Morrill Hall to offer Native American art event Oct. 1

            On Oct. 1, the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall will present an informal beadwork and natural dyeing art program for families from 10 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4 p.m. at Morrill Hall. Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Regular museum admission will be charged.

            This event is held in conjunction with the opening of the museum’s newly renovated Native American exhibit gallery, "First Peoples of the Plains: Traditions Shaped by Land and Sky." This modern exhibit explores Native American cultures of the Great Plains, including traditional beadwork, quillwork and natural dyeing techniques.

            Visitors will have the opportunity to make dream catchers and dye porcupine quills using native dyes made from plants. Artists Renee Geller of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Irene White Eyes of the Lakota/Omaha Tribes of Nebraska will demonstrate beadwork. Tapestry artist Grete Bodogaard of South Dakota will demonstrate the natural dye process used in traditional quillwork, as well as the embroidery techniques Native Americans of the Great Plains use on different media to create colorful patterns. Support for this event is provided by a grant from the Cooper Foundation.

            Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with special promotions and educational events throughout the year. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Museum members are free with current membership card. Parking is free in front of the museum. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. For further information, telephone 402-472-2642 or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Writer: Dana Ludvik