The University of Arizona
 

Marking the Solstice: A Multicultural Celebration

Solstice logo

The Solstice Celebration is a free, family program culminating each year of ASM's programs.

On June 23, 2007, although the thermometer read 105 degrees, 3,500 people converged on the Arizona State Museum lawn (with 2,200 of them making it into the cooler galleries). 150 performers, demonstrators, and activity presenters, 23 area non-profit arts, culture and science organizations, and 220 volunteers participated in the event. Grants, gifts and in-kind support made this $12,000 event possible.

View the Solstice pages for June 2007 program on ASM's web site

Solstice crowds sidewalk mural
Making your mark on a sidewalk mural depicting the bountiful desert is a popular activity.

Solstice treasure hunts Polish girl with wreaath using mano y metate
Families use discovery hunts to explore the exhibition galleries. A young girl dons a Polish solstice wreath and grinds corn using an ancient mono y metate.

Patrick Lyons Hartman Lomawaima with katchinas Curator Patrick Lyons (L) uses artifacts to talk about early agricultural practices. Museum Director Hartman (R) shows visitors katchina dolls from the museum collection.

Josefina Lizarraga Paper flower making
Visitors learn to make Mexican paper flowers from tradition bearer Josefina Lizarraga.

Taiko lion dancer Flam Chen fire dance
Tucson Taiko Kyokai's lion dancer was enjoyed by the audience. The evening ended with a spectacular fire performance watched by an audience crowded 10 people deep in a broad circle.

Sampling of news articles

Multicultural celebration marks the official dawning of summerOpens in a new window - Arizona Daily Star, 6/21/2007

Summertime Jamboree: The Arizona State Museum ushers in the season with a multicultural celebrationOpens in a new window - Tucson Weekly, 6/13/2002

More Articles:

Click on the image of the article to read it (Opens in a new window PDF * ). These files are large and may take some time to download.

AZ Daily Star 2007
Solstice Tucson Weekly article 2004
Solstice La Estrella article
Solstice Arizona Daily Wildcat article
Solstice Tucson Weekly article
Solstice Tucson Citizen article
Solstice Arizona Daily Star article

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