Performances...Demonstrations...Hands-on Opportunities
Enjoy captivating performances, fascinating demonstrations, and extraordinary hands-on experiences for all ages.* This event is one of four Cultural Arts Days weekends designed to give you a taste of the cultural creativity which was on display in this region nearly 200 years ago.
Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a whole day of exploring the sights and sounds of traditional French-Métis creative arts.
*Recommended for ages 5 through adult.
Saturday, July 22, 2023 | 10 am to 4 pm
General Admission is FREE
thanks to support from the Chipstone Foundation, Kohler Foundation, & Myrtle Fund (Wm. O'Connor & Krista Roys)
Live Métis Step Dancing Performance
By
of
The Step Collective &
The Bad Neighbors Rhythm Project
Tentatively 11:00 am
Of Red River Métis / Quebecois ancestry herself, Danielle is a master dancer, fiddler, and enthochoreologist (dance anthropologist). We are excited to have her with us to share her Métis voice and perspective, her expertise on the cultural context of Métis dance, and her dynamic step dancing.
Live French-Métis Fiddling Performance
By
2:00 pm
A Minnesota native with French-Canadian roots, Pierre is a singer, songwriter, musician, playwright, performer, teaching artist, and Artistic Director of the North Star Theater Company.
Interact with Author
Learn about the fascinating lives of French Voyageurs through the paintings of Frances Anne Hopkins (1838-1919) and others. Mary Ellen is a scholar on the topic, having recently published the book Frances Anne Hopkins: Hudson's Bay Company Wife, Voyageurs' Artist.
French Canadian Fiddle Workshop for Beginners
Ages 5 through Adult
Free
Workshop #1: 12:00 to12:30
Workshop #2: 12:30 to 1:00
If you've ever wanted to learn how to play the fiddle, now's your chance! Pierre Pleau will teach you the basics of French Canadian fiddling. Student size fiddles will be provided. Note: Spaces for these workshops are limited. Please pre-register for your time slot.
Try Playing a Fiddle: Drop-in Station
Ages 5 through Adult
Free
1:00 to 1:30
Stop in at Pierre Pleau's station for a 2-5 minute-per-person lesson on how to play a fiddle. Student size fiddles will be provided.
Canadien / Métis Cultural Clothing
Learn about traditional styles, adaptation and blending of European and Native clothing and adornment, as well as the meaning behind the cultural art of adornment with the Isaac Walters family. Enjoy their fascinating demonstrations (details coming soon).
Try It Yourself: Métis Finger Weaving
Try your own hand at Métis finger weaving—an art with deep Indigenous roots amalgamated with French-Canadian materials and traditions.
...and more!
There is more in the works! Keep an eye here for details about additional French, Métis, and Voyageur cultural creative arts demonstrations and hands-on experiences.
