Viv Satori

Tohono O'odham baskets and pottery in front of an Organ Pipe Cactus

February 14, 2008

Contact:  Andy L. Fisher

520 387 6849

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is pleased to announce the 18th annual Season of Tradition honoring O'odham culture. In celebration of Arizona Archaeology Month, the monument focuses on the heritage and traditions of the original inhabitants. Each Saturday and Sunday in March, selected members of the Tohono O'odham, Hia Ced O'odham and others are invited to demonstrate their crafts and time-honored skills. Exhibits are free and will be open to the public 10 am - 4 pm. Pottery and basketry may be available for purchase.

This year we are honored to have well-known watercolor artist Michael Chiago demonstrating his techniques on March 9. We will also have selections of his artwork on display (and available for purchase) in our new gallery section in the auditorium. All demonstrations will be at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, located at mile 75 on AZ Hwy #85, approximately 34 miles south of Ajo.

March 1 - pottery and basketry

March 2 - native plant use

March 8- Storytelling, dryland farming

March 9 - archaeology, horsehair baskets, watercolor painting

March 15- baskets

March 16- basketry native plant use, traditional basketry, horsehair baskets

March 22 - baskets

March 23 - native plant use

March 29 - pottery

March 30 - native plant use, horsehair baskets