Media contact: Andy Bingle, Interpretive Programs Manager, 608-356-9462 ext. 108
Baraboo, WI – Representatives of the Ho-Chunk Experience – Wasira Native Dance Show will perform on Sunday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., for the International Crane Foundation’s Cranes and Culture Art Series.
Wasira features drummers, singers and dancers in traditional regalia. This cultural dance show helps to connect past to present through traditional dance. Two members of this group will be on hand July 8 to entertain guests with dancing and storytelling. They will answer questions about Native American culture and will speak about cultural history topics.
Guests can enjoy more Native American culture July 6 to 8 at the Wisconsin Dells Neesh La Pow Wow at E10793 E. Reedsburg Road in Baraboo, close to the International Crane Foundation. The pow wow features drumming, singing and dancing contests, runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is free.
This program is the fourth in the series of complimentary monthly workshops led by local and regional artists. Each month the International Crane Foundation features a different local artist who will showcase their work – everything from photography to painting and dance. The artists present educational workshops to inspire visitors to express themselves artistically, explore cultural connections and teach participants how art can protect our natural world.
The Cranes and Culture Art Series is a free event. Visitors will not have to pay admission fees to see the performers. The art series is accessible to everyone interested in learning more about cranes and art. The Cranes and Culture Art Series will highlight the work of eight gifted artists in the community:
• April 21 – Fiber Artist Sharon Nicholas of Dodgeville, Wis.
• May 5 – Photographer Stan Tekiela of Minneapolis, Minn.
• June 16 – Artist Kim Russell of Spring Green, Wis.
• July 8 – Ho-Chunk Experience – Wasira Native Dance Show of Baraboo, Wis.
• Aug. 11 – Painter Janet Flynn of Reedsburg, Wis.
• Sept. 15 – Graphic Designer Amie Van Susteren of Lone Rock, Wis.
• Oct. 6 – Painter Ellen McGaughey of Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
During the event, artists share a presentation, host a workshop and give a demonstration of their work. They will share their creative process, their artistic and cultural inspiration related to cranes and water, and their relationship with the natural world.
After the performance, community members can meet the performers, ask questions and most importantly, make art to take home. Visitors will learn the cultural relevance of the projects and how they relate to cranes and wetland conservation.
This project is funded in part, by Jodi K. Kingdon and Henry S. Kingdon, M.D., Ph.D. and a grant from the Sauk County UW-Extension, Arts & Culture Committee and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
Following Sunday’s free event, visitors are encouraged to explore the International Crane Foundation site, including naturalist-guided tours at 1 and 3:00 p.m.
Plan your visit to the International Crane Foundation
Open daily April 15 to October 31
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
E11376 Shady Lane Road
Located between Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells
For more information please visit savingcranes.org or call 608-356-9462 ext. 121.
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The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes
and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend.