Native American Arts Festival and Workshops Feature Traditional and Contemporary Arts

Experience Native American arts at Idyllwild Arts’ Summer Native American Arts Festival. We spoke with Heather Companiott, the Director of Adult Arts Center and the Native American Program & Festival, about this unique program and what to expect this year.

“Native American arts are a unique and important part of American life,” said Companiott.

The Idyllwild Arts Summer workshops focus on traditional arts such as, basket weaving, beadwork and pottery. These week-long classes are taught by Native American artists from across the country. These engaging, hands-on learning opportunities are designed for adults of all levels of experience and knowledge. Students work closely with master artists and cultural specialists, and you will have the rare opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary Native American art forms and gain insight into the rich cultural foundation that inspires and motivates each artist.

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“What we’ve learned over the years is that it’s hard to generalize about Native American art – it’s dynamic and evolving,” she said.

The Native American Arts program at Idyllwild Arts started in 1950 because the school’s founders, Dr. Max and Mrs. Beatrice Krone, believed art was a universal language, Companiott explained, and could bring people back together and help heal the divides following WWII.

“This is a unique opportunity to learn about and experience Native American art,” she said.

Companiott adds that the Native American Arts Festival is different each year and draws many new and returning artists and students. The theme for this year’s festival is Native American Art and Activism and each work or performance will address topics that are important to Native Americans such as, environmental issues, health topics and language revitalization. The festival will include distinguished artists, scholars and cultural specialists who will present exhibits, performances, demonstrations, films and the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series. Daily Native American food tastings prepared by the executive chef from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The spirit of this annual event is to bring the scientific, intuitive and trickster voices together for a balanced and provocative learning experience. It is designed to enhance and add depth to the hands-on workshop experience.

Workshops take place from June 19 – July 2 and the Festival will take place from June 25 – July 2. Visit http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/nativearts/ for more details.

Idyllwild Arts Academy is located at 52500 Temecula Road in Idyllwild, CA. You can visit the school at www.idyllwildarts.org.
Native American Arts Festival and Workshops Feature Traditional and Contemporary Arts

Experience Native American arts at Idyllwild Arts’ Summer Native American Arts Festival. We spoke with Heather Companiott, the Director of Adult Arts Center and the Native American Program & Festival, about this unique program and what to expect this year.

“Native American arts are a unique and important part of American life,” said Companiott.

The Idyllwild Arts Summer workshops focus on traditional arts such as, basket weaving, beadwork and pottery. These week-long classes are taught by Native American artists from across the country. These engaging, hands-on learning opportunities are designed for adults of all levels of experience and knowledge. Students work closely with master artists and cultural specialists, and you will have the rare opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary Native American art forms and gain insight into the rich cultural foundation that inspires and motivates each artist.

“What we’ve learned over the years is that it’s hard to generalize about Native American art – it’s dynamic and evolving,” she said.

The Native American Arts program at Idyllwild Arts started in 1950 because the school’s founders, Dr. Max and Mrs. Beatrice Krone, believed art was a universal language, Companiott explained, and could bring people back together and help heal the divides following WWII.

“This is a unique opportunity to learn about and experience Native American art,” she said.

Companiott adds that the Native American Arts Festival is different each year and draws many new and returning artists and students. The theme for this year’s festival is Native American Art and Activism and each work or performance will address topics that are important to Native Americans such as, environmental issues, health topics and language revitalization. The festival will include distinguished artists, scholars and cultural specialists who will present exhibits, performances, demonstrations, films and the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series. Daily Native American food tastings prepared by the executive chef from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The spirit of this annual event is to bring the scientific, intuitive and trickster voices together for a balanced and provocative learning experience. It is designed to enhance and add depth to the hands-on workshop experience.

Workshops take place from June 19 – July 2 and the Festival will take place from June 25 – July 2. Visit http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/nativearts/ for more details.

Idyllwild Arts Academy is located at 52500 Temecula Road in Idyllwild, CA. You can visit the school at www.idyllwildarts.org.