Heritage Artisans Week in New Harmony

News Release: From: Historic New Harmony 23rd ANNUAL HERITAGE ARTISANS WEEK APRIL 21-26 Celebrate New Harmony’s history with shopping, artisan demonstrations, music and oxen NEW HARMONY, IN (March 25, 2008) –This week-long celebration of 19th century arts, crafts, and industry will begin April 21, on the grounds of the Atheneum/Visitors Center in historic New Harmony, with the support of the West Side Nut Club. This event offers something to please all ages and is perfect for entire families, clubs, groups or friends just getting together. Heritage Artisans Week focuses on New Harmony’s rich historical traditions, while featuring 19th century demonstrations by accomplished regional artisans in costume. Some of the returning demonstrations include spinning/ weaving, bookbinding, soap making, cordwaining (shoe making), beekeeping, woodworking, rug making, and traditional Native American life and food. Tinsmithing is a new demonstration to Heritage Artisans Week this year. Retired Industrial Arts teacher from Wabash High School, Jeff Goris, will be showcasing the art of tinsmithing. While in New Harmony, he plans to make tin candleholders and lanterns. “All that shiny tin and the steady tap-tap of the mallet naturally invite curiosity. Visitors are intrigued how a Tinsmith can turn a piece of flat metal into a three dimensional object,” said Goris. Gerry Barker of Frontier Resources will be providing several programs involving oxen and will include visitors in the demonstrations. “The Wagoner’s Lad” is a program that re-enacts how to drive a wagon two hundred years ago and he will request the help of a volunteer to assist with driving. “Logging with Oxen” is a program that will allow volunteers to test their skills at collecting and transporting logs with the help of oxen. The Red Bank Reunion Band will play music from the 19th century during the mornings. They will dress in authentic costumes and discuss the music and their instruments. There will also be a demonstration featuring music played by the scheitholt and dulcimer, which are instruments that were originally part of the Southern Appalachian culture. For those looking for a unique shopping experience, Heritage Artisans Week offers items that have historical significance that also fit a modern lifestyle. Some items being sold include a wide selection of labyrinth items, as well as treenware and local pottery. Rain or shine, craft demonstrations will take place Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Atheneum/Visitors Center, located at the corner of North and Arthur Streets in New Harmony. Group discounts can be arranged in advance for any day throughout the week. Entire families can attend for a single price of $25. Contact Jan Kahle at jkahle@usi.edu or 812-682-4488 for more information or registration.