The Abbe offers Smithsonian Membership
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Beading Workshop with Martha Newell
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| An example of Martha Newell's work. |
The fee for this workshop is $30 for Abbe members and $45 for non-members. Registration is required. Please contact Abbe Museum Educator, George Neptune at 288-3519 or at george@abbemuseum.org to reserve your space.
supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
as
she teaches traditional beading techniques in a modern context to
create fun, simple, and beautiful beaded creations that serve as a link
between the traditional and the contemporary. The influence of
European Colonizers affected the traditional crafts of the Wabanaki in
many ways, especially by introducing new materials into Wabanaki arts.
Beadwork is a perfect example of the Wabanaki’s everlasting ability to
adapt to their surroundings, as ancient skills mix with new materials
to create a brand new tradition. - See more at:
http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/september.html#sthash.gysNlmgb.dpuf
Abbe Receives Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities
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This is a transformative grant award that will reduce the Abbe's carbon footprint and continue to lower operating costs. The Greening the Abbe initiative kicked off during the 2012 Gathering Gala during our first paddle raise. Collecting over $30,000 in greening donations, the paddle raise made phase one improvements happen which included installation of a new control system for the humidity and temperature systems and UV film in the Circle of Four Directions windows. Efforts like this immediately resulted in lowering our energy consumption by 20%, saving about $500 per month.
The Abbe was also honored to be mentioned in a recent press release from NEH.
Teach a Child, Support a Teacher Initiative
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We wanted to share the description of this year's paddle raise initiative with you. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please contact Abbe Museum Development Director, Hannah Whalen at 288-3519 or hannah@abbemuseum.org.
From the 2013 Gathering Gala catalog:
"By raising your paddle to donate a monetary gift tonight, you will help us match nearly $170,000 in federal and private funding we’ve secured to meet the needs of Maine teachers and students as they learn about Wabanaki history, culture, and people.
Over the course of this three-year project, we need an additional $120,000 to fully match the grant. Tonight, you can help us reach our year-one match goal of $40,000 by raising your school-bus yellow paddles!
Your impact will be evident:
- Through lesson plan development and 16 free workshops and enhanced online resources, Abbe educators will lead 800 Maine school teachers through comprehensive training, relieving the teacher’s burden of this unfunded mandate, the Wabanaki Initiative (LD 291).
- Connecting with 800 teachers means a direct impact of more than 10,000 Maine students who will benefit from their teachers’ increased comfort and competence in teaching Wabanaki content.
- Ultimately all active learners in this project will benefit when stereotypes are diminished and critical thinking skills are developed, which leads to a more respectful and informed society.
Museums are education centers and it is our greatest purpose to ensure that a 21st century education in Maine includes the Wabanaki perspective and provides accurate and respectful content for classroom learning.
Your gift tonight will have a lasting impact on today’s teachers and tomorrow’s citizens.
Thank you for raising your paddle!"
In the shop!
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Come visit the Abbe Museum Shop during the month of August and, among baskets, jewelry, books and many other items, check out the "Rezbeery Jam" we are currently carrying. Made by Plansowes Dana, Passamaquoddy at Pleasant Point, the jam is absolutely delicious and will capture and carry the flavors of summer long into the winter months ahead! Flavors include blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and strawberry and the cost is $16 per jar, before tax.
Summer at the Abbe!
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| Abbe Museum Field School, a popular August event. |
A brief note - because we have so many upcoming programs and workshops, we have worked out a little system to make sure you are up-to-date on these offerings. The next few issues of eNews will highlight upcoming programs that require advance registration. These programs have been filling quickly and we want to make sure those interested have the opportunity to register. All upcoming programs will still be listed on the left sidebar of each eNews. Additionally, we will be sending out a weekly program email, listing that week's programs that are open and free to anyone wanting to drop in. We think this will help keep things clear, concise, and help keep you as informed as possible on the many opportunities to experience at the Abbe this summer.
Have a wonderful July!
Johannah
The Abbe Celebrates!
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| The Smithsonian Affiliate flag flying proudly at the Abbe! |
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| Harold Closter presenting Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Abbe President and CEO, with the Abbe's Affiliation certificate. |
"I have been blown away by the vibrancy and enduring quality of art and culture in this region."
"Through our partnership with the Abbe, we hope to reach more and more people here, especially those who cannot come to Washington, while also spreading the work of the Abbe nationally."
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| Kevin Gover |
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| Theresa Secord |
Theresa Secord: "We have so much appreciation for the Abbe for working so closely with us; the gift shop here is the largest retail seller of Wabanaki baskets in Maine."
A Wonderful Day at the Native American Festival!
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| Butch Phillips, Penobscot, performs a dance. |
Abbe Museum Park Series Returns for 2013!
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Each year this partnership allows the Abbe to extend our outreach to more people, and we are able to work with new artists. New demonstrators for 2013 include Eldon Hanning, Micmac, who in July will demonstrate how to pound brown ash logs into strips to make baskets. Eldon specializes in strong work baskets, and makes the popover baskets used by the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. His technique for pounding ash into strips is different than the technique used by Butch Jacobs, who will also demonstrate ash pounding in August. In addition, Dawna Meader-York will be making and beading moccasins, and Little Eagles Drum group is a youth drum group dedicated to teaching traditional Passamaquoddy songs to children.
Fashion Design workshop with LEON
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| Sketches of LEON's designs. |
present
on his use of historical and cultural fashions along with modern
styles to create contemporary fashions that reflect is own unique
style. Clothing is one of the more defining aspects of culture. Fashion
can represent a culture’s history, influences, and aesthetics in ways
that few other mediums can. Those in attendance will learn to look at
fashion as a valuable insight to the worlds of history and culture, and
will be encouraged to create their own designs that reflect both their
ancestral history and individual style. Attendees will learn basic
techniques in drawing for Fashion Design. This workshop is free, but
space is limited, so contact Museum Educator George Neptune to make
reservations, (207) 288-3519, ext 31 or email - See more at:
http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/august.html#sthash.nON5vER4.dpuf
present
on his use of historical and cultural fashions along with modern
styles to create contemporary fashions that reflect is own unique
style. Clothing is one of the more defining aspects of culture. Fashion
can represent a culture’s history, influences, and aesthetics in ways
that few other mediums can. Those in attendance will learn to look at
fashion as a valuable insight to the worlds of history and culture, and
will be encouraged to create their own designs that reflect both their
ancestral history and individual style. Attendees will learn basic
techniques in drawing for Fashion Design. This workshop is free, but
space is limited, so contact Museum Educator George Neptune to make
reservations, (207) 288-3519, ext 31 or email george@abbemuseum.org. - See more at: http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/august.html#sthash.nON5vER4.dpuf
present
on his use of historical and cultural fashions along with modern
styles to create contemporary fashions that reflect is own unique
style. Clothing is one of the more defining aspects of culture. Fashion
can represent a culture’s history, influences, and aesthetics in ways
that few other mediums can. Those in attendance will learn to look at
fashion as a valuable insight to the worlds of history and culture, and
will be encouraged to create their own designs that reflect both their
ancestral history and individual style. Attendees will learn basic
techniques in drawing for Fashion Design. This workshop is free, but
space is limited, so contact Museum Educator George Neptune to make
reservations, (207) 288-3519, ext 31 or email george@abbemuseum.org. - See more at: http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/august.html#sthash.nON5vER4.dpuf
present
on his use of historical and cultural fashions along with modern
styles to create contemporary fashions that reflect is own unique
style. Clothing is one of the more defining aspects of culture. Fashion
can represent a culture’s history, influences, and aesthetics in ways
that few other mediums can. Those in attendance will learn to look at
fashion as a valuable insight to the worlds of history and culture, and
will be encouraged to create their own designs that reflect both their
ancestral history and individual style. Attendees will learn basic
techniques in drawing for Fashion Design. This workshop is free, but
space is limited, so contact Museum Educator George Neptune to make
reservations, (207) 288-3519, ext 31 or email george@abbemuseum.org. - See more at: http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/august.html#sthash.nON5vER4.dpuf
Basketmaking workshop with Pam Cunningham
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| Pam leads participants in a workshop. |
Abbe Museum recipient of grant from the MetLife Foundation
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The Smithsonian Community Grant program, funded by MetLife Foundation and administered by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), is used to strengthen the connections between museums nationwide and their communities. The grants allow exhibitors to enhance current program offerings or to create a new program suited to the topic of the SITES exhibition they will be hosting. Grants up to $5,000 are awarded based on criteria that each exhibitor must meet. For more information on Smithsonian Community Grants, visit the SITES website.
"This is an excellent opportunity to encourage our exhibitors to engage their audiences in new and exciting ways," said Anna R. Cohn, SITES director. "We are pleased with this tremendous show of support from MetLife Foundation and we recognize the impact that their support will have for museums and their visitors."
Abbe Museum programming made possible in part by this grant include the panel discussion that took place on June 6 on the topic of blood quantum debates among the Wabanaki tribes and the genealogy workshop that took place on June 22, hosted by the Northeast Harbor public library. Upcoming events include the presentation on July 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm by Gabrielle Tayac (Piscataway), curator of IndiVisible and John Dennis, Micmac scholar exploring themes of displacement, adoption and citizenship throughout the histories of African-Native Americans and Acadian/Wabanaki communities. The conversation between the presenters and the audience will look at how the struggles of African-Native Americans relate to the Wabanaki tribes of Maine, and how their stories are much more similar than they may seem. Both African American and Acadian people who moved to the Americas were displaced from their homes after creating new communities here. Faced with new challenges and new realities African American and Acadians had to decide whether or not they wanted to join a foreign community, become adopted into Native American tribes, or move again. The descendants of those who were adopted into Native communities have since struggled to maintain tribal membership and identity. The presenters will share stories from diverse communities, linking the history of New England to the southeast in new and interesting ways.
Gathering Gala - Paddle Raise to support Education
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The Abbe's Annual Gathering Gala is fast approaching! This year, the event will be on July 17 at 5:00pm at the Bar Harbor Club. With both a silent and live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing, the event is a popular one, and tickets have been selling quickly! If you have not yet reserved your tickets, but plan on attending, we recommend that you do so as soon as possible. Please call Hannah Whalen, Abbe Museum Director of Development at 207-288-3519.
This year at the Gala, the paddle raise will generate money to support the Abbe's educational initiatives. Abbe Museum Educator Raney Bench explains a bit about the work the Abbe does in schools around the state:
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| Abbe Museum Educator, Raney Bench leading an activity. |
Take a moment and think back to when you were in elementary
school. What did you learn about Native
Americans? What grade were you in? Have you learned something since then that
surprises you, inspires you, or makes you question whether parts of the story
were left out? Do you ever wish you had learned
more?
Twelve years ago, the Maine legislature passed a mandate,
LD291, requiring teachers at all grade levels, kindergarten through diploma, to
include the Wabanaki – the collective
term for the four tribes in Maine, Micmac, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and
Penobscot -- in the Social Studies curriculum.
Maine is one of only a small handful of states requiring such a
comprehensive approach, yet the state has never provided funding for this
requirement. The Wabanaki tribes have
been instrumental in developing a set of essential understandings that they
want students to have studied prior to graduation and they have created
resources and teacher training opportunities; they agree that many hands make
light work and in order to successfully reach a state-wide audience, education
partners like the Abbe Museum are essential.
Recognizing
the need to support teachers, students, and the Wabanaki, the Abbe received a
grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services in 2012 to
expand our educational outreach.
Partnering with the tribes and the state Department of Education, the
Abbe is in the process of creating new multi-disciplinary lessons for students
at all grade levels. These lessons will
be available for free on-line through our website, the Department of Education,
and the tribal sites. In addition,
Curator of Education Raney Bench will coordinate 16 free teacher workshops in
every county with a goal to reach 800 teachers with these new resources. Each workshop will include networking opportunities
between teachers and Wabanaki educators and artists to encourage connections
that will last beyond the workshop.
Each year the Abbe works with thousands of students and
teachers throughout Maine, developing critical thinkers and building a more
respectful and inclusive society.
Hundreds of students visit the museum in downtown Bar Harbor each year
to explore exhibits and investigate artifacts, creating memorable experiences
that shape how they think about Native American history and culture. Teachers come too, for workshops, resources,
and support from our staff. But our
education work extends far beyond Bar Harbor.
Abbe education staff and volunteers travel throughout the state, working
with schools and teachers too distant to make a trip to Bar Harbor. Our artifacts travel, reaching children from
Cumberland to Aroostook.
Abbe educational programs are transformative. Students and teachers are moved by what they
experience through the Abbe Museum.
By raising your paddle the night of the Gala, you will help
us match nearly $170,000 in federal and private funding we’ve secured to meet
the needs of Maine teachers and students as they learn about Wabanaki history,
culture, and people. Over the course of
this three-year project, we need an additional $120,000 to fully match the
grant. You can help us reach our year-one match goal of $30,000 by
raising your school-bus yellow paddles!
- Through lesson plan development and 16 free workshops and enhanced online resources, Abbe educators will lead 800 Maine school teachers through comprehensive training, relieving the teacher’s burden of this unfunded mandate, the Wabanaki Initiative (LD 291).
- Connecting with 800 teachers means a direct impact of more than 10,000 Maine students who will benefit from their teachers’ increased comfort and competence in teaching Wabanaki content.
- Ultimately all active learners in this project will benefit when stereotypes are diminished and critical thinking skills are developed, which leads to a more respectful and informed society.
Museums are education centers and it is our greatest purpose to ensure
that a 21st century education in Maine includes the Wabanaki perspective and provides
accurate and respectful content for classroom learning. Your gift tonight will have a lasting impact
on today’s teachers and tomorrow’s citizens.
Canoe Building at the Abbe Museum
/David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy,
works on a canoe.
For the first time in almost 100 years, a birchbark canoe will be built on Mount Desert Island! From August 12 - September 6, 2013, master canoe builders David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy, and Steve Cayard will spend almost a month at the Abbe building a 16 foot traditional bark canoe, joined by Passamaquoddy apprentice Tobias Gabriel Francis. Visitors to the Abbe will be able to watch the process of building the frame, shaping the bark, bending and placing the ribs, and lashing it all together with roots from the spruce tree. Using primarily hand tools, the canoe will be made almost entirely of traditionally available materials and etched with traditional Passamaquoddy designs.
David Moses Bridges works on a canoe.
Building birchbark canoes is a skill that was nearly lost in Maine. For over a decade, David and Steve have worked together to revitalize this art form, and have taught others in Wabanaki communities how to make the boats as well. Visitors will be able to ask questions about the tradition of canoe making in Maine, the process of revitalizing this skill, how the materials were gathered and prepared, and learn more about the important role these boats play in Wabanaki history and identity. This program is offered in connection with Wabanaki Guides, an exhibit that chronicles the history of guiding visitors to Maine from the time of European contact to present, and features two birchbark canoes. Free with museum admission, this canoe build program is made possible by a gift from Donna and David Reis.
For the first time in almost 100 years, a birchbark canoe will be built on Mount Desert Island! Master canoe builders David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy, and Steve Cayard will spend almost a month at the Abbe building a 16 foot traditional bark canoe, joined by Passamaquoddy apprentice Tobias Gabriel Francis. Visitors to the Abbe will be able to watch the process of building the frame, shaping the bark, bending and placing the ribs, and lashing it all together with roots from the spruce tree. Using primarily hand tools, the canoe will be made almost entirely of traditionally available materials and etched with traditional Passamaquoddy designs - See more at: http://www.abbemuseum.org/calendar/august.html#sthash.tLwCoT1l.dpuf
A Birchbark Canoe for the Gathering Gala
/The Abbe Museum's annual Gathering Gala, on July 17 this year, is not-to-be-missed, with a silent and live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing, all in the beautiful surroundings of the Bar Harbor Club. The auctions are always filled with fine art and exciting experiences. Of note, this year, we are featuring a birchbark canoe, constructed by David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy, and Steve Cayard especially for this benefit auction. They have built a number of birchbark canoes together over the years. The process of making this 16' canoe began this spring. David and Steve harvested the birchbark and other materials by hand, and then carefully pieced the canoe together. The sides of the canoe are artfully decorated with beautiful etchings depicting stars and the traditional double curves. The canoe will be on display in the Abbe over the upcoming weeks, leading up to the Gala, before making its way to its ultimate home after the auction.
Images of the canoe in process:
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| David & Steve harvesting birchback for the canoe. |
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| David works on the canoe's etchings. |
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The canoe sits in its shavings. |
The Gala starts at 5:00 pm with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and a live auction. After dinner, stay and dance to live music by the Shane Ellis Band with Big Dee.
Tickets are $150 each and include the entire evening with dinner choices of filet mignon, crab-stuffed haddock or carnival squash. Please call the Abbe Museum to make your reservation at
207-288-3519 or email hannah@abbemuseum.org.
We hope to see you this year at the Gathering Gala! The silent and live auctions will feature original artwork from over 50 artists. A paddle raise during the live auction will support a matching grant for Abbe education programs statewide. You can find this year's gala auction items currently on display in the museum's Davis Gallery and online.
Controvery Surrounding Disney's "The Lone Ranger"
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From Abbe Museum Educator, George Neptune:
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| Johnny Depp as "Tonto" |
"The Lone Ranger
and Johnny Depp's portrayal of the character 'Tonto' has sparked lots
of controversial discussions throughout Indian Country in recent
months. While Depp's intent was to break away from the
stereotypical 'Hollywood Indian,' many would argue that the impact
his portrayal will have will ultimately cause more harm than good."
Read about the controversy in the following articles:
Johnny Depp as Tonto: I'm still not feeling "honored"Armie Hammer Apparently Talked to Some Natives Who Love Lone Ranger
Disney's Tonto Offensive to Some in Upcoming "Lone Ranger" Film
Disney Will Donate Revenue From "Lone Ranger"Premiere to American Indian College Fund
Disney Store Offers Tonto Halloween Costume
Farewell Astra!
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| Astra at the Gathering Gala, photo by Rogier van Bakel |
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| Astra and Lou's boat, the Evelyn |
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| We will miss you, Astra! |
20th Annual Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market
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On July 6 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm the
annual Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market will celebrate twenty years of a collaborative partnership
between the Abbe Museum, the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance (MIBA) and the
College of the Atlantic (COA). The festival itself began in 1989 at the Abbe
and moved around to several locations in town before settling at COA. The new
location on the ocean-front grounds of the college allowed the Festival to grow,
with ample space for vendors and parking for many more guests.
The Festival, which is free and open to the
public, combines the art and craft market with music, dancing, and
demonstrations. The featured attraction
is, unquestionably, the market which features basketmakers, representing all
four tribes in Maine, the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot,
collectively known as the Wabanaki.
Among this group are nationally renowned contemporary and traditional
basket makers who travel to Bar Harbor to sell their work – drawing collectors
from across the country.
Artists selling high
quality baskets made from ash and sweetgrass, birch bark, and other traditional
materials, as well as jewelry, musical instruments, and other crafts, gather to
share their traditions, history, and culture with visitors. Demonstrations include dancing, drumming,
flute playing, and basketmaking, as well as ash pounding.
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| Girls dancing at the festival, photo by Anna Travers |
Parking and public
transportation are available, and the grounds of the College of the Atlantic
are handicap accessible. Visitors are
encouraged to use the Island Explorer bus system which stops at COA. In addition to the festival activities, this
year a silent auction will feature works from Wabanaki artists. Proceeds support the non-profit teaching and
apprenticeship programs of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. The festival is cosponsored by Art Works and the Bangor Daily News. We look forward to meeting you there!
A busy time at the Abbe - lots to see and do!
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|
Jimi Hendrix, The
Royal Albert Hall, London, February 18, 1969.
Photo by Graham F.
Page, courtesy Experience Music Project
and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of
Fame.
Part of the IndiVisible exhibit. |
Whether it is at the Native American Festival, the Gathering Gala, an upcoming workshop or performance, or in one of our exhibits, we hope to see you this summer at the Abbe!
Writing about Family History Workshop
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On Tuesday, July 9 from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm join Christina Baker Kline, author of the NY Times bestseller Orphan Train for a unique opportunity to lean about the process of delving into family history through writing."The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words," the writer William Gass once said. This two and a half hour workshop is about changing your own world—stories you grew up with, family stories that link to larger historical moments, your personal experiences—into words on the page. Maybe you've kept a private journal and dream of shaping it into a memoir. Maybe you have an idea for a short story or a novel based on events in your past. Or maybe you want to write about your family history and don't yet know the form. Whether you're at the idea stage or further along, this workshop will arm you with inspiration, strategies, guidance, and prompts for writing as you begin the process of transforming your family stories into resonant, evocative prose.
This workshop is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Please contact Curator of Education, Raney Bench, to register: raney@abbemuseum.org or 207-288-3519.
