Educating Artisan

A CELEBRATION OF THE GREEN CORN MOON

WILL FEATURE AMERICAN INDIAN

STORIES, INFORMATION, DOLL MAKING AND MUSIC

ON AUGUST 16, 2014, 3 P.M. TO 5 P.M.

THE GALLERY TOWER, 636 S. MAIN, GRAPEVINE -- FREE

Grapevine, TX, July 21, 2014 --- "The Evolving Universe," a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, on display at Grapevine's Tower Gallery, 636 S. Main St., July 25 - September 30, 2014, will include a special look at the lunar cycles and the full moon in August called the “Green Corn Moon” by many American Indian tribes. Sallie Cotter Andrews, citizen of the Wyandotte Nation, will tell about the Wyandotte/Huron Green Corn celebration,traditional stories and history during a program on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. The Bear Claw singers, citizens of theComanche/Kiowa/Apache nations who comprise thenationally-known drum group, will perform songs with thedrum that are the physical expression of the Earth's good heart and theirs. Grapevine resident Mary Margaret Red Fox Emery, granddaughter of Chief William Red Fox (Oglala Sioux), will tell about her grandfather’s long life and his experience with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show.

“We invite everyone to come hear wonderful music,learn about the famous Red Fox family, learn some Indian language, sing a thanksgiving song, make a corn husk doll, hear traditional American Indian stories about the Corn Boy, the Turtle’s back and more. This will be a great event for the whole family,” says Andrews. Andrews served on the Cultural and Historical Committee of the Wyandotte Nation based in northeastern Oklahoma for 25 years. She is a past Pow Wow honoree and is one of theleaders in the Wandat Yanọhšetsih (traditional longhouse).

Based in Dallas, the members of the Bear Claw Drum Group have been performing for more than 12 years, while also being active Indian community leaders . Those close to Bear Claw are familiar with the hours of practice and dedication that go into all their work. In keeping with their traditional values, Bear Claw knows that their singing is a powerful gift from God and are most truly at home when drumming and singing. They always respect the drum's living spirit and provide an offering of special tobacco and prayers for the drum and to the Creator before they begin, asking for His help to spread healing, love and blessings to others. They never allow anything but good thoughts and feelings inside their circle.

“The drum is like the heartbeat of our people," said Sonny Blackbear, head singer of the Bear Claw drum group from Dallas. "This drum is a blessing to our people. We treat it with respect when we sit around this drum. The longer you sing with [the drum] and the more powwows you go to and the more dances you go to, the more medicine - blessings - come with the drum," said SonnyBlackbear. “This is a very old drum. We call it 'Grandpa.' The drum beat tempo mimics a heart beat. For slower songs, the beat is steady. For fancy war songs, the beat races like a warrior in battle. After sitting around this drum, we become brothers at this drum. We all become in sync with each other. Over the years, we become real tight with each other. Now, when we swing our stick, it sounds like one stick. When we sing with our voices, it sounds like one voice," says Blackbear. Bear Claw has performed in Grapevine during past Main Street Days festivals and on other occasions.

“The Green Corn celebration, called ‘Komaskwema’a’ in the Wyandotte language, is a time of giving thanks to the Creator for all our blessings. It is also a time when babies and others are named and friendships are renewed. Dancing, eating and camping together create a family-reunion type atmosphere that, for us in the traditional longhouse, are the best two days of the entire year,” says Andrews. “We want to share that good feeling in Grapevine at this gathering,” she says.

For more information about the free Green Corn Moon program, "The Evolving Universe," a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, the Bear Claw Singers, or any of the attractions and events in Grapevine, please contact Leigh Lyons at 817-410-3185, or visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com.