Date: April 3, 2015
Contact: Emily Davis, 928-638-7609
Grand Canyon, Ariz.–Starting Saturday, April 4, 2015, Grand Canyon National Park will host its second annual Desert View Cultural Demonstration Series. This series provides park visitors the opportunity to interact with members of Grand Canyon National Park's 11 traditionally associated tribes and for the artisans to share their history and traditional crafts. Demonstrations will occur regularly during the spring and summer at the Desert View Watchtower. Join jewelers, silversmiths, weavers, potters, and more as they share their culture, crafts, and stories.
The first demonstrators, Tony and Ola Eriacho, will be at the Watchtower Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From the Pueblo of Zuni, the Eriachos are jewelers and strong advocates of Native-made art and "mostly use the traditional materials the Zuni are known for- shell, turquoise, coral, and jet."
On Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Navajo silversmith Henry Nez will demonstrate techniques and designs he uses to make wearable items like earrings and bracelets. Future demonstrations are scheduled for June 6-7, 13-14, 17-18;July 25-26;August 1-2 and September 5-6, 2015.
In its second year, the Cultural Demonstration Series is intended to help park visitors learn more about the history and diverse cultures of the region. For additional information about the Desert View Cultural Demonstration Series, please contact Maci MacPherson at 928-638-7968.
Desert View is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park approximately 45 minutes east of Grand Canyon Village. For additional information about visiting Grand Canyon or for more information about the Desert View Cultural Demonstration Series visit www.nps.gov/grca.
