Henrico 400th anniversary: Virginia Indian Cultural Program to feature tribal art, dance

CONTACT: Kim Sicola, Assistant Supervisor, Historic Preservation and Museum Services, Recreation and Parks
PHONE: 652-3404

Virginia Indian Cultural Program to feature tribal art, dance March 19

The history as well as the contemporary culture of the region’s earliest inhabitants will be presented through art, dance and exhibits at the Virginia Indian Cultural Program, 3-8 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road.

The Virginia Indian Cultural Program, a free event, is part of the county’s yearlong 400th anniversary commemoration. Whereas Henrico traces its beginnings to 1611 and the founding of the Citie of Henricus, Indian artifacts discovered in the county date to 6,500 B.C., indicating a native presence in the area more than 8,000 years before the first English settlers.

The program will include the exhibit “By Our Hands: Virginia Indian Cultural Arts,” featuring pottery, beadwork, leatherwork, painting and sculpture by contemporary Indian artists and artisans. The artists will demonstrate their creative processes and discuss their work with the public.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the Virginia Indian Intertribal Dance Group and Drum will tell the story of native history and culture through a performance of traditional and contemporary tribal dances. Dancers will explain the regalia they wear and the meaning of each dance. The program also will feature the photographic exhibit “Family Portraits: Virginia Indians at the Turn of the 20th Century” (this exhibit continues through May 8).

In addition, the event will offer a variety of children’s activities, including workshops on making pinch pots and corn husk dolls.

For more information about the Virginia Indian Cultural Program and other upcoming 400th anniversary commemoration events, call 501-1611 or log on to www.henrico400th.com.