
Home Visit Us Events & Programs Exhibitions Podcasts Blog Museum Store Support ASM About ASM Collections Research Preservation Education Library Cultural Resource Services

Marking the Solstice: A Multicultural Celebration

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

On June 21, 2008, although the thermometer read 107 degrees, 4,000 people converged on the Arizona State Museum lawn and spread through the cooler inside galleries. Eight performance groups, three storytellers, and 45 activity presenters and demonstrators, 33 area non-profit arts, culture and science organizations, and 130 volunteers participated in the event. Grants, gifts and in-kind support made this $12,000 event possible.

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

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.

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

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

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.