Celebrating Hispanic Cultures January 30, 2010

Celebrate Hispanic cultures during “Welcome Josefina”
Program uses story of American Girl® doll Josefina™ to explore different cultures
(INDIANAPOLIS) – On January 30, the Eiteljorg Museum will present “Welcome Josefina,” a celebration of the Hispanic character and doll.
“This event provides a great opportunity to bring the entire family out for an enjoyable and creative learning experience,” says Martha Hill, vice president of public programs and visitor services.
Children are encouraged to visit the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of storytelling, games and activities inspired by Josefina. The Eiteljorg is proud to welcome the Anderson Ballet Folklorico for a performance at 1:30 p.m. Activities, designed for boys and girls age 5 and up with adult supervision, include tinwork ornaments, the traditional Mexican game of Lotería (similar to Bingo) at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., weaving on a Navajo loom and more. Children are not required to bring a doll. In fact, visitors can enter a raffle to win a Josefina doll during the event.
Artist in residence brings Hispanic culture to life through her art
Lydia Garcia is a retablo artist, painter and sculptor. She will demonstrate the creation of retablos (devotional paintings done on wood). Garcia is from Ranchos de Taos, N.M., an artists’ community nestled among the Sangre de Cristo mountain chain. In the town, which has exisited since the 1800s, art is a way of life. “It’s a simple life,” says Garcia, “but it’s full of joy and peace. And that’s what is real to me.” As a lifelong resident of Ranchos de Taos, steeped in the Hispanic traditions of art, culture and religion, Garcia creates art that reflects her cultural heritage in all of its passion and depth.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. The museum, which opened in 1989, is located in Downtown Indianapolis’ White River State Park. For general information about the museum and to learn more about exhibits and events, call (317) 636-WEST (9378) or visit www.eiteljorg.org.