free. The public is invited to celebrate the works of Indigenous artists in conjunction with Myths of the West: Narrating Stories of the Land and People through Wichita Art Collections, which runs through Dec. 3rd in the Polk/Wilson and Amsden Galleries. Funding is available to assist regional high schools with transportation. The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. on the 4th at Duerksen Amphitheater with a performance by Frank Waln, a Sicangu Lakota rapper and activist. Mvskoke Creek/Seneca Hoop dancers Lumhe and Samoche Sampson, also known as the Sampson Brothers, will open the show and later join Waln onstage for a portion of his performance. The rain location for this event is Miller Concert Hall. On Wednesday, Oct. 5 a variety of programs are available. Registration is required for hands-on workshops, film screenings, and the Wichita War Dancer performance because space is limited, but all programs are free. Register now at https://IndigenousArtsFestival.eventbrite.com. Lunch will be hosted for workshop attendees. Below is a list of programs scheduled for Oct. 5:Printmaking: The Magical Art Medium: Join a printmaking tour of Myths of the West and a tour of the printmaking studio. Learn about the four major printmaking processes, then carve a small linoleum block and print it using a printing press. Teaching Artists: 10 a.m.-Marco Hernandez | 12:45 p.m.-Jocelyn Lechuga | 2:30 p.m.-Anthony Corraro | Location: Ulrich Museum of ArtSun Printing with WarClan Collective: Enjoy a discussion about Native art and cultural influences with one of the cofounders of Warclan Art Collective and take part in a guided cyanotype sun printmaking workshop. Teaching Artist: Taiomah Rutledge (Ojibwe/Meskwaki/Dakota) I Location: TBA | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Tattoos: Illustrations Meant for Skin: A brief history of design that uniquely applies to tattoo art from its origins to modern day. Attendees will design a rose through the lens of tattoo art. Teaching Artist: Megan Shelton (Ponca/Seminole/Creek) | Location: TBA | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Indigenous Bling-Beaded Earrings: A brief overview of beading styles and tribal designs, including crafting techniques, stitches and tools. Attendees will execute a simple beaded earring design using provided beading starter kits. Teaching Artist: Tylana Looking Glass (Comanche/Apache Tribe of Oklahoma) | Location: Clayton Staples Gallery | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Indigenous Songwriting Workshop with Frank Waln: A masterclass in Indigenous songwriting from award-winning Lakota music artist, producer, and audio engineer Frank Waln, who will demonstrate how culture, history, and ancestral teachings can ground us in our creative process and life path. Teaching Artist: Frank Waln (Sicangu Lakota) | Location: Ulrich Collection Study Center | 10 a.m.Alter Stories of Place and Identity: Take part in a short tour and discussion of Myths of the West, highlighting the work of Indigenous artist Norman Akers. After the tour, participants will create their own accordion-style mini book collage to map their story of place and identity. Teaching Artist: Lori Santos (Taino) | Location: Ulrich Museum of Art | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Performance: World Champion Wichita War Dancer (Tohono O’odham/Ponca) has a passion for sharing his culture and history. He will perform traditional Native dance in regalia and answer questions about his art and background. Location: McKnight Arts Center Atrium | 12:45 p.m.Sundance Indigenous Short Film Tour 2022Six films by Indigenous filmmakers in one 92 minute program: “Udeyonv (What They’ve Been Taught) by Brit Hensel (Cherokee Nation), “The Headhunter’s Daughter” by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan (Ífugao, Visayan), “The Original Shareholder Experience” by Petyr Xyst (Roadrunner clan in the Pueblo of Laguna), “Long Line of Ladies” by Shaandiin Tome (Diné), “Kicking the Clouds” by Sky Hopinka (Ho Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians), and “Maidenhood” by Xóchitl Enríquez Mendoza (Zapoteca). Showing at 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the CAC Theater. Volunteers are being sought to assist with the festival. Contact Carolyn Copple at (316) 978-6646 or email Carolyn.copple@wichita.edu for more information about volunteering.
