Public invited to presentations in February and March on history, culture and art

INDIANAPOLIS – The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art kicks off its yearlong celebration Honoring Women and its observance of Black History Month by presenting some important lectures by authors who are women of color.

 Honoring Women is the museum’s larger artistic and programmatic theme throughout 2020 to mark the 100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage. All three public lectures by the distinguished speakers will take place in the Eiteljorg’s Clowes Sculpture Court, and are included with regular museum admission: 

Candacy Taylor

• 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15: Candacy Taylor presentation
  Award-winning author and cultural documentarian Candacy Taylor is author of Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America. Her lecture focuses on The Green Book, which in the pre-civil rights era was the essential travel guide for African-American travelers seeking lodging, businesses and gas stations that would serve them along the road. A book signing of Overground Railroad will follow the lecture. Taylor’s presentation, part of the Leon Jett Memorial Lecture series, is sponsored by the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).

Shonda Buchanan

• 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29: Shonda Buchanan presentation

Poet and educator Shonda Buchanan will present a reading of and lecture about her new memoir, Black Indian, and her family’s legacy of being African-American with Native American roots. A book signing will follow.

Looking ahead to March, the Eiteljorg as part of the Honoring Women theme is opening a new exhibition March 7, Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories, with special events taking place March 21:

Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi

• 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21: Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi presentation

Artist, author and historian Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi is founder of the Women of Color Quilters Network and is recognized as one of the nation’s most creative textile artists. She has produced an awe-inspiring body of work, much of it containing references to African-American life and history. Dr. Mazloomi’s lecture is titled How We Got Over: The Role of Storytelling in African-American-Made Quilts. A book signing will follow.

Immediately following Dr. Mazloomi’s presentation March 21, Eiteljorg visitors can enjoy a curator-led gallery tour of the new exhibition, Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories, at 2:30 p.m. An exhibition opening party takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 and requires reservations; contact 317.275.1360 for details.

Additional art exhibitions, programs, presentations, concerts and films will take place at the Eiteljorg Museum throughout 2020 under the theme of Honoring Women. Check www.eiteljorg.org for details, dates and times. Honoring Women is sponsored by Chase Private Client, Ice Miller, Citizens Energy Group, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Arts Council of Indianapolis.

About the Eiteljorg Museum
A cultural pillar for more than 30 years in downtown Indianapolis’ scenic White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the Indigenous peoples of North America by telling amazing stories. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg was named one of the USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Indiana Attractions.

Photo credits
Attached are file photographs of the three speakers:
Photo of Candacy Taylor is courtesy of the author.
Photo of Shonda Buchanan is courtesy of Wayne State University Press
Photo of Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi is courtesy of the author.

Media Contacts
Bryan Corbin
Public Relations Manager
317.275.1315
bcorbin@eiteljorg.com

Bert Beiswanger
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.275.1317
bbeiswanger@eiteljorg.com

Hyacinth Rucker
Digital Communications Manager
317.275.1388
hrucker@eiteljorg.com