CWU’s Museum of Culture & Environment Offers an Event-Full May

Displays and exhibitions exploring Peruvian dance and guitar, Latinx pioneers, and the art of yarning fill out the schedule during the month of May at Central Washington University’s Museum of Culture & Environment.

On May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., learn about native Peruvian dance during an interactive workshop with Fabiola Serra, lifelong dancer and director of Ellensburg dance group TusuyPeru! Try out Peruvian dance techniques while also exploring the cultural roots of these dances. Show off your dance skills, learn something new, or just spend time with family and friends.

There is a $10 suggested donation for the dance workshop, with all proceeds going to “Kids at the Crossroads Peru,” an organization that works to end poverty in Peru.

The following Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m., the MCE hosts “Triunfar: Moving Forward.” This will conclude the MCE’s Window on Central series, Being the First: Latinx Pioneers in Public Service, for 2018–2019.

Throughout the year, student researchers involved in this project have interviewed a diverse group of Latinx leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest, including entrepreneurs, journalists, and public servants. Along the way, they expanded their research into a new project, “Triunfar,” which means to not only succeed in an endeavor, but to triumph!

Join the MCE and the “Triunfar” students for food and conversation, while considering both the challenges and triumphs shared by interviewees. Topics will include: What is the future for Latinx communities at CWU and beyond? And how do the Triunfar students envision the legacy of their research for future generations at CWU?

Join the MCE again on May 23 at 5:30 p.m. for Peruvian Guitar with John Paul Shields. This will be a musical expedition of Peruvian guitar as he plays and provides some cultural background. Shields spent 2 1/2 years in Peru studying guitar, including a year’s study with the late virtuoso Raúl García Zárate, who was listed as one of the top 15 cultural contributors to Latin America.

Finally, wrap up spring quarter with the Spin-in @ the Museum event on June 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Yarn spinners and non-spinners are invited to attend.

The Spin-in will help participants learn how to make yarn. The museum will provide materials and teach the basics. Those who already know how to spin can bring your own spindles, spinning wheels, and join the MCE for an afternoon of fiber-y fun.

All events are free and open to the public, though there is the $10 suggested donation for the May 11 dance workshop.

For more information contact the MCE at Museum@cwu.edu or (509) 963-2313. The MCE is located at 1200 Wildcat Way in Ellensburg and parking is free on Saturdays. You can also view the MCE’s website, www.cwu.edu/museum or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CWUmuseum.

Media contact: Dawn Alford, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-1484, Dawn.Alford@cwu.edu.