Museum Events

The Mathers Museum hosts a number of events that are fun and educational.

Senior Expo 2008 (Bloomington Convention Center)
Friday, May 16; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Staff and docents from the Mathers Museum will be participating in the International Day of Sharing Life Stories at this year's Senior Expo, an annual event for persons 50 and over presented by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Bloomington Hospital. This one-day event will provide free health screenings for seniors by qualified professionals, plus an expo hall filled with exhibitors who have products and services just for seniors and their families. Exhibitors will include area healthcare providers, senior living communities, not-for-profit organizations, and financial institutions, and attendees will enjoy workshops, live entertainment, a fashion show, and more. Admission is free.



American Indian Beadwork Workshops
Session I: Friday, June 6, 1 to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday, June 7, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Session II: Friday, June 27, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Beadwork has a long history among American Indian nations. Learn some techniques of contemporary American Indian style beadwork from White Mountain Apache and Cherokee descended artist Marilyn Cleveland and two of her students. Supplies will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public (including children over 13), but participants must RSVP by Saturday, May 24, at 5 p.m. by e-mailing nagsa@indiana.edu.

**Session I: June 6 or June 7 (participants may sign up for June 6 or June 7, but not both)
This workshop will feature two forms of contemporary beadwork--one using looms, and another, sometimes called "hand looming," which involves weaving beads with just a needle and thread. These forms are used by many indigenous nations throughout North and South America, although designs are often specific to particular tribes. Materials will be provided and participants will be given enough beads, thread, and a needle to complete a small bracelet project. The workshop will be taught by Marilyn Cleveland (Apache and Cherokee descent), "Bear" King (Apache), and Angie Johnson (Cherokee descent).

Session II: June 27
In Session II participants will learn some stitches that can make different shapes and will incorporate these into earrings.

The second annual Marilyn Cleveland Distinguished Artist Workshop is sponsored by the American Indian Student Association, First Nations Educational and Cultural Center, the Mathers Museum of World Cultures, and Native American Graduate Student Association.