Bronx Zoo Hosts Ten Days of Arts Workshops in Collaboration with the Museum for African Art at Dancing Crane Plaza
 

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Bronx Zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, the Wildlife Conservation Society – the zoo’s parent organization – is hosting ten days of craft-making workshops in collaboration with the Museum for African Art.

The workshops, which will take place at the Bronx Zoo’s Dancing Crane Plaza, are based on artistic traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the Democratic Republic of the Congo from teaching artists while participating in the arts of mask making, basket making, gourd adornment and beading.  These programs will inspire children and their families, through the art that they create and the knowledge they gain in the process.

Workshops will take place 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Fridays and Saturday from June 19 – July 18. The scheduled times for each 20-minute workshop are: 11:00 am, 11:40 am, 1:00 pm, 1:40 pm, 2:20 pm, 3:00 pm and 3:40 pm.

 

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

June 19, 20 and July 17:  Mask Making

Bonboy M. Ikolo, a Congolese educator and artist, will conduct a mask making activity revolving around masks that represent specific animals from the DRC.

June 26, 27 and July 18:  Basket Making

Theophile Mikouizambassi, a master craftsman and an educator will conduct this interactive program on traditional basket weaving from the DRC.

July 3, 4:  Gourd Adornment

Lia M. Ri’ Chard, an art decorator who specializes in Congolese symbols, will conduct a workshop on gourd adornment where participants will learn traditional patterns and their significance.

July 10, 11:  Beads and Adornment

Lukabu Ntumba, a Congolese designer, will conduct a workshop that merges Congolese patterns into fashion by combining colorful beads, raffia, strings and modern fabrics.

 

The Museum for African Art

Since 1984, the Museum for African Art has been unwavering in its commitment to present African art, both classic and contemporary, to the world. In the last quarter of a century, the Museum has organized nearly 60 exhibitions and published as many catalogues, traveled exhibitions to almost 120 museums internationally, and worked with renowned scholars to present a holistic interpretation of African art and culture. Our exhibitions have earned critical acclaim for their ideas, their beauty, and their original presentation. As construction continues on our new building on Museum Mile, we look forward to welcoming you in the fall of 2010. For additional information about the Museum and its programs, visit www.africanart.org, call 718-784-7700 or email press@africanart.org.

 

The Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays through November 2, 2009.  Adult admission is $15, children (3-12 years old) $11, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $13. Parking is $12 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

 

Contact:

Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo: Danna Goldman Schoenberg – 718.220.5182 dschoenberg@wcs.org

Museum for African Art: Nathaniel Johnson -- 718-784-7700 ext. 117 njohnson@africanart.org


The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.    

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to www.wcs.org/donation.

WCS in the Field
To learn more about WCS conservation efforts in Africa and around the world, visit www.wcs.org for more information.