In this all-ages event, Reg Pettibone, a champion pow-wow dancer from the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, and members of his family will come together to provide an understanding of Native American culture through dance, song, and narration with a strong environmental emphasis. Pettibone believes these dances existed from the moment humans stepped foot on Earth and should continue to be danced from one generation to the next.

For families with children of all ages.

Presented with ASL interpretation.

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). 

Composer/singer Sunitha Anathaswamy studied music in Bangalore and specializes in the vocal art of traditional Kannada Bhavageete and Ghazals, songs based on romantic poetry.

Multi-instrumentalist Xiao Dong Wei became a ‘Master of the Erhu’ (a two-string violin) at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and also plays the pipa (a four-string lute) and guzheng (a 21-string zither).

Both artists settled in metro Detroit and became influential performers, educators, and now collaborators. This joyous performance will fuse music from both their cultures and include guest appearances by their friends and family.
 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult). 

Explore the art of collage and create your own unique work using just paper, scissors, and glue, inspired by Henri Matisse's Jazz series on view in the special exhibition After Cubism.

Free with admission; all supplies provided.
 

Create a pencil drawing to take home while taking a closer look at the collection. No experience is necessary. All supplies provided. For ages 6 and up (children ages 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult).

On the final day to view the eleventh annual community exhibition Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, you are invited to a discussion with the artists who created the altars on view. Members of the Mexican Consulate will open the program with an exploration into the rich history of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the tradition of Ofrenda altars.

Each participating artist will then give insight into the meaning and inspiration behind their altar, and answer questions. 

For all ages; please note some topics may be difficult for audience members under 10. 

Presented with ASL interpretation.
 

Join artist Preston Singletary for the Native American Art Collection’s Inaugural Lecture, Eagle’s Journey with Raven.

Renowned glass artist Preston Singletary’s unique creativity draw on his Tlingit heritage but with influences of contemporary art. His works are collected by museums around the world, and on display through public commissions around the country.

Learn more about Singletary’s artistic journey and how he connects to Tlingit culture through art and music at this inaugural lecture.

Event is free and open to the public. Reception to follow.

Download the event flyer

Learn how sugar skulls are used for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican and Mexican American communities while you decorate one of your own to take home! No experience necessary. All supplies provided. Free with admission.

Learn how sugar skulls are used for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican and Mexican American communities while you decorate one of your own to take home! No experience necessary. All supplies provided. Free with admission.