Celebrate Shapeshifting at the PEM

This Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, the PEM will celebrate their remarkable Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art exhibit with wonderful weekend festival.  The programs will include incredible dance performances, art making and demonstrations.




My son was fortunate enough to go to the PEM on a field trip this week, and his class participated in the Weaving demonstration with D.Y. Begay and the dance demonstration by Yellow Bird, and it was amazing.  Any program that can keep forty 11-year-olds transfixed and wanting more is a great success in my book.  I highly recommend taking the family to the PEM for this unique Weekend Festival this weekend.

All activities are Included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.  Click here for Sunday's schedule.

Double-sided Drum, ca. 1890

10:30 am–3:30 pm
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION: WeavingArtist D.Y. Begay (Diné Navajo), featured artist in Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art, demonstrates how she creates her original handwoven Navajo rugs.
10:30 am–3:30 pm
DROP-IN ART ACTIVITYUse strips of paper to explore abstract landscapes.
11 am–3 pm
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION: Transforming PotteryAtrium
Artist Jason Garcia (Okuu Pin) transforms materials into a visually rich mix of Pueblo history and culture, comic book super heroes, video game characters, religious icons and all things pop culture. Watch as he shares his artistic process and inspiration.
11 am
STORY TIME: Jingle DancerMeet at information desk | For families with children ages 4 and up
Tickets available at admissions desk on day or program
How will Jenna be able to perform a jingle dance in the upcoming powwow without enough tin jingles? Hear what happens when we read Jingle Dancer, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, a tribal member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
11:30-Noon
FAMILY GALLERY EXPLORATIONFor children ages 5 and up with adult
Tickets available at admissions desk on day of program
Explore Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art, in a 30-minute, hands-on tour designed just for families.
Noon and 2:30 pm
PERFORMANCES: Yellow BirdAtrium
The internationally renowned family dance troupe from Phoenix, Arizona, led by Ken Duncan (Apache), perform the energetic and stunning hoop dance and more.
1–2 pm
DOCENT-LED GALLERY TOUR: ShapeshiftingMeet at information desk | For adults and teens
Tickets available at admissions desk on day of tour

3:30–5 pm
FILM: Dear Lemon LimaMorse Auditorium | For adults and teens
Reservations by February 16
While rallying her fellow misfits to compete in their school's Snowstorm Survivor competition, an awkward Alaskan teen discovers her Yup'ik heritage. PG-13, 87 minutes.Purchase Tickets