Please join us from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 for our “Second Thursday at the Museum” event series at the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center!

Our featured speaker this month is Santa Ynez Chumash Community Member and traditional basket weaver, Lisa Valencia.

The third great-granddaughter of beloved Chumash elder Maria Solares, Lisa lives on the Santa Ynez Reservation where she has nurtured a lifelong connection with the cultural knowledge of her tribe. She is a Chumash singer and dancer, as well as an avid volunteer -serving on both the museum’s Board of Directors and on the tribe’s annual Powwow Committee. Lisa can also be found greeting museum visitors and sharing historical and cultural insights as one of our ‘alaspaxan (teacher) volunteers.

One of the most remarkable roles Lisa plays for our tribal community today is that of basket weaving teacher. Working with master basket weaver Abe Sanchez under the stewardship of the tribe’s Cultural Department, Lisa was one of three original students to study the traditional practice of weaving, alongside Mercy Weller and Susanne Hammel-Sawyer. It was the dedication of these remarkable women that helped bring the ancient practice back to Santa Ynez, ensuring that this vital artistry is alive and well for future generations of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Lisa will be sharing an in-depth look at traditional Chumash basketry practices.

SCHEDULE:
5:00 – 5:30 Guest Arrival;
5:30 – 6:30 Lecture and Q&A;
6:30 – 8:00 Reception

Attendees will also be able to enjoy free museum admission to the Permanent Exhibit, Temporary Exhibit, and Cultural Park. (Audio tours can be added to your experience for $10 per person.)

Admission is FREE, and no reservation is required. We hope to see you there!

Next month, Sept. 10th, Featured Speaker is Author and Filmmaker Gary Robinson - more info is on the museum website events page.

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, Santa Ynez