National Museum of Wildlife Art to Host Haida Artist Bruce Cook and the Wind River Drummers for Native Line + Rhythm

Due to severe weather and road closures this special programing has been postponed to April 7, 2024.

On March 3, 2024, Native Line + Rhythm First Sunday will be held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special guests, Haida artist Bruce Cook and the Wind River Drummers. March First Sunday programming is presented in partnership with the Wind River Foundation. Museum admission is free for area locals all day.

This is the third year the Museum has partnered with the Wind River Foundation to bring Native artists to the Museum for March First Sunday. “We strive to hold events like this one where our venue serves as a platform for Indigenous artists to share their work with the community directly,” says Michelle Dickson, Director of Program and Events. “As a result, the March First Sundays have been some of the most well-attended of the winter season.”

Special programming will begin at 11 a.m. with a drum circle performed by the Wind River Drummers in Sullivan Hall. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to listen to traditional drumming and singing. Following the drum circle, musicians will offer a presentation explaining the importance of music and dance in Northern Arapaho and Shoshone culture.

“Several years ago, we formalized the Museum’s Land Acknowledgement statement, with the awareness that that was just the beginning,” says Museum Director Steve Seamons. “As iterated in our Land Acknowledgement, we are committed to amplifying Native voices. March First Sundays has provided a vital opportunity to act upon this commitment.” From 12:45 to 2 p.m., Haida artist Bruce Cook will conduct a carving demonstration, followed by a presentation and Q&A. In his artist statement, Cook says, “As a Haida artist, I find myself walking a delicate tightrope, bridging the realms of tradition and contemporary expression. Drawing inspiration from the masters of the past, I navigate the challenges of our modern era, blending innovation with the rich heritage of my ancestors. Through extensive immersion in the traditional disciplines of carving, painting, printmaking, and tool making, I have acquired a profound understanding of the artistic methods that define Haida culture.”

In addition to the drum circle and the artist demonstration, there will also be a clay line carving craft in the Museum Classroom. The craft will be available for the duration of the programming.
First Sundays is generously sponsored by the Bank of Jackson Hole & Lawrence Finch. On the first Sunday of every month year-round, Museum admission is FREE for area locals. On the first Sunday of the winter months, the National Museum of Wildlife Art organizes a family-friendly day with special programs and events connected to the exhibitions on view.