Eiteljorg Museum holds celebration of the great outdoors July 26, 2008

Experience life in Yosemite National Park through hands-on activities and stories
(Indianapolis)—Explore some of the outdoor adventures of Yosemite National Park, Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art‘s Outdoor Adventure Day. Children and families of all ages are invited to embark on a journey through the park, encountering animals that can be found in Yosemite, learning the tricks to fly fishing, and trying their luck on horizontal and vertical climbing walls that simulate the granite cliff of El Capitan that dangles over Yosemite’s valley.
In addition to these activities and others, the museum’s artist-in-residence, birch bark artist David Moses Bridges (Passamaquoddy) will give a demonstration and unveil the wigwam he has been constructing over the course of the month. Bridges will also launch a birch bark canoe into the Downtown Canal! Also on hand: Radio Disney, plus local outfitters and environmental groups that will help families and prepare for their own trips into the great outdoors.
Also part of the day’s festivities is Yo-Yosemite, a unique opportunity to learn about Yosemite National Park. From 10 to 11:30 a.m., guests can learn the art of yo-yoing from teacher Don Fisher, who taught outdoor recreation in Yosemite. The fee for this workshop is $10 per person and $20 for an adult and youth (5-years old or older) pair. The fee includes museum admission, a yo-yo and instruction. Please register in advance by calling (317) 636-9378.
Outdoor Adventure Day represents one of the last opportunities to see the museum’s stunning exhibition Yosemite: Art of an American Icon, which closes on Sunday, August 3.
Outdoor Adventure Day is free with paid admission. (See additional fee for Yo-Yosemite.) A special Girl/Boy Scout rate is offered for this day: $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
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.