Historic Indian Agency House Hands-On History Day!

The Historic Indian Agency House of Portage will host their second Hands-On History youth clinic of the season on Saturday, August 14. The workshop, entitled, “Visions & Voices: Native American Hide Painting,” explores the Plains Indian art tradition of animal hide painting and its use as a method of capturing both personal histories and important collective memories related to major tribal events.

 

Participants will compare traditional Native American and modern methods of saving memories and learn about Native American painting techniques and symbolism. To finish their day, they will capture an important experience of their own by painting it on a leather hide.

 

Because of the expected high demand for this workshop, two sessions are being offered with a limit of fifteen participants per session (9AM to 11AM and 2PM to 4PM). All ages are welcome, but children younger than seven require an adult or older sibling chaperone. The cost is $8 per person. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

 

The City of Portage Historic Preservation Commission generously provided supporting funds for this workshop, directly in line with their mission to increase awareness regarding the historic and cultural legacy of their community.

 

The Historic Indian Agency House is open May 15 to October 15 annually, and hosts a wide variety of adult and children’s programming events throughout the year. Call Director Destinee Udelhoven at 608-742-6362 with any questions or to place reservations for the Hide Painting workshop.