JACKSON, Wyo. — On March 3, The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s (NMWA) First Sunday, ‘Native Line + Rhythm,’ will feature Haida artist Bruce Cook, the Wind River Drummers and special guests.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and museum admission is free for locals all day.
According to the NMWA, this is the third year that the Museum has partnered with the Wind River Foundation to bring Native artists to the March First Sunday.
“We strive to hold events like this one where our venue serves as a platform for Indigenous artists to share their work with the community directly,” Director of Program and Events Michelle Dickson said in an announcement. “As a result, the March First Sundays have been some of the most well-attended of the winter season.”
At 11 a.m., the program will begin with a drum circle performed by the Wind River Drummers in Sullivan Hall. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to traditional drumming and singing. Following the drum circle, musicians will offer a presentation explaining the importance of music and dance in Northern Arapaho and Shoshone culture.
From 12:45 to 2 p.m., Haida artist Bruce Cook will conduct a carving demonstration, followed by a presentation and Q&A.
According to the Canadian Museum of History, the Haida were known for their creative embellishment of wood. They decorated utilitarian objects with depictions of supernatural beings, which were statements of social identity, or lessons taught to them through mythic encounters with animals or other beings from generations past. They also produced elaborate totem poles with carved and painted crests.
“As a Haida artist, I find myself walking a delicate tightrope, bridging the realms of tradition and contemporary expression,” Cook said in his artist statement. “Drawing inspiration from the masters of the past, I navigate the challenges of our modern era, blending innovation with the rich heritage of my ancestors. Through extensive immersion in the traditional disciplines of carving, painting, printmaking and tool making, I have acquired a profound understanding of the artistic methods that define Haida culture.”
In addition to the drum circle and the artist demonstration, there will also be a clay line carving craft in the Museum Classroom. The craft will be available for the duration of the programming.
“Several years ago, we formalized the Museum’s Land Acknowledgement statement, with the awareness that that was just the beginning,” Museum Director Steve Seamons said via press release. “As iterated in our Land Acknowledgement, we are committed to amplifying Native voices. March First Sundays has provided a vital opportunity to act upon this commitment.”
On the first Sunday of every month year-round, Museum admission is free for locals. On the first Sunday of the winter months, the NMWA organizes a family-friendly day with special programs and events connected to the exhibitions on view.
