New Mexico is a state rich in cultural significance, and a history that continues to stir the imaginations of artists and patrons worldwide. Sometimes, for those of us living in the Land of Enchantment, it’s hard to see the trees for the forest, and that’s where Museum Hill comes in. Made up of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of international Folk Art, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Museum Hill is a one-stop shop for those who want to brush up on the rich heritage of our state. Get in touch with the history and cultures of New Mexico, at the annual Community Day celebration on Museum Hill, on Sunday, September 18, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join the Museum Hill partners in their celebration, with a variety of family-friendly activities, panel discussions, music, and performances, and best of all, it’s FREE! On a normal day, visitors are exposed to a number of unique, powerful cultural exhibitions, but on Community Day, there is a brilliant confluence of cultural performances from Indigenous and Hispanic communities, along with nature talks, and good food.
A highlight of the event includes a performance and discussion by Nathan Muus, a Sámi American writer, musician, and Joiker, who has been involved in the Sámi American Awakening for 30 years. Of Norwegian/Swedish and Sámi family descent – as well as one of the original founders of the Sámi Cultural Center of North America, located in Duluth, Minnesota – he has long practiced the Sámi traditional singing style known as Joik. He will be joined by a small group to play, sing, and discuss the Joik in Sámi culture and its development, as a North American diaspora experience. Nathan will regale visitors with tales and song at the Museum of International Folk Art, from 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Also on the docket is a performance by Earth Surface People, who released their debut album nihookáá diyin dine’é this year, and will be performing at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Lightning Boys Hoop Dancers from the Tewa Pueblos of northern New Mexico will perform their high-energy healing art form at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wise Fool New Mexico will continue their mission to ignite imagination and build community, by presenting a folktale performance at the Museum of International Folk Art, from 12 – 1 p.m.
Demonstrations include Flower Print Making at the ramada, with the international Folk Art Market; tinwork and Retabolos art activities in the Los Maestros del Norte de Chimayo demonstration tent; a Colcha Embroidery demonstration with Julia R. Gomez; a Piki demonstration with Iva Honyestewa; a parched corn demonstration with Tiffany Bahnimptewa; Wonders on Wheels, featuring the mobile exhibition of Musica Bueno: Celebrating Music in New Mexico!; a panel discussion with Zuni Olla Maidens; along with docent led tours, storytelling, native plant demonstrations, and even a special appearance by Smokey Bear!
Whether you’re already knowledgeable about the history and cultures of New Mexico, or a visitor with a burning interest to know more, Community Day on Museum Hill is a must-see event, for the entire family. For more information, including a full schedule of activities and times, visit the website. For more information on the partners of Museum Hill, visit their website.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
