Subject to change. Call to confirm. Updated 3/5/15
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West
Calendar of Events and Educational Programming
On Exhibit through May 10, 2015
Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West
Hosted by the Museum and organized by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas, this
exhibit features more than 100 works focusing on women in the late 19th century through the present as
seen through the talents of multiple artists. The works honor women who stood bravely through a myriad
of difficulties, tragedies and losses to help build this nation.
March
Through March 23, 2015
Modern Madonna of the Prairie Photography Contest
The Museum is accepting submissions for the Modern Madonna of the Prairie Photography Contest. The
theme, Modern Madonna of the Prairie, is open to individual interpretation. Examples of subjects are
cowgirls, educators, colleagues, businesswomen, friends and relatives. For complete rules, see the
Museum website at www.nationalcowboymuseum.org. Submissions must be postmarked by March 23.
Through April 6, 2015
Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West Poetry Contest
Students are invited to participate in a poetry contest inspired by the exhibition “Madonnas of the Prairie:
Depictions of Women in the American West.” After viewing the exhibition students choose an image that
inspires them to write. Students in grades 5-12 may submit one poem, no more than 25 lines, in any form
(rhyme, free verse, etc.) Winning poetry will be displayed near the works of art which inspired them. For
complete rules, see the Museum website at www.nationalcowboymuseum.org. Entries must be
postmarked by April 6, 2015.
Through May 5, 2015 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday Tour
Every Tuesday through May 5, the Museum hosts a gallery tour to coincide with the exhibition
“Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West.” These gallery tours begin at 2:00
p.m. and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours meet at Canyon Princess (the marble cougar in
the west hallway) and proceed into the gallery. Free with Museum admission.
February 7, 2015
10:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Saturdays for Kids — Mixed Media Journals
Local artist Kiona Millirons will guide children through the art of collage and mixed media as they adorn
the cover of their own journal. Students will have access to a variety of art papers and found objects to
personalize their journals, encouraging them to have a special place to draw and write. All supplies are
furnished. Space limited; reservations requested by noon on February 6; call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 277.
Free for children and families.
February 12 4:30-8:00 p.m.
Madonnas of the West Preview Reception
The Museum opens an impressive exhibition featuring women in the late 19th century to the present as
depicted by multiple artists. Organized by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas,
“Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West” is supplemented by the National
Cowboy Museum collection. The reception is free to the public and includes a gallery talk with curator
Michael Grauer and Bonney MacDonald, Ph.D., from 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Subject to change. Call to confirm. Updated 3/5/15
February 21, 2015
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fascinator Hat Making
Learn millinery basics by creating a fascinator, a petite version of a hat. Create yours on a headband, clip
or hair comb. Instructor is Marna Davis of Hitchcock, Okla. Some sewing experience is helpful. For ages
14 and up. Tuition is $35 with all supplies provided. Advance reservations required; call (405) 478-2250,
Ext. 277.
March 7, 2015 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Saturday for Kids — Corn Husk Dolls
Corn husk dolls have been around for centuries. Early settlers adopted the Native American tradition of
making little dolls from materials at hand, including husks. They are simple to make and reminiscent of
times past. Create a traditional hand-crafted toy for both boys and girls. All supplies are furnished. Free
for children and families. Reservations requested by noon on March 6; call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 264.
March 12, 2015
Noon-1:00 p.m.
Brown Bag Program: Tamale-Making with Michael Martinez
Join Michael Martinez as he provides do-it-yourself instructions on how to create tamales. See the
ingredients and learn the steps involved. No admission required.
March 14, 2015
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Madonna & Me Tea
Celebrate the special women in your life at the Madonna & Me Tea, planned in conjunction with the
temporary exhibition “Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West.” Enjoy tea,
finger sandwiches and dessert followed by a living history presentation from a Harvey Girl impersonator.
Museum admission included. Museum Members $15; nonmembers $20; and children 15 and under $10.
Limited seating; reservations required by noon, March 13; call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 277.
March 16, 2015
Children’s Activity: Coil Pots
It’s spring break for Oklahoma schools. Youth visiting the Museum are invited to create their own coil
pot using modeling clay (while supplies last). Free with Museum admission.
March 16, 2015
10:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Spring Break Activity: Demonstrating Pottery Artist Jane Osti
Pottery artist Jane Osti’s work is about preserving and promoting Cherokee pottery and culture. See her
instruct about her work and the clay vessels used by Cherokees for thousands of years.
March 16, 2015
12:15 p.m.
Museum Brown Bag Lunch with Jane Osti
Bring your lunch or purchase one at the Museum restaurant, Dining on Persimmon Hill, and enjoy a
lunch-and-learn session presented by Cherokee pottery artist Jane Osti. The slide show presentation and
discussion will be held in the S.B. “Burk” Burnett Board Room and last 30 minutes. No Museum
admission required.
March 17, 2015
Children’s Activity: Paper Pottery Model
Youth and adults visiting the Museum are invited to create and decorate their own pottery model using a
paper kit (while supplies last). Free with Museum admission.
Subject to change. Call to confirm. Updated 3/5/15
March 17, 2015
10:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Spring Break Activity: Demonstrating Pottery Artist Jane Osti
Pottery artist Jane Osti’s work is about preserving and promoting Cherokee pottery and culture. See her
instruct about her work and the clay vessels used by Cherokees for thousands of years.
March 17, 2015
12:15 p.m.
Museum Brown Bag Lunch with Jane Osti
Bring your lunch or purchase one at the Museum restaurant, Dining on Persimmon Hill, and enjoy a
lunch-and-learn session presented by Cherokee pottery artist Jane Osti. The slide show presentation and
discussion will be held in the S.B. “Burk” Burnett Board Room and last 30 minutes. No Museum
admission required.
March 18, 2015
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Educators’ Free Day
It’s spring break in Oklahoma, and educators can kick up their heels with a visit to the National Cowboy
& Western Heritage Museum. Educators enjoy free admission all day. Present school I.D.
March 18, 2015
Children’s Activity: Tissue Paper Flowers
It’s spring break for Oklahoma schools. Youth visiting the Museum are invited to create flowers using
tissue paper (while supplies last). Free with Museum admission.
March 18, 2015
10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Spring Break Entertainment: Yumare Mexican Folkloric Dancers Inc.
Enjoy the flavor of Mexican culture through performances by this Oklahoma City-based nonprofit.
Yumare Mexican Folkloric Dancers entertain and educate about the history, art, culture and music of
traditional and regional dances of Mexico. The dancers range in age from 5 to 40.
March 19, 2015
Children’s Activity: Yarn Dolls
It’s spring break for Oklahoma schools. Youth visiting the Museum are invited to create yarn dolls (while
supplies last). Free with Museum admission.
March 19, 2015
Evening Program Speaker, 6:30 p.m.
“Same Traditions, New Reasons: Experiences of Native American Women in Wild West Shows”
Federal Indian policy motivated many Native American families to join Wild West shows. The white
organizers and the Native performers depicted conflicting stereotypes of Native America, and popular
figures such as Viola Shaw and Princess Wenona can tell much about how audiences in the eastern
United States perceived Native American women. Presenter Alyce Vigil from Pawnee, Okla., is pursuing
her doctoral degree in history of the American West and public history at Oklahoma State University. She
will share her love and knowledge of women in the Wild West.
March 20, 2015
10:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Spring Break Activity: Demonstrating Basketry Artist Sue Fish
Sue Fish is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and also of Choctaw descent. She has enjoyed Native
American basket weaving as a hobby for more than 25 years and shares her passion for preserving tribal
languages, culture and river cane basketry.
Subject to change. Call to confirm. Updated 3/5/15
March 20, 2015
Children’s Activity: Paper Basket
It’s spring break for Oklahoma schools. Youth visiting the Museum are invited to create a simple paper
basket (while supplies last). Free with Museum admission.
March 24, 2015
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Symposium
Madonnas of the Prairie: Women’s Presence & Imagery in the American West
In conjunction with the temporary exhibition “Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the
American West,” the Museum presents a symposium providing more depth on the topic. Nationally
recognized speakers include Mary Jo Watson, professor of Native American art at the University of
Oklahoma; Glenda Riley, Alexander M. Bracken professor emeritus of history at Ball State University;
and artist Donna Howell-Sickles. Registration is $10 and includes lunch. Reservations can be made online
at store.nationalcowboymuseum.org or by calling (405) 478-2250, Ext. 277.
March 30-April 24, 2015
Modern Madonna of the Prairie Photography Contest Exhibition
Enjoy entries into the Museum’s photography contest in conjunction with the temporary exhibition
“Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West.” Museum patrons can cast a vote
for their favorites, and the winners will be announced April 27. Contest includes three divisions for ages
11 and up.
April
April 2, 2015 Noon- 1:00 p.m.
Museum Brown Bag Lunch: Madonnas with Quilts on the Prairie
Bring your lunch or purchase one at the Museum restaurant, Dining on Persimmon Hill, and enjoy a
lunch-and-learn session presented by Judy Howard, who will exhibit cherished quilts and share their
stories. Examples range from circa 1850 wedding quilts brought by covered wagon into Indian Territory
to those crafted during the Depression era. Held in the S.B. “Burk” Burnett Board Room. No Museum
admission required.
April 4, 2015
Saturdays for Kids — Four-Patch Quilt Block, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
The scrap bag was important to every pioneer family as remnant fabrics were not simply thrown away.
Children often learned to sew by piecing together small quilts from the bits in the bag. Marna Davis will
instruct how to create a hand-pieced, basic four-patch quilt block. All supplies are furnished. Reservations
requested by noon on April 3; call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 264. Free for children and families.
April 7, 2015 6:30 p.m.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Speaker Series—“Gender and Cultural
Representations in the American West”
In conjunction with the temporary exhibition “Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the
American West,” the Museum offers this special presentation. Patricia Loughlin, Ph.D., professor of
history and department chair of history and geography at the University of Central Oklahoma will
conduct the presentation.
April 28, 2015 Noon-1:00 p.m.
Brown Bag Program—Lasting Letters
Handwritten letters are more than just communication. They are something tangible to hold and
mementos that can be re-read as treasures from the past. Without letters, journals and diaries, past times
Subject to change. Call to confirm. Updated 3/5/15
and people would be unknown — especially pioneer women. Luann Sewell Waters, state coordinator of
the Oklahoma Leopold Education Project, will delve into letters and what they mean.
May
May 2, 2015 11:00 a.m.
Author Talk and Book Signing with Dorothy Wickenden
Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West
The temporary exhibition “Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American West” is the
perfect backdrop to read and discover this New York Times Best Seller. Written by Dorothy Wickenden,
executive editor of The New Yorker, it is an enlightening saga about her intrepid grandmother and friend.