Center for Tribal Studies to host Indigenous Arts Education

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) -- The Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies will host the Indigenous Arts Education Series in November for American Indian Heritage Month. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The series will include the following presentations:

November 2:

Marcus Harjo, Pawnee and Seminole, will present Creative Writing and Music Production Workshop 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the University Center Redbud Room.

Harjo uses writing, music production and live performances to promote his passions which include youth outreach, cultural awareness and promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles, specifically among American Indian populations.

Harjos workshop will focus on teaching participants how to use writing and music composition skills to enhance the delivery of their message. His workshop will conclude with a live performance.

November 8:

Sandy Fife Wilson, Muscogee (Creek), will present Shell Carving Demonstration from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. in the University Center Redbud Room.

Wilson is an experienced artist, having learned her art techniques through both formal education and traditional means as she comes from a long line of family artists. Wilson specializes in Southeastern design shell carvings, finger-woven items and Creek basketry.

Wilson will host a demonstration, which will educate the audience on this traditional form of art and lead participants through the process using a direct, hands-on approach to instruction.

November 14:

Yatika Starr Fields, Muscogee (Creek), Osage, and Cherokee, will present Becoming a Mural Artist from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the University Center Redbud Room.

Fields presentation will highlight his experience and work as a mural artist and provide attendees with some insight into the highly specialized field of mural art.

This event will include a live art demonstration.

About the Oklahoma Arts Council

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agencys mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahomas thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides about 500 grants to almost 250 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the states arts and cultural industry, and manages hundreds of works of art in the public spaces of the state Capitol.