EUGENE, Ore. – (Nov. 30, 2011) – The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History will host the Winter Solstice Celebration from 5p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 16.
For the event’s10th anniversary, the museum scheduled a diverse group of artists and performers for the animal-themed evening. Performers include storyteller Brenda Brainard, a member of Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and Dick Lamster, former president of the Audubon Society of Lane County. The MNCH educational staff will also debut its new marionettes for a performance for children.
Jon Erlandson, MNCH executive director, describes the event as, “his favorite of the year, demonstrating that museums are essential to the fabric of society as places to celebrate and protect our common cultural heritage. This is a secular and multi-cultural event that welcomes all members of the community.”
Other performers include Joe Manis, local tenor saxophonist with the Northwest Suzuki Institute, and Eugene Taiko. Artist Susan Pavel will lead a discussion and weaving demonstration near her work in the MNCH’s Galleria.
Admission is free with three non-perishable food items or a cash donation for FOOD for Lane County.
Food will be available for purchase in the museum,and cookies and cider will be served in the Many Nations Longhouse.
A full schedule of events can be found at http://natural-history.uoregon.edu/education-and-events/events/winter-solstice-celebration.
About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History is located at 1680 E. 15th Avenue in Eugene and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and youths ages 17 and under, and $8 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Guided tours are offered each Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Contact:Denise Sorom, marketing and communications specialist, dsorom@uoregon.edu, 541-346-5083.
Links:Museum of Natural and Cultural History, natural-history.uoregon.edu and Facebook.com/oregonnaturalhistory
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