March 15, 2012

SPRING IS ARRIVING!

It seems to have already arrived for many of us; here in Washington, D.C., the daffodils have been flourishing for over a month! Now the cherry blossoms are starting to bud, while the magnolias and dogwoods are fully bloomed. We welcome the turn of the season and wish all of you a wonderful Springtime.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE SHOP

It's always so exciting to open packages of beautiful work that artists are creating.  This month has been no exception, with work from a variety of artists and in many forms arriving at the Shop.  We've received jewelry made by Herbert Begaye (Navajo), who is noted for his classic, square-shaped design with round dome center and for his gold on silver combination pieces. Included in the arrivals are sterling silver and 14kt gold earrings, as well as a sterling silver link necklace and bracelet. Herbert's designs are symmetrical and easily worn for work, or for an evening out on the town.

We have received another bevy of cedar bears and caped figures from Eddie Morrison (Cherokee).  Eddie captures his animals and figures in such a special way, using the natural details in cedar and other woods to bring these carvings to life.  Learn more about Eddie Morrison's work as an artist.

And, speaking of bears, two folk art bears by Marvin Jim (Navajo) have lumbered into the shop along with chickens in chef's hats, sheep with floral designs, crows with scarves and spotted horses in bright colors.  These playful pieces of Navajo folk art are sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys whimsy.  Along with arrivals of folk art from the Four Corners area of New Mexico, we also have been "oohing and aahing" as we have unpacked new Navajo rug weavings in a variety of sizes -- to add beauty to any wall area! Read more about  the history of Navajo weaving and its current practice.

Thanks to jeweler and artist representative Mitchell Zephier (Lakota), we also have received new work from the Northern Plains area. A variety of crafts have arrived including a breastplate by Belle Starboy (Lakota), along with beaded earrings, lanyards and key rings, and quillwork.  Mitchell has also included his own jewelry designs in sterling silver and brass combinations, including earrings, necklaces, belt buckles and a bolo tie. Many have been inlaid with his signature combination of crushed pipestone, turquoise, sandstone and alabaster. It's refreshing to see traditional Lakota designs and symbolism in metalwork/jewelry, so be sure to take a look when you come in!

HAVE YOU PERUSED THE INDIAN CRAFT SHOP BOOK SELECTION LATELY?

We continue to strive to have all book titles/publications related to American Indian arts and crafts available in the Shop (any publication that is still in print, that is!). Yes, we know about Kindles and Nooks, but we still support and believe in that great ol' hard copy when it comes to American Indian arts and crafts; and we know there are of many of you who also enjoy an impressive (hard copy) library at home! Next time you are in, take a peak at an area of interest on our bookshelves. We continue to work on getting all titles on our online store but in the meantime, take a look at our selection in the Shop and BOOKS Online.From good information to good photography to seeing your favorite artists, we believe this is another great way to collect and enjoy the arts!

Have you visited our Online Store recently? If you haven't, come take a look!

IN MEMORIAM - ANNA BELLE MITCHELL (CHEROKEE)

We are saddened at the news of the passing of Anna Mitchell, a long time artist and supporter of the Shop, as well as a highlighted Artist of the Month in 1999. Anna was responsible for the revival of Woodlands pottery making; she also was an inspiration to so many artists, not only from her regional area but outreaching on a national level. Her mentoring and her sharing of knowledge and passion for the arts made an impact on everyone who knew her. Our thoughts are with her family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the "Cherokee Nation Foundation in memory of Anna Mitchell Scholarship" to be used specifically for southeastern arts in Oklahoma, 115 E. Delaware, Tahlequah, OK 74464 www.CherokeeNationFoundation.org

REMINDER- 

OPEN SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

The Indian Craft Shop is open the third Saturday of each month. We hope that you will be able to join us Saturday, March 17, from 10:00AM-4:00PM.

NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR MUSEUM

While the Interior Museum is temporarily closed, there are still Museum Programs and Building/Mural Tours. At least once a month the Interior Museum will host a speaker or presentation to be held within the Main Interior building. Building and Mural Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Upcoming Programs for the Interior Museum:

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital and Interior Museum present:

CALIFORNIA FOREVER: PARKS AND THE FUTURE

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Yates Auditorium - 7:00pm

World Premiere -- The future of California State Parks is considered within the context of trends that will soon threaten parks everywhere: population growth, decline of native plants and animals, loss of open space, and climate change. This episode highlights a number of threats that state parks are currently facing, which include road building through park lands, construction of high voltage transmission lines across desert parks, industrial development along park borders and the impact of climate change and sea level rise on natural areas. The film concludes with the financial meltdown of 2008, and its impact on state budgets. Parks across the country are threatened with closure. Even in California, the birthplace of the park idea, one in four state parks is scheduled to close. Directed by David Vassar. Produced by David Vassar and Sally Kaplan. 2011 Award for Cinematography and Best Educational Value, International Wildlife Film Festival.

Opening remarks by Rich Weideman, National Park Service Assistant Director for Partnerships and Civic Engagement. Discussion with filmmakers David Vassar and Sally Kaplan follows screening.

For Light and Liberty:
African Descent Spies in the War of the Rebellion

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Rachel Carson Room - 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Hari Jones, Curator at the African American Civil War Museum explores one of the best-kept secrets of the Civil War as he identifies and tracks the activities of a secret African descent organization that sought and fought to end slavery in league with the U.S. Constitution. Learn about this network established by educated Africans captured as prisoners of war and brought to the Americas, and the champions who led the organization.

Interior Museum Murals Tours

Discover the art and architecture that made the Main Interior Building a "symbol of a new day" during the Great Depression. The Interior Museum Murals Tour lasts an hour and visits photographic murals by Ansel Adams and many of the over fifty murals by artists including Maynard Dixon, Allan Houser, Gifford Beal, and John Steuart Curry. Appointments can be made by calling 202.208.4743.

Special Assistance - For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired) or inquiries regarding the accessible entrance, please notify museum staff at (202) 208-4743 in advance of the program.  Special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

The Interior Museum - U.S. Department of the Interior

Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building

1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240

For more information call Diana Ziegler (202) 208-4743

www.doi.gov/interiormuseum

NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR LIBRARY

LIBRARY TOURS AVAILABLE!

The Department of the Interior Library offers public tours of the resources, architecture, and special features of the library. Included in the tours are descriptions of legal and legislative materials on Deck 4 of the library, including the Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Code, U.S. Statutes at Large, and case reporters. Also included will be a look at the U.S. Congressional Serial Set, dating back to 1789, and the library's rare book collection. This tour will be valuable for anyone intending to do research at the DOI Library.

To schedule a tour, please contact the DOI Library at 202-208-5815 or e-mail at library@nbc.gov. The DOI Library is located at the C Street entrance in Room 1151 of the Main Interior Building and is open to the public from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).

Email Newsletter

In This Issue

What's New

Our Book Selection

In Memoriam

Reminder

News From The Interior Museum

Indian Craft Shop
Retail Hours


Open on Saturday  

March 17, 2012  
10:00AM to 4:00PM

The Indian Craft Shop is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and the third Saturday of the month from 10:00am until 4:00pm. The Shop is closed on federal holidays.

A photo ID is needed for entrance to the building. 

During weekdays, visitors may use either the C Street or E Street entrances (E Street is closer for

 Metro riders). 

Handicap access is available at E Street.

(For weekend handicap access on E Street, contact the Shop at (202) 208-4056 ahead of time, if possible.)

Public Transportation

Farragut West (Blue and Orange Line) and Farragut North (Red Line) are the closest Metro stops. It is a six-block walk, or you can ride an 80 or S1 bus to 18th and C Streets. There is metered parking on the street and several parking lots within a few blocks.

The Indian Craft Shop
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C.20240
(202) 208-4056
indiancraftshop@guestservices.com

www.indiancraftshop.com